NCAA Football Preview - Kentucky Wildcats
Sports Network | August 15, 2008
"We got off to a good start last year," says defensive end Jeremy Jarmon. "It was disappointing because we lost some games late and we were a more confident team and had goals of winning the SEC. Going into this year, our goals are the same. We're going in feeling we can compete in the SEC, and that's what we'll work towards."
2008 ANALYSIS:
OFFENSE: Many considered junior Curtis Pulley to win the starting quarterback job for Kentucky, but he was recently dismissed from the team. As a result, the reins of Joker Phillips' offense will be handed to sophomore signal-caller Mike Hartline. More of a pocket passer than Pulley, Hartline is somewhat similar in style to Andre Woodson, who was outstanding during his tenure with the program.
The top target on the outside will be Dicky Lyons, who made 56 catches for 655 yards and seven touchdowns a year ago. He was surrounded by a wealth of talent at wide receiver in 2007 and wasn't asked to be the primary target on a weekly basis. Now, Lyons must prove capable of handling that pressure.
The passing game will be helped tremendously by what promises to be a solid ground attack. Sure, talented tailback Rafael Little is gone, but Derrick Locke is back and poised for a big campaign. He ran for 521 yards on only 94 carries a year ago and scored five touchdowns. Add senior Tony Dixon to the mix and the team has an outstanding one-two punch. The line welcomes back three starters and figures to be strong.
DEFENSE: Last season, Kentucky ranked 80th nationally in scoring defense, yielding 29.6 ppg. The club was 94th against the run, as opponents were able to rush for over 190 yards per contest against the 'Cats. The fact that eight defensive starters are back in the fold serves as a source of optimism.
Up front, Jeremy Jarmon will be counted on to pressure opposing quarterbacks, and considering that he registered nine sacks a year ago, the junior is certainly up for the challenge. Micah Johnson mans the middle at the linebacker position, and he is a sure tackler who knows how to find the football. Braxton Kelley is another athletic linebacker who brings versatility to the table.
Keep an eye on Trevard Lindley in the defensive backfield, as he has the chance to be one of the top corners in the SEC. Last season, Lindley intercepted three passes and proved capable of holding his own against some of the better wide receivers in the conference. The junior figures to enter this 2008 season with a wealth of confidence, a necessary attribute for the position.
SPECIAL TEAMS: It remains to be seen if Ryan Tydlacka can deliver on the promise that made him a major recruit two years ago. He is a kicker/punter who hopes to do both but would settle for doing one well. Until he proves that he can do so, Lones Seiber will handle the kicking duties, and Tim Masthay will punt. Neither are standouts, but both have the skill to get it done.
OUTLOOK: The SEC is loaded as usual, and considering the losses that Kentucky has endured, it is hard to imagine this team contending for a title. Locke will be fun to watch, and the defense should be improved, but there is no reason to expect that this group of 'Cats will be able to hang with the likes of Florida and Georgia.
Coach Brooks, however, likely would not agree with that assessment. "When I got to Kentucky the first year we had one player that could run under 4.5," says Brooks. "Last year we had 17. We have players that are capable of playing at Florida and Georgia and Tennessee."
