Kentucky College Football Preview

KENTUCKY
STRENGTHS: Offensively the Wildcats welcome back nine starters. The best of them all may be
young sophomore Randall Cobb, who will line up predominately at receiver but also behind
center on an occasion as a dual-threat weapon. He gives UK the playmaker they need. The
running game has not produced the results that should be expected. Senior Alfonso Smith lines
up at tailback with 4.3 blazing 40-yard dash speed and the return of sprinter Derrick Locke
returning from a knee injury should bolster this rushing aspect. The true individual stars on this
team are on the defensive side. Linebacker Michah Johnson and cornerback Trevard Lindley are
veteran All-Americans.
CONCERNS: The hope for a better offense has to start with QB Mike Hartline, who has wrapped
up the starting role for a second season. His inconsistency and passing stats have been
detrimental to the ball club thus far. This defensive line was supposed to be one of he best since
head coach Rich Brooks took over before All-SEC defensive end Jeremy Jarmon was ruled
ineligible by the NCAA this spring for taking a banned substance, leaving only four returning
starters on this side of the ball. Outside of Randall Cobb, the receivers that were extremely young
last fall need to make some bigger strides.
PROGNOSIS: What is on paper does not always tell the tale. Kentucky lost a good many players
on the defensive side. However, this could once again be the strength of the team with several
players ready to step into the limelight. This will be an important factor as an offense with a good
big of experience is still lacking in the production department. If QB Mike Hartline does not start to
show major improvement, incoming recruits could replace him. Getting the ball into the hands of
electric Randall Cobb will be the priority. Expectations are much bigger now after three
consecutive bowl wins, this team is just as equipped as any of those three UK squads before
them.
PROJECTED RECORD:6-6