Although the start of the University of Kentucky's football season is just over four months away, its never too early to start talking football.
The Wildcats return almost the exact same team that went 8-5 last season enroute to upsetting Clemson in the Music City Bowl. With stars like the trio of seniors-to-be they have in quarterback Andre Woodson, wide receiver Keenan Burton and running back Rafael Little, the offense is quaranteed to put up some points this season.
But what of the defense? Can a combination of former southern Pennyrile players make enough of an impact that this suspect unit can become a strength?
Below are two stories and one column I wrote on those local players looking to make a statement with the Wildcats' defense this year. Give us your opinion.
Alex Byington | Kentucky New Era
Kentucky safety and former Fort Campbell star Marcus McClinton talks with defensive backs coach David Lockwood during th e Wildcats’ Blue/White scrimmage Saturday at Commonwealth Stadium in Lexington.
Spring Stars: UK offense bests defense
By Alex Byington, Assistant Sports Editor
Monday, April 23, 2007 12:03 PM CDT
LEXINGTON, Ky. — Like the Kentucky Wildcats’ defense, former Fort Campbell star Marcus McClinton had an up-and-down day during the Wildcats’ annual Blue and White Spring game.
McClinton, the Wildcats’ starting free safety, both scored and was scored upon as the offense outplayed the defense 65-50 Saturday at Commonwealth Stadium.
After throwing two interceptions to start off the game, senior quarterback Andre Woodson connected with senior running back Rafael Little on a 48-yard touchdown pass to beat McClinton with 1:24 remaining in the first quarter as the offense took a 23-21 lead.
After the play, the junior came over to the sideline with his head down as new defensive back coach David Lockwood had a few tips for the next time he’s put in a one-on-one situation.
The advice worked as 15 minutes later, McClinton picked off a pass from freshman quarterback Will Fidler and returned it 75 yards for a defensive touchdown to put his unit ahead 43-28 with 1:32 left in the first half.
“It was nice,” McClinton said simply. “It was a good turnaround on account of it made up for the touchdown I gave up to Rafael Little.”
Fidler and fellow freshman Mike Hardline are battling for the No. 2 quarterback spot behind Woodson, made available with the absence of former Hopkinsville star Curtis Pulley. Pulley is redshirting this season.
Hartline seemed to make the most of his opportunities as he threw for 100 yards and one touchdown on 14-of-23 attempts compared to Fidler’s 35 yards and two interceptions on 4-of-13 attempts.
Woodson, who completed 16-of-28 passes for 243 yards and two touchdowns, looked in mid-season form as he responded to the early interceptions for an 8-yard touchdown pass to tight end Jacob Tamme in the third quarter, but still the defense led 44-40 with 9:50 remaining in the period.
The defense continued to battle all game, with linebackers Johnny Williams and former Fort Campbell star Micah Johnson leading the way with seven and six tackles, respectively.
After a successful freshman campaign in which he was named to the All-SEC freshman team with 29 tackles, Johnson is trying to break into the starting lineup this spring.
Overall, the defense caused four turnovers, but allowed over 550 yards combined rushing and passing. Even with the high offensive putout, Brooks was happy with the great defensive pressure placed upon the offense.
“I hate that on offense, but I love it on defense,” Brooks said. “We need to continue to be a defense that takes away from our opponent, but we also need to limit third down success, … and there are signs that we’re more capable of doing that this year than in past years simply because we have better players.”
One of those players providing pressure on defense was former Christian County High School standout Austin Moss, who recorded one tackle and one pass deflected, but was pressuring the quarterback all afternoon long including causing an interception in the third quarter.
In the end, the offense proved its mettle as reserve running back Marcus Ginter rushed for a touchdown to give the offense a 54-50 lead with 6:30 remaining.
Alex Byington can be reached by e-mail at abyington@gmail.com or by phone at 887-3261.
Alex Byington | Kentucky New Era
Kentucky defensive end Austin Moss, a former Christian County High School star, pressures backup quarterback Will Fidler, an ex-Henderson County star, during their Blue/White scrimmage Saturday in Lexington.ommonwealth Stadium in Lexington.
Ex-FCHS players shine for Wildcats
By Alex Byington, Assistant Sports Editor
Monday, April 23, 2007 12:04 PM CDT
LEXINGTON, Ky. — Going into spring football practices, the University of Kentucky’s defense was considered a weakness compared to a high-powered offense led by three seniors-to-be — quarterback Andre Woodson, wide receiver Keenan Burton and running back Rafael Little.
But looking to change that perception are a pair of former Fort Campbell High School standouts in safety Marcus McClinton and linebacker Micah Johnson (right).
“Defense is going to stand out this year,” McClinton said. “People aren’t saying stuff about the offense, they know the offense is good, what people are talking about is the defense — ‘What is the defense going to do?’ Basically we got to step up to the challenge and do something about it — show that we do exist on the UK football team.”
If the defense is going to have any success this season, it will be because McClinton is healthy and playing at the high level he’s capable of, according to Wildcats’ coach Rich Brooks.
“He’s got ball hawking ability, but I think he got himself in a little trouble last year by always looking for the interception instead of just playing the game and letting the interception come to him,” Brooks said. “But I look for him to have a much improved year this season because he’s got tremendous speed, he’s got size and his tackling has improved dramatically and his understanding of the game has also improved.”
The free safety is coming back to play his junior season after starting all 13 games last season in which he racked up 65 tackles and led the team with four interceptions and five forced fumbles. McClinton missed all but two games in the 2005 season after suffering a torn patella tendon against Idaho State.
Even with his success last season, McClinton is not satisfied. He is instead looking to become one of the top safeties in the SEC, something he knows will only benefit the defense as a whole.
“This year we’re focusing on reading our keys so we can make plays,” McClinton said. “I think if we watch more film, read our keys and read our progressions, we’re going to dominate.”
Also looking to step up his game is Johnson, who totaled 29 tackles in 13 games last season as a backup while being named to the All-SEC freshman team.
“I’ve just become a better person, a more responsible person, more accountable for my own actions,” Johnson said. “And on the field, it’s been the mental aspects of this game (that I’ve been working on) … rather than physical adjustments, it’s been a lot of mental ones.”
Already Johnson is showing vast improvement — after ballooning to 270-pounds before the beginning of spring practices, the linebacker has returned to a manageable 255-pounds, much to the delight of coaches.
“I don’t think there’s any question that he’s more active than a year ago, but he’s still got a learning curve and he needs to continue to climb that ladder,” Brooks said.
As he climbs, Johnson has high hopes for the coming season.
“Depending on how many starts I get, I could be looking at a 60-plus, 70-plus tackle season, hopefully three to four sacks, maybe pick a couple (of passes) and force some fumbles,” Johnson said.
Johnson, who rushed for 2,543 yards and 46 touchdowns in two seasons at Fort Campbell, as well as his first collegiate touchdown during the Music City Bowl against Clemson, is also looking make an impact on offense.
“Running the ball is always something (that I’d like to do), but right now I’m just trying to get the defense down,” Johnson said. “But when the time comes for me, I know I can always pick up the offense because it’s more natural for me to just run the ball — there are just easier reads, so yeah, I’m real open to it.”
While Johnson and McClinton work to make a name for themselves on Kentucky’s defense, the team does believe it can be competitive against some of the top teams in the SEC, even to the point of possibly playing in Atlanta at the end of the regular season.
“We feel like (an SEC Championship) really is (a possibility), we’ve got a chance to compete, we’ve got enough players and as long as we do well and continue to work hard, there should be no reason why we’re not competing,” Johnson said.
Alex Byington can be reached by e-mail at abyington@gmail.com or by phone at 887-3261.
Former Colonel uses heart, hard work on Wildcat gridiron
In the Dawghouse | Alex Byington
LEXINGTON, Ky. — Very few people can claim to live and die by their work ethic alone.
Well, for Austin Moss of Hopkinsville, it’s the only thing he knows to do.
The former Christian County football player is now making a name for himself on the University of Kentucky football field, just like another Moss — his brother Ravi — did just a few years ago on Kentucky’s basketball court.
Ravi went from a preferred walk-on player to simply a preferred player as fans and coaches alike looked to the former University Heights Academy star to make the big shot in the clutch.
But we’re not here to talk about Ravi — he’s had his time.
Right now its baby brother’s turn to shine.
"I’m just coming out here trying to work hard," Austin Moss said. "My brother had a great career with Kentucky basketball, what he’s done is great and nothing is going to change that, but personally I’m just trying to come out here and do my thing and perfect a sport that I’m good at."
Well, so far he’s certainly on his way.
Already the smaller-than-average defensive tackle has grappled his way up the depth chart and onto the second team, all this after turning down scholarship offers from multiple smaller schools to walk-on for the Wildcats.
But, at 6-foot-1 and just barely 250-pounds, Moss can’t rely on physical talent like some of his peers — instead he has to out-work everyone.
"Because of my size, I have to compensate with a lot of other things — I have to be a much better technician and do all the little things that the other guys that have the natural size and talent don’t have to do," Moss said. "Its just a lot of hard work, you have to make up for a lot of things but its just part of (being at this level)."
Playing one-on-one with some of Kentucky’s 300-pound offensive lineman poses some obvious problems for the smaller Moss, but does the gross size discrepancy get him down?
No way, says Moss.
"It’s been a great experience learning and just growing within the system, getting technique down and I definitely see myself getting some playing time this year," Moss said.
After being named the team’s Most Valuable Defensive Scout Team player last season, earning his way onto the field for three games, Moss is salivating at the chance to continue his fight for his time on the field.
"Hopefully I just want to keep getting in the rotation, getting more minutes and contributing any way I can," Moss said. "I just want to get on the field and make things happen."
As Moss fights tooth and nail to forge a place for himself on Kentucky’s up-and-coming defense, he’s also trying to do what his big brother couldn’t do — make it on the gridiron.
And, if Kentucky is going to have success on the football field this season, coach Rich Brooks would be wise to teach some of Moss’ tireless work ethic to the more naturally gifted athletes wearing the blue and white.
Oh, and maybe give the kid a shot on the field while he’s at it — as the famous Rudy Ruettiger showed the Notre Dame faithful — a big heart can go a long way.
Alex Byington’s column runs every Tuesday. He can be reached by e-mail at abyington@gmail.com or by phone at 887-3261.
