After Pittsburgh finished the wildcats off last year, Kentucky took a hit worse than any Big East linebacker could have dished out. Randall Cobb, Derrick Locke and Mike Hartline all left the program in one fell swoop. They accounted for 26 passing TD’s, 15 of the 26 rushing scores and over ¼ of the receiving touchdowns. But if you recall, these 3 playmakers replaced a talented group themselves. That group included Woodson, Tamme, Johnson, Little, and Burton. So can UK and the coaching staff catch lightning in a bottle again? And how does one actually catch lightning in a bottle? Is that even physically possible? It just sounds dangerous.
[B]
Replacing Mike Hartline: Morgan Newton[/B] – Newton was thrust into a starting roll way earlier than the UK coaching staff would have preferred. Two years ago Newton took over for a ball club that was on a 3 game losing streak and performed admirably. He may not have won the games single handedly, but he did manage the games, moved the chains and most importantly helped his team get the W…albeit as a true freshman. Last year, Newton matured physically and mentally as he was observing and backing up Hartline. Coach Phillips and the staff have been raving about Newton’s arm and they feel he will have a great year in 2011. He was just voted “most irreplaceable” by his teammates and I believe he will represent that title on and off the field this year for this team.
[B]
Replacing Randall Cobb: LaRod King and Theltus Cobbins[/B] – I may be a little bold in putting a true freshman in a category that is replacing one of the greatest red zone threats in UK history, but I think Cobbins has the potential to be a double or triple threat. He is 6’0 and runs a 4.5 forty. I can’t see the coaching staff letting a talent like that sit on the sidelines (I pray no red shirt), even if quarterback is his primary position. Speed is Speed, I say play the kid. LaRod King had an outstanding year last season and will only build on it. He had 5 touchdown receptions and became a huge red zone target when Cobb and Matthews were covered. Will he be able to step up and be a #1 receiver and playmaker on his own?
[B]
Replacing Derrick Locke: Raymond Sanders [/B]- The coaching staff, last year had to make a decision on the running back of the near future. It was between Raymond Sanders and Russell Williams. Williams wasn’t happy with the playing time after Locke went down, but probably because UK was trying to run a similar offense with a similar type back as Locke. Thus Sanders won out. He performed his best game of his short career against Georgia with 79 yards on just 16 carries. He followed that up with a 71 yard showing against Mississippi State. Can you name another UK freshman running back that had 2 70+ yard performances? Derrick Locke, against Kent State and Florida.
[B]
Replacing the entire defense: An older, stronger and wiser defense – [/B]Ok, so the defense didn’t lose that many guys. DeQuin Evans will be replaced by Collins Ukwu, a junior Defensive End who had 26 tackles and 1 sack last season. The other big name on D that will require replacement is Ricky Lumpkin. Mister Cobble will take his spot and I love me some Mister Cobble. I believe UK fans, by season’s end will love him too. We have heard the hype and we have been patient. It’s now time for Mister to show what he can do. He had one tackle to his credit for all of last year; let’s hope he multiplies that by 60. I love the returning list of characters on this “Minter fresh” defense. I love Neloms’ athleticism and Mychal Bailey’s hustle. And what else can be said about Danny Trevathan. In 2010, he was a man among boys. He recorded 144 tackles and caught the eye of every single offense in the SEC. This defense is a year older and with new leadership very well could be the strength of this ball club (behind the offensive line of course).
We may have lost some good guys, but we return some really good guys. The past is in the past, and UK football should only look forward. Let’s hope these guys continue on what their predecessors started and maintained and I think they will.
