Kentucky quarterback Morgan Newton feels like he has “been blessed with another opportunity” to lead the UK football team.
Newton, who went 5-3 as a starter last season, has been thrust back into the starting position now that Mike Hartline ended his career prematurely with recent off-the-field problems.
Now, Newton will lead the Wildcats into the BBVA Compass Bowl against the Pitt Panthers.
Here is an excerpt from the [URL=”http://www.kentucky.com/2010/12/24/1578015/qb-newton-relishes-chance-to-start.html”]Lexington Herald-Leader[/URL]:
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[LEFT][COLOR=#000000]”I’ve been blessed with another opportunity,” Newton said. “It’s an opportunity to get better, to try and come out and do big things in the Pittsburgh game and get ready for spring ball and next year.”[/COLOR][/LEFT]
[LEFT][COLOR=#000000]The game could have big ramifications on the future of the quarterback position at UK. Newton, Ryan Mossakowski and newcomer Maxwell Smith will all be given a chance to show what they can do in spring practice. But Newton already has eight starts under his belt compared to zero for the other two, and he could get a real leg up if he plays well and leads the Cats to a win in the bowl.[/COLOR][/LEFT]
[LEFT][COLOR=#000000]When asked if it’s a chance for Newton to make a statement, UK Coach Joker Phillips said, “I hope it is. It’s a heck of an opportunity for him to get a game in before spring ball starts when the competition heats back up.”[/COLOR][/LEFT]
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