2002 Statistics

written by Ryan Hockensmith

Even with a starting quarterback that weighs 275 pounds and stands 6'4", Kentucky swears there's room in the backfield for two quarterbacks. Of course, begin with incumbent starter Jared Lorenzen, who's coming off a brilliant 2002. Lorenzen laid off the dangerous throws, stayed conservative and racked up 24 touchdowns against five interceptions. Now, in his fourth year of a turbulent career, Lorenzen looks like a terrific leader and has slimmed down (with more to go, he says). If he settles into new coach Rich Brooks' offense, look out. He has the weapons to be as good, maybe better, than a year ago.

One of those weapons might be his back up, Shane Boyd, who was all over the football field this spring. Kentucky coaches felt he was one of their top playmakers and decided not to leave a dynamic threat on the bench, especially with standout tailback Artose Pinner off to the NFL. So they began dreaming up ideas for Boyd to be in the game with Lorenzen. The scheming worked brilliantly, so far. Boyd lined up at tailback and wideout, then sometimes under center, as Lorenzen scooted to another position. Boyd's a fantastic athlete who will see plenty of playing time, but not much of it will be as quarterback. The Wildcat offense drops several levels when Boyd, more athletic than quarterback at this point, takes the snap and Lorenzen goes out for a pass. That will be an option, for sure, that'll keep defenses on their toes. But it better be a seldom-used option, or else Kentucky will be minimizing its optimum offensive situation. Lorenzen is no receiver, and overplaying this possibility will prove detrimental.

With productive Pinner gone, an enormous hole sits in the backfield. Boyd's actually the top returning rusher, one reason why he should see a pile of carries. Top candidates for the full-time gig are Alexis Bwenge and Arliss Beach. Bwenge emerged as the front-runner for the job with a good spring. Neither will produce like Pinner, but together they could be effective, and they'll have to be. The coaching staff has mentioned incoming junior college transfer Draak Davis as a serious challenger, too, when he arrives this summer. The Kentucky passing game can't survive without some semblance of a backfield threat.

Lorenzen and Boyd will have four legitimate receivers at the top of the depth chart, so the Wildcats look strong again in the air. Lorenzen divvies up his throws pretty evenly, so don't expect 80 catches from anybody. But Abney, who had 40 catches for 569 yards, could reach 50 and 800. Junior Tommy Cook, senior Chris Bernard and sophomore Glenn Holt all should beef up their statistics considerably in 2003.

On the offensive line, Kentucky bodes well with old and new faces looking to prove their worth. Brooks has an influx of redshirts to compete with several veterans. Left guard and tackle Jason Rollins and Matt Huff, both juniors, have four letters between them. On the right side, tackle Antonio Hall and Sylvester Miller are steady seniors, and center Nick Seitze will hold it all together. Hall is a First Team All-American playing from his tackle position and should help keep roaming defensive ends away from the QB. There is better depth than in years past. This unit will be a strong suit of the team.

Tight ends Win Gaffron and Jeremiah Drobney combined for three 2002 catches. They probably won't total 15 catches for this campaign, so their blocking will be first and foremost. It is solid, and the line seems strong across all six positions.

QB Jared Lorenzen

written by Ryan Hockensmith

Here's where Brooks and his staff will earn their salaries. For the second straight year, the Wildcats lose seven starters. Throw in new defensive coordinator Mike Archer's installation of a 3-4 scheme, and it's hard to believe Kentucky will be defensively improved.

Start with the linebackers - this was a focal point for the coaching staff this spring. All four starters are first-timers. Junior Justin Haydock and sophomore Dustin Williams probably will start inside. On the outside, sophomores Deion Holts and Raymond Fontaine, both converted defensive ends, are the early favorites to start. Both have the size to hold up against the run, but on the outside, they'll have to try to hang with backs on pass patterns and make plays off blitzes. Look for a slow start, with a trial-by-fire learning curve that will instill skills by mid-season. This pair of sophomores used to playing with their hand in the dirt will respond, but consistent, positive results may take time.

Up front, nose guard Ellery Moore's task will be to devour linemen and keep them away from the linebackers. He posted 28 tackles (five for loss) and three sacks. With Dewayne Robertson off to the NFL, Moore has to be even better. On his sides, defensive ends Jeremy Caudill and Vincent Burns are adequate players who will have to be great. Caudill put up 16 quarterback hurries. Burns was even better. The junior had 66 tackles, 14.5 TFLs and three sacks. They will be a needed factor with the LB inexperience.

In the secondary, 11 lettermen return, so experience isn't an issue. The cornerbacks will be crucial. If Kentucky struggles stopping the run (a pretty good bet), the Wildcats will have to put an eighth man in the box. That takes away from pass coverage and puts the corners on islands. Accordingly, they'll often have to perform under those circumstances. Senior cornerback Leonard Burress (10 passes defended) and sophomores Antoine Huffman and Bo Smith should see the majority of time at the spot. But Kentucky has plenty of DBs to run in and out. It's doubtful anybody, even at the top of the depth chart, will monopolize playing time. Up the middle, safeties Mike Williams and Earven Flowers should start. They'll be in charge of run support assistance first, covering tight ends and crossing wideouts second. OCs will know this and look to plan around any support schemes.

Vincent Burns