WR Glenn Holt

2004 Statistics

Coach: Rich Brooks
6-17, 2 years
2004 Record: 2-9
at Louisville LOST 0-28
INDIANA WON 51-32
at Florida LOST 3-20
OHIO LOST 16-28
ALABAMA LOST 17-45
SOUTH CAROLINA LOST 7-12
at Auburn LOST 10-42
at Mississippi State LOST 7-22
GEORGIA LOST 17-62
VANDERBILT WON 14-13
at Tennessee LOST 31-37

 

2004 Final Rankings
AP-UR, Coaches-UR, BCS-UR

2005 Outlook

It’s been a long two years in Lexington under coach Rich Brooks, and the 2004 season couldn’t have been much worse, with the K-Cats ranked among the worst in the country on offense (114th in scoring, 115th in total offense), and on defense (85th in scoring, 102nd in total defense). They were beaten by 15 points (or more) six times and were blown in out several SEC games.

Believe or not, the Wildcats are turning a corner. What’s to be excited about? There’s plenty of young talent on this roster, as Brooks has recruited well so far. Ergo, struggles will occur with sophomores and freshmen making key contributions on both sides of the ball, but the talent potential will be realized once the learning curve is achieved.

Brooks and his staff have done all they can to give their youngsters a chance to succeed. They’ve eliminated most option plays to accommodate the drop-back skills of new quarterback Andre Woodson. They’ve also shifted the defense from three down linemen to four, giving the ‘Cats a better chance against the run.

It’s going to take more than a few talented sophomores and freshmen, along with a few playbook changes, to make Ashley Judd and the rest of the Wildcat faithful to take notice, though. The team needs to win a few early to allow momentum and confidence to be a factor. Otherwise, the results could be similar to recent campaigns. Growth will assuredly happen, but wins (duh) are the only thing that will turn this year’s version of UK football around. If not, “rebuilding” will be their status once again.

Early non-cons will tune them up, but once that SEC schedule hits, so does reality. Alabama is fortunately replaced by Ole Miss. Kentucky will win, but not enough to become bowl eligible, and not nearly enough to become genuinely competitive in the SEC. But by season’s end, foes will face a toughened UK squad that is no longer anyone’s pushover.


Projected 2005 record: 4-7
DT Trey Mielsch
KENTUCKY
*POWER RATINGS
Offense
Defense
QB - 2.5 DL - 2.5
RB - 3 LB - 2
WR - 3.5 DB - 3.5
OL - 1.5 ..
RETURNING LEADERS

Passing: Andre' Woodson, 88-54-1, 492 yds., 2 TD

Rushing: Rafael Little, 53 att., 265 yds., 1 TD

Receiving: Glenn Holt, 49 rec., 415 yds., 3 TD

Scoring: Taylor Begley, 9-14 FG, 20-20 PAT, 47 pts.

Punting: None

Kicking: Taylor Begley, 9-14 FG, 20-20 PAT, 47 pts.

Tackles: Muhammad Abdullah, 58 tot., 45 solo

Sacks: Muhammad Abdullah, Ricky Abren - 2 each

Interceptions: Muhammad Abdullah, 3 for 20 yds.

Kickoff returns: Draak Davis, 23 ret., 19.0 avg., 0 TD

Punt returns: Dicky Lyons, 12 ret., 4.6 avg., 0 TD

 

  KENTUCKY
OFFENSE - 6
----RETURNING STARTERS----
DEFENSE - 6
KEY LOSSES
OFFENSE: Jason Rollins-OG, Matt Huff-OG, Gerad Parker-WR, Shane Boyd-QB. Aaron Miller-OT (left team)
DEFENSE: Sweet Pea Burns-DE, Ellery Moore-DT, Earven Flowers-CB, Mike Williams-SS, Sevin Sucurovic-P, Anthony Thornton-P, Jon Sumrall-ILB (medical), Chad Anderson-ILB (left team)
2005 OFFENSE

Quarterback
Andre Woodson steps into the starting role after watching most of ’04 from the sideline. He’s not the dual threat of his predecessor, and, accordingly, the Wildcats will have to simplify the calls for him. But, he is a tall, big kid who throws a rope. One reason Woodson was so highly recruited out of high school is that he makes good decisions, and he proved that in hitting on 61.4 percent of his passes and throwing just one pick (in 88 attempts). He has to stay healthy, because expected backup Joe Joe Brown (all-Georgia first team as a prep senior), a genuine dual threat when he plays, has academic issues.

Running Back
This seems to be, so far, an underachieving group, especially when seeing that no returning Wildcat rushed for more than 265 yards. At least the top guys are back. Rafael Little is the best athlete of the group, and he had a great spring to go with solid play in last season’s final three games (also starts). He has good off-the-ball speed, and will catch and/or run with equal ability. He’ll again rush for 5+ per carry, giving the ‘Cats a legitimate dual threat who can be their workhorse. Converted-CB Tony Dixon (who sat out spring on academic suspension) is a speedster, while senior leader Arliss Beach, huge for a TB, could handle many carries if he can stay healthy. Both will get plenty. FB Alexis Bwenge, too, offers Kentucky multiple options, with his all-around approach a perfect good compliment to Little. Together, these two should be the “can-opener” that allows UK to pour their offense into foes’ secondaries.

Receiver
This will be an area of strength as/once Woodson develops. Glenn Holt is the top guy, and he will break away for more big plays with Woodsen - another meager 8.5 yards per catch showing won’t scare anyone from press coverage(s). Scott Mitchell is actually bigger than Holt, and his 4.4 speed (in the 40) makes him an even bigger threat. The return of Tommy Cook from a knee injury is also a huge plus. The sixth-year senior is one of the most versatile snarlers on the team, as he can both stretch the defense and make key blocks in the run game. Beyond the top three, the Wildcats have a host of capable players whom they feel can occupy any receiver position, so this unit will competitively push itself into a quality showing.

Tight End
Jacob Tamme will be a star. He came to Kentucky a tall, lanky, speedy receiver. Making the switch to tight end, he’s added nearly 30 pounds to his frame and was sensational in the spring. He will be one of Woodson’s favorite targets, early and often if UK is to maximize its offensive potential. Together, opposing LBs can’t cover the combo of Bwenge, Little and Tamme effectively, so something has to give if all three start to shine.

Offensive Line
Only two starters are back as starting left tackle Aaron Miller has decided to leave the team. Partly out of necessity, but mostly due to talent, Miller started as a true freshman, a rare feat at such an important spot. Right tackle Hayden Lane also returns. He has prototypical size and strength for a tackle, and is also a heady player. Center Matt McCutchan has solid fundamentals, and steps back into his starting role. The guards are young and untested, and their rapid development(s) will equal a marginally better effort.

OFFENSIVE BREAKDOWN
The Wildcats were rather poor, but, hey, it couldn’t possibly get any worse. After averaging a meager 275.5 yards and an even more meager 15.7 points per game, there really isn’t any other direction to take this much capable talent but upward. Losing Boyd will stabilize their approach and allow for legitimate improvements to mean a consistent flow of positive yardage - as the dimensions are marbled well to keep opposing Ds guessing, the offense will become formidable. The Wildcats can become a true threat to unsuspecting conference foes, but improvements have to come about slowly (as all parts methodically realize the team’s potential and fulfill it weekly). Kentucky isn’t going to suddenly become a high-powered machine, but led by Woodson and an improved running game, there will be a “Little” more about which to growl.

 

WR Tommy Cook

 

KENTUCKY 2005 DEPTH CHART
Returning Starters in bold
OFFENSE
QB Andre' Woodson-So (6-5, 230) Joe Joe Brown-Fr (6-3, 190)
David Hamilton-Jr (6-2, 198)
FB Alexis Bwenge-Sr (6-1, 229) Justin Sprowles-Sr (5-10, 230)
TB Rafael Little-So (5-11, 195) Arliss Beach-Sr (6-0, 220)
Tony Dixon-So (5-9, 200)
WR Glenn Holt-Sr (6-2, 195) Keenan Burton-So (6-2, 195)
WR Tommy Cook-Sr (6-0, 206) Scott Mitchell-Sr (6-3, 222)
TE Jacob Tamme-So (6-5, 234) Jeremiah Drobney-Sr (6-4, 255)
OT Fatu Turituri-Jr (6-3, 290) Patrick Daly-So (6-6, 300)
OG Michael Aitcheson-Jr (6-3, 290) Cody Morehead-So (6-5, 320)
C Matt McCutchan-Sr (6-3, 295) Casey Shumate-So (6-3, 280)
OG Trai Williams-Jr (6-4, 280) Micah Jones-So (6-4, 320)
OT Hayden Lane-Jr (6-6, 280) Ernie Pelayo-Sr (6-6, 290)
K Taylor Begley-Sr (6-0, 200) Tommy Brummett-Fr (6-2, 210)

 

2005 DEFENSE

Defensive Line
Kentucky was awful against the run (112th, 225.2 ypg) so they went for a scheme change, ditching the 3-4 alignment for the 4-3, which will help to improve the run defense. Three full or part-time starters return to tackle, including Ricky Abren, one of the country’s best freshmen in ‘04 who is solid against the run (two forced fumbles show his keen nature to follow the ball). Converted-LB Trey Mielsch was voted as the team’s best defensive player and now moves from end to tackle, where his exceptional athleticism (school record holder [prep] in the 110-meter hurdles) will make this interior a legitimate stopping force. The ends in the new alignment will be B. Jay Parsons, who has impressed with his speed and quickness, and Durrell White, a strong and athletic player who started at linebacker last campaign. Overall, it’s a decent group that will improve results and disrupt foes’ plans for a full 60 minutes with their hungry depth.

Linebacker
A projected strength, the Wildcats now have some concerns here. Jon Sumrall led the team in tackles but had to give up football in the spring because of cervical spinal stenosis. Now, instead of having a strong senior leader in the middle, Kentucky hands the job to “gray-shirted” freshman Johnny Williams, who is tough, fast, and has the smarts to dominate with so much relentless energy. On the strong side, Joe Schuler, a physical sophomore, takes over as returning starter and 2003 team leading tackler Chad Anderson has chosen to give up football for personal reasons. The corps’ leader now becomes Raymond Fontaine, who will have a big year on the weak side. He’s got big-play capability and can realize it more with the new front-seven alignment.

Defensive Back
Kentucky’s pass defense wasn’t too bad in 2004, but that mainly due to opponents had so much fun running that they didn’t need to throw. Still, this is a solid group. Three starters return, but the excitement is centered around Bo Smith, who missed last season when an accident with a baseball bat hit his head (eye). He’s missed games in ’03 with a groin strain, but when healthy, he’s the best player in the secondary. With exceptional speed and toughness, he’ll use his height well. Antoine Huffman is a solid corner who makes plays in the passing game. At safety, Muhammad Abdullah (all-SEC) is great against the run, and Marcus McClinton will improve on his already-impressive contribution as a true freshman (second on the team in tackles).

DEFENSIVE BREAKDOWN
Brooks had seen enough (428.4 yards and 31.0 points allowed per game in ‘04) and had to make a change by switching up schemes. The new 4-3 alignment will make a difference, but the Wildcats will still struggle to stop foes’ running games outside. Then there is the experiment at MLB with Williams, a true freshman for experience-sake. The secondary is capable, but it won’t have enough to completely stop an opponent. The numbers (ranked 44th in pass defense, but 79th in the all-important efficiency ratings) show that this group could leak like a sieve if air tested, so we wonder how marginal the entire D may be as this is Kentucky’s defensive strength.

 

DB Muhammad Abdullah

 

KENTUCKY 2005 DEPTH CHART
Returning Starters in bold
DEFENSE
DE B. Jay Parsons-Sr (6-5, 250) Travis Day-So (6-3, 260)
DT Trey Mielsch-Sr (6-3, 280) Ricky Abren-So (6-2, 285)
DT Lamar Mills-Jr (6-1, 285) Jason Leger-So (6-1, 288)
DE Durrell White-Jr (6-3, 245) Nii Adjei Oninku-Fr (6-1, 245)
SLB Raymond Fontaine-Sr (6-4, 225) Johnny Williams-Fr (6-3, 230)
MLB Joe Schuler-So (6-3, 240) Ben McGrath-Fr (6-2, 240)
WLB Mikhail Mabry-Fr (6-2, 234) Wesley Woodyard-So (6-1, 200)
CB Antoine Huffman-Sr (6-0, 175) Jarrell Williams-Fr (5-11, 185)
CB Bo Smith-Jr (6-0, 195) Shomari Moore-Fr (5-9, 180)
SS Muhammad Abdullah-Sr (6-0, 205) Roger Williams-So (6-0, 200)
FS Marcus McClinton-So (6-1, 206) Karl Booker-Jr (6-1, 189)
P Kris Kessler-Jr (6-0, 200) Tommy Brummett-Fr (6-2, 210)

 

 

2005 SPECIAL TEAMS

Kicker
Taylor Begley returns for a fourth year as the starter. Almost automatic inside 40 yards, Begley is streaky from further out. On returns, the Wildcats will improve as the secondary becomes competitive and sends its honed assassins into this mix.

Punter
Jeff Archer hasn’t punted regularly since high school (Class of 2001), and spent his first three years of college on the UK baseball team. He does have a solid leg, though, and could step right into the starting role as (DC) Mike Archer’s son helps this area stay strong. Otherwise, several walk-ons will compete for the punting job. Incoming freshmanTim Masthay will vie for the punting and kickoff duties when he arrives in August

Return Game
The Wildcats were one of the worst teams in the country on punt returns, but the return of Keenan Burton from a broken wrist will help. He flashed his big-play ability before his campaign ended in Week 2, and he’ll be the leader in both punt and kick returns. Incumbents Dicky Lyons (punt returns) and Draak Davis (kickoffs) will also get their chances, but a healthy Burton makes this unit better.