Kentucky Starts Practice
Prior to the first day of practice Friday, Coach Rich Brooks held a 40 minute media session to usher in the new season.
All the talk entering the first day of practice revolved around the offense, which struggled mightily last year to move the ball. This year, the players are the same but just a year older.
When asked about the offense Rich Brooks gave full confidence that Mike Hartline is his starter and will lead the Cats thorugh the season.
“Mike Hartline is going to be a better quarterback than he was a year ago. He will be able to do more and have a better grasp on things. And he’ll have more help,” said Brooks.
Hartline was also more confident Friday as he explained how he has changed this offseason to better lead the offense.
"I think that I am more mature and more of a vocal leader. The biggest thing that Coach (Randy) Sanders and I talked about was to get on guys when I need to get on them, but number one I have to take care of my business first. I believe that I have and I am at the point where I have great relationships with every single person on this football team. To be that extra voice of motivation and determination other than the coaches for these guys is going to help us tremendously.”
His voice was definitely missing last year as the Wildcats struggled to find any leadership on offense and struggled to move the ball. The Cats averaged just 16 first downs a game and near the bottom of the SEC in all offensive categories.
Helping Hartline this year should be sophomore athlete Randall Cobb. Cobb was a duel threat last year starting at receiver before moving to quarterback midway through the season to lead the Cats to the Liberty Bowl before suffering a knee injury last in the season.
Cobb said he was excited to get going and is looking to be able to focus more on playing receiver.
"My role is more defined this year than it was last. Last year, I had to learn two positions and go to two-a-days knowing everything. This year, I only have to know one position and it will help me a lot. Leaving the quarterback position was fine with me."
With Cobb solely at receiver and running the Wildcat formation, Kentucky should be able to have a more versatile offense.
Following the interviews with the players, the 2009 Kentucky Wildcats lined up at Commonwealth Stadium, took their team picture, and headed to the practice facility. Football is here in the Bluegrass and what this season hopes to bring is a fourth straight bowl appearance, a feat Kentucky has never reached and a feat that Rich Brooks and all the Cats have their sights set on.
