Those Other Cats....

With so much attention to Calipari's team last season, and his upcoming team for next season, Joker Phillips' guys are often overlooked. Much has changed since Rich Brooks stepped down and turned the program over to longtime assistant and confidant Joker Phillips. Phillips has coined the program with phrases such as "Operation Win", and has added a foliage of military terminology to the team. Instead of Special Teams, we now have a "Special Forces" unit. None-the-less, the troops march into battle today at Commonwealth for the annual Blue-White Spring Game. The game is on going and you can listen via the Big Blue Sports Network. The game has also taken on a different format this year. Instead of dividing into two separate teams, it will just be Offense vs Defense. The Offensive scoring system will stay the same (6 pts TD, 3 pts FG, 1 pt Ex pt) but will also be given a point for ever first down. The Defense on the otherhand will be filling the scoreboard with 10 pts for every defensive touchdown. Three points for every three and out, six points for every turnover, two points for a fourth down stop, and one point for forcing a punt. The quarterback battle is still on going, and likely will heat on into the summer. Indications are that redshirt freshman Ryan Mossakowski is making up a lot of ground on last season starters Mike Hartline and Morgan Newton, and may actually un seat the two of them. Obviously the main ingredient to the Kentucky offense this season though will be Randall Cobb and Derrick Locke, the two most prolific playmakers from last years squad. Other offensive storylines will be how the offense will replace four lineman lost to graduation, and the transition of tailback Moncell, "The Turtleman", Allen to fullback replacing another great nickname (and fullback) John (The Terminator) Conner. The defense will return seven starters next season, but will be hit at every point losing key D-Lineman Corey Peters, Middle Linebacker Micah Johnson, and shutdown corner Trevard Lindley.


Speaking of some of the standout players (soldiers) who will not be returning to Joker's squadron, congratulations is in order. Defensive Tackle Corey Peters was selected in the third round of the NFL draft Friday night at pick #83 by the Atlanta Falcons. Joining Peters is cornerback Trevard Lindley who was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles in the fourth round, and pick #105. John Conner (fullback) was also selected, being picked up by the Jets in the fifth round at pick #139 overall. Micah Johnson remains on the board mid way through the six round, but it is likely he will end up making an NFL roster before the season starts. If not drafted today, look for him to sign as a free agent, possibly as early as tomorrow. I want to be one of many who wishes these former Cats nothing but the best, and hope to see them making an impact on the highest level of football sometime very soon.