Burton catches foes' attention

[ukfaninva]

By Chip Cosby
HERALD-LEADER STAFF WRITER
Kentucky Coach Rich Brooks had an idea of how good Keenan Burton could be, and so did offensive coordinator/receivers coach Joker Phillips.

Burton knew he was a player.

But when the UK coaching staff spoke of Burton in the preseason, there was always an "if" attached, primarily "If he can stay healthy ..."

The wide receiver/kickoff returner had shown glimpses of greatness during his first three seasons at Kentucky, but wrist and foot injuries that caused him to miss 13 games over the past two seasons still had him pegged as somewhat of a mystery.

Those mystery days are over now. The 6-foot-2, 195-pound junior has started each of UK's first nine games this season and is one of the primary reasons the Cats are 5-4 heading into Saturday's game against Vanderbilt. Other receivers in the Southeastern Conference might have a higher profile than Burton -- Tennessee's Robert Meachem, Florida's Dallas Baker, Alabama's D.J. Hall, and South Carolina's Sidney Rice come to mind -- but Burton's production certainly puts him right in the mix.

http://www.kentucky.com/mld/kentucky/sports/15966665.htm

[GoBgBlu37]

Keenan is another great example of the fine young men who make up our wildcats. Success is a loong time coming for them but must make it all the sweeter. GO BIG BLUE!!!

[TrueblueCATfan]

There is no one that deserves it more.............way to go Keenan Burton

[CATHYnKY]

Not taking anything away from Burton, but what is Little's prognosis? Can you imagine having both these guys healthy along with the rest of the guys that are making a difference on the offense?

[Art Vandelay]

I've had the opportunity to meet and talk to Keenan Burton a couple of times. He is related to a childhood friend of mine. I found him to be a great young man in every way. He is very team oriented and humble despite his obvious talent. He comes from an excellent family and it shows.

BTW, Keenan is Durrell White's cousin and Durell is an equally fine young man. Both of them are wonderful representatives of the University and I am very happy for them that they have had some measure of success this year. They both deserve it.

Finally, if he stays healthy, I think we'll see Keenan playing football on Sundays one day soon.

[Destry]

Those of you that saw Keenan in the KY-TN High School All Star football realize how impressive he was. That was the first time I saw him in person and he looked like he was the biggest kid playing a backyard game. He would roam around at defense back and when the ball was in the air, he would go for it like it was his and no one else's.

After I saw him there, I thought that we probably had a special player.

When you talk about Burton and Little, those guys would be starting for any team in the SEC.

[poodoo]

Art Vandelay wrote: I've had the opportunity to meet and talk to Keenan Burton a couple of times. He is related to a childhood friend of mine. I found him to be a great young man in every way. He is very team oriented and humble despite his obvious talent. He comes from an excellent family and it shows.

BTW, Keenan is Durrell White's cousin and Durell is an equally fine young man. Both of them are wonderful representatives of the University and I am very happy for them that they have had some measure of success this year. They both deserve it.

Finally, if he stays healthy, I think we'll see Keenan playing football on Sundays one day soon.









While I haven't talked with Keenan more than a moment or two at Fan Day, Art, I have met his parents and was so impressed with them. Too, I have been impressed with Keenan himself from the first time I heard him on the radio. As a freshman, he just sounded so mature, kind, and humble. I have also read a lot of good things about Durrell White as a youngman. Thanks for sharing.

Like you, I think we will be seeing Keenan playing on Sundays in the future, ifhe stays healthy.I look forward tocontinuing to watch him there. GO CATS! BEAT VANDY!

[poodoo]

GoBgBlu37 wrote: Keenan is another great example of the fine young men who make up our wildcats. Success is a loong time coming for them but must make it all the sweeter.
GO BIG BLUE!!!

:thumbup:thumbupfor this post, GoBgBlu37. It perfectly captures my feelings about this UK football team! :)GO CATS! BEAT VANDY!

[7lives]

CATHYnKY wrote: Not taking anything away from Burton, but what is Little's prognosis?



Last I heard, he should see some action against Vandy.

[UedK]

7lives wrote: CATHYnKY wrote: Not taking anything away from Burton, but what is Little's prognosis?



Last I heard, he should see some action against Vandy.


Cathy, on the Tuesday call in show Brooks said that Burton's knee didn't 'blow-up' on him during last weeks practices and if it behaves the same this week heis sure to see action against Vandy. I've read everything available and have not heard a negative report.

Think about it. This Saturday, a healthyLittle, Dixon and Smith.

Our offensive skilled players are good and also deep and not a one is a senior.I wish they all had unlimited years of eligibility. I also believe that our offensive line learned something about themselves during that winning drive against Georgia.

Tomorrow is going to be so fun.

[7lives]

You said Burton's knee.

I think you meant Little's knee.

[Caveman Catfan]

Keenan and Wesley and Tamme and a few othersare program changers. Kind of like Bush and Brohm at UL. They do more for your program than just compete at a high level.

Keenan, Tamme, and Wesley were the right guys for Brooks at the right time. True SEC caliber players who have a passion for football, for life, for team success, to make a difference on and off the field, and for their coach. For a program to truly change it needs LEADERS, not just players. These three have been exceptional in that regard. Next year is their senior year. UK fans should take notice and hope that they have groomed a few more to take their place.

Regardless of the outcome, next season will be special, because the senior class will be a truly special class. One that UK fans have not seen for a long time.