WildcatRick
08-23-2007, 01:14 AM
1) Just got back from the 2007 UK Kickoff Luncheon at the Galt House in Louisville and am feeling giddy about the prospects of football finally starting up. Before I get to the news of the afternoon, it'd be hardpressed not to at least acknowledge a good friend of Kentucky Sports Radio, who was kind enough to invite Matt and I as guests to the event, Martin Niehaus. Although it was difficult to eat with all of the autograph seekers hovering over Niehaus, former UK basketball star Mike Pratt, UK golf coach Brian Craig, assistant coach Matt Treanor and Matt Jones, it was an extremely enjoyable event of which I am grateful for having been invited to attend. Additionally, I indirectly lost three strokes on my short game and saw my portfolio hike considerably from Marty's financial expertise.
2) Among the many things Coach Brooks noted in his speech to those that made it out, was identifying sophomore fullback Maurice Grinter as a player that had impressed him in practice. This is the first such time I've heard Coach Brooks talk at length about Mo' since he moved to linebacker two springs ago. Brooks talked at length about Maurice's pass catching ability and his transition being nearly complete in his move to fullback from where he started his career at running back. Although I don't necessarily feel Grinter is getting the most out of his potential playing at fullback, if the offensive coaches can implement him in the offensive playbook out of the backfield, he could be a dangerous pass catching fullback. Rutgers made a living this past season off of teams not focusing enough attention on fullback Brian Leonard. Although Grinter doesn't possess much similarities in Leonard's game and speed, it illustrates how dangerous a pass catching fullback can become in an offense that's looking for safe, intermediate passing game success. Also, as seen against Florida in one of only a handful of touches Grinter got all season, a pass-catching fullback can be an asset around the goaline as well.
3) The team is off today because of school starting, but the best news out of yesterday's third scrimmage came in the special teams department as Lones Seiber connected on a 51-yard field goal. When healthy, Sieber possesses an NFL type leg. He just needs to continue to develop confidence in himself to make kicks at key moments in football games and get some more repetition. He certainly made significant strides throughout the close of the year to suggest he could be turning the corner.
http://blog.kentuckysportsradio.com/?p=3270
2) Among the many things Coach Brooks noted in his speech to those that made it out, was identifying sophomore fullback Maurice Grinter as a player that had impressed him in practice. This is the first such time I've heard Coach Brooks talk at length about Mo' since he moved to linebacker two springs ago. Brooks talked at length about Maurice's pass catching ability and his transition being nearly complete in his move to fullback from where he started his career at running back. Although I don't necessarily feel Grinter is getting the most out of his potential playing at fullback, if the offensive coaches can implement him in the offensive playbook out of the backfield, he could be a dangerous pass catching fullback. Rutgers made a living this past season off of teams not focusing enough attention on fullback Brian Leonard. Although Grinter doesn't possess much similarities in Leonard's game and speed, it illustrates how dangerous a pass catching fullback can become in an offense that's looking for safe, intermediate passing game success. Also, as seen against Florida in one of only a handful of touches Grinter got all season, a pass-catching fullback can be an asset around the goaline as well.
3) The team is off today because of school starting, but the best news out of yesterday's third scrimmage came in the special teams department as Lones Seiber connected on a 51-yard field goal. When healthy, Sieber possesses an NFL type leg. He just needs to continue to develop confidence in himself to make kicks at key moments in football games and get some more repetition. He certainly made significant strides throughout the close of the year to suggest he could be turning the corner.
http://blog.kentuckysportsradio.com/?p=3270
