B-Dam Cat
08-28-2007, 03:16 PM
1) Myron Pryor’s suspension is a negative turned positive, in my opinion. The Wildcats need to get some experience for senior JD Craigman, who is making the switch from defensive end to defensive tackle this year, and also utilize the opportunity to get true freshmen defensive tackle Shane McCord and redshirt freshmen Ricky Lumpkin some additional seasoning and reps before the meat of the schedule. Additionally, the staff is hoping to work in Ventrell Jenkins slowly into game shape after taking the past six-to-seven months off with an injured shoulder. Had this week’s game preparations been for Louisville, not Eastern Kentucky, Kentucky might have been in quite the pickle, but having Myron Pryor sit for a week won’t necessarily be such a bad thing long-term. These early season games can be greatly beneficial for the confidence and the progression for some of the staff’s younger players. No area needs more of both, than the defensive line. No word on what Pryor was suspended for, but I doubt it’s of any concern going further.
2) The question I answered more times than any other this off-season was which of the incoming freshman I believed would play immediately. My answer every time since March has been Shane McCord. Yesterday, in Coach Rich Brooks’ pre-game press conference, the UK head man confirmed that McCord would be in the rotation at defensive tackle. McCord, at 6-foot-2, 270 pounds, was the best incoming freshmen addition this past off-season. He’s years ahead of the curve for an 18-year old and he’s quick off the block for a guy his size. Not only will McCord play, I have little doubt he’ll make some serious headway early. He is far too polished to sit the bench. The question is how much of an impact will he have on the unit? I’m not necessarily sold on Jenkins coming back quickly from his injury and being a huge factor, so there will be plenty of opportunities for him to see the field and turn some heads.
http://blog.kentuckysportsradio.com/?p=3328
2) The question I answered more times than any other this off-season was which of the incoming freshman I believed would play immediately. My answer every time since March has been Shane McCord. Yesterday, in Coach Rich Brooks’ pre-game press conference, the UK head man confirmed that McCord would be in the rotation at defensive tackle. McCord, at 6-foot-2, 270 pounds, was the best incoming freshmen addition this past off-season. He’s years ahead of the curve for an 18-year old and he’s quick off the block for a guy his size. Not only will McCord play, I have little doubt he’ll make some serious headway early. He is far too polished to sit the bench. The question is how much of an impact will he have on the unit? I’m not necessarily sold on Jenkins coming back quickly from his injury and being a huge factor, so there will be plenty of opportunities for him to see the field and turn some heads.
http://blog.kentuckysportsradio.com/?p=3328
