2005 injuries will deplete UK practice field

[WildcatRick]

By Michael Smith
The Courier-Journal


LEXINGTON, Ky. — At least 10 University of Kentucky football players who are thought to be critical to the team's success next season will be watching from the sideline today during the first spring practice.

The Wildcats' rash of injuries during their 3-8 season in 2005 was so severe that more than 30 players required some form of surgery, coach Rich Brooks said.

Many of them -- including tight end Jacob Tamme, offensive tackle Fatu Turituri, cornerback Bo Smith, linebacker Braxton Kelley, receiver Keenan Burton and safety Roger Williams -- were starters last season and are expected to contribute mightily this season.

But they won't have the benefit of the 15 spring practices.

"It's the most unbelievable thing I've ever been around," Brooks said. "I hope we've put the injuries past us. We'll have to see if some of these other guys can play."

http://www.courier-journal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060329/SPORTS03/603290524/1002/SPORTS

[poodoo]

Thanks for the link, WildcatRick. It's a good read.

Too, it's just a shame that UK football will still be at some disadvantage because of the unreal amount of injuries and suffered last season. The silver lining, though, is that the staffwill at least get to look at some other players, while so many of the starters must sit out spring practice.

That some fans have never accepted the reality of the severity of the injury situation last season tends to amaze me. Yes, all teams have injuries, but nothing even remotely approaching what UK football experienced last season. Let's just hope and pray that season season is almost totally the opposite in that regard. :)