WildcatRick
07-12-2009, 05:15 PM
Keenan Burton kept thinking about one thing last season as he watched the University of Kentucky play.
"I think with the defensive team we had last year, if we had that team when we were in school we could have competed for the SEC championship," said Burton, one of UK's all-time leading receivers who caught 13 passes for 172 yards and one score as a rookie with the St. Louis Rams last season.
Burton was part of a high-powered offense his last two years at Kentucky that also featured quarterback Andre Woodson, tight end Jacob Tamme, receiver Steve Johnson and tailback Rafael Little.
He ranks fourth in school history in receptions (169), third in receiving yards (2,155), and second in touchdowns (23). Burton, who was also a prolific kick returner, amassed more than 4,000 all-purpose yards at Kentucky.
Last year the Wildcats struggled to score points consistently and had to rely more on defense to stay in games. Burton says now it is time for players who got their first major experience on offense last season to emerge and become team leaders and playmakers.
"They can get better this year, but it all depends on a few things. These guys are not used to losing. They have to face adversity and deal with it and see how they stand it," Burton said. "Until they face adversity and really are challenged, you can't see their true character.
Larry Vaught (http://www.amnews.com/public_html/?module=displaystory&story_id=51392&format=html)
"I think with the defensive team we had last year, if we had that team when we were in school we could have competed for the SEC championship," said Burton, one of UK's all-time leading receivers who caught 13 passes for 172 yards and one score as a rookie with the St. Louis Rams last season.
Burton was part of a high-powered offense his last two years at Kentucky that also featured quarterback Andre Woodson, tight end Jacob Tamme, receiver Steve Johnson and tailback Rafael Little.
He ranks fourth in school history in receptions (169), third in receiving yards (2,155), and second in touchdowns (23). Burton, who was also a prolific kick returner, amassed more than 4,000 all-purpose yards at Kentucky.
Last year the Wildcats struggled to score points consistently and had to rely more on defense to stay in games. Burton says now it is time for players who got their first major experience on offense last season to emerge and become team leaders and playmakers.
"They can get better this year, but it all depends on a few things. These guys are not used to losing. They have to face adversity and deal with it and see how they stand it," Burton said. "Until they face adversity and really are challenged, you can't see their true character.
Larry Vaught (http://www.amnews.com/public_html/?module=displaystory&story_id=51392&format=html)
