Brooks evaluates second scrimmage

LEXINGTON, Ky. – Following Monday morning’s practice at the Nutter Training Facility, Coach Rich Brooks gave additional evaluation to the Kentucky football team’s second major scrimmage on Saturday.

“I’m not as pleased as I’d like to be with some players from the scrimmage and today’s practice,” Brooks said. “Guys only have three days left and if they want to make an impact on playing time and doing the things we need to do to be a good team, we have to start getting better.”

The UK defense generally had the better performance during Saturday’s scrimmage, a cold, windy day in Commonwealth Stadium. The offense moved the ball onto the defense’s side of the field six times in 11 possessions, but the defense stiffened when necessary and allowed no touchdowns and just one field goal.

“I thought some of our second offensive line regressed,” Brooks said. “They were pretty good the first scrimmage (on April 5), but this last scrimmage the intensity and execution weren’t there.

“Our receivers weren’t getting separation, weren’t getting open. That pleased me on the coverage side, but didn’t please me on the receiving side. The safeties were much better on their ‘fits’ in the run game and their tackling than they were the previous scrimmage. The secondary, by and large, was much improved over the first scrimmage. That contributed to it (the receivers having difficulty in getting open).”

Brooks saw some positive signs from the Wildcat quarterbacks, noting that, “They’re doing some things that I’m very pleased with.”

Kentucky returns to the practice field on Wednesday and Friday. The Blue/White Spring Game is Saturday at 1 p.m. at Commonwealth Stadium.

“Rich Brooks Show” on Monday: The Rich Brooks Radio Show will be broadcast on Monday from 6-7 p.m. EDT. The show will be carried by the Big Blue Sports Network, including WLAP in Lexington and WHAS in Louisville.

Coach Brooks will discuss the team’s progress during the spring and the upcoming Blue/White Game.

Spring Football Calendar: Practices are open to media and fans. Practices held at Nutter Training Facility unless noted otherwise. For practices at Nutter, fans should stand behind the ropes in the porch area. Fans may sit in the stands for practices at Commonwealth Stadium.

Practices might be moved indoors to the Nutter Field House in case of bad weather.

Mon. Apr. 14 “Rich Brooks Radio Show” on Big Blue Sports Network, 6 to 7 p.m.
Wed. Apr. 16 9 to 11:20 a.m.
Fri. Apr. 18 9 to 11:20 a.m.
Sat. Apr. 19 Blue/White Spring Game, 1 p.m. at Commonwealth Stadium