John Clay's Sidelines

Micah Johnson, who has missed time with a strained foot, should return to practice Tuesday. (Photo by John Clay)

Appears they now have wireless access at Wildcat Den, so I’m going to try and liveblog Rich Brooks’ press conference. He should be at the podium in a couple of minutes.

• Brooks, “We need to go up there on the road and get off to a good start with a win. Anything else is not acceptable.”

• Brooks on the start of the season, “I’m anxious. I’m kind of frustrated, kind of antsy, kind of nervous. I want to go play. I think a lot of our team is in the same mood, if you will.”

• Brooks says that for “the fans’ confidence” it would probably help for the receivers that they catch the ball.

• Considering the mystery of Miami’s defense, with a new coordinators, “I think the fact that we have some serniors in the offensive line, a quarterback that has started a number of games, and been in some big games should help us make some checks at the line of scrimmage.”

• Brooks says he thinks 7-8 true freshmen will play this year, and the rest will redshirt.

• Brooks says his three running backs have had a great fall camp, but would like to have had Locke and Smith be as healthy as Moncel Allen. Says some of the practice production has been hit-and-miss because of guys missing time. But when they are out there, the production has been good. Brooks says he has a sense that the running game will be greatly improved.

• Says going to Cincinnati is “a pretty painless trip.” Will spend Friday night in Northern Kentucky. Calls it an exciting venue to open the season. Says the fans should enjoy having all seat-backs on their seats.

• Says Randall Burden and Paul Warford have both had great fall camps. Warford will slide inside and play some nickle.

• Brooks says the defensive end battle is very close. Says he has seen flashes there. Won’t name a starter until later in the week.

• Brooks says Hartline has shown great progress on the practice field, now he has to translate to the game. Says he’s throwing the ball more accurately.

• Marcus Davis is listed as No. 1 at center for game Saturday, beating out Matt Smith. Brooks says he thinks that Smith will be an outstanding player, “but he’s still making too many young mistakes.”

• Says getting a Miami depth chart today that some of the personnel is new.

• Brooks said he is “pleasantly pleased” with the progress made by jucos DeQuin Evans and Chris Matthews. “They’ve picked up not only what they’re supposed to do, but the tempo and the speed of the game,” said Brooks.

• Brooks says he’s continually trying to raise team up the upper half of the SEC. To do that, you have to beat the teams you should beat on the non-conference schedule.

• As usual, Chris Cross asks the first question. It’s about the team overall. Brooks says he likes his team speed, and he’s impressed with his receivers. And the improved play of Mike Hartline, he says.

• Brooks says it seems like a longer fall camp than normal. Says he’s anxious to get the team on the field. Says he is going into the game “a little blind. Not sure what to expect from Miami because of the new coaching staff.” Expects to have to do some adjusting early in the game.

• Injury update: John Conner will probably not practice because of his ankle. Expect him back Wednesday. Micah Johnson will practice Tuesday.

• Rich just entered the room.

• We’ve been told it’ll be another five minutes before Rich arrives. We’re running a little ahead of schedule.

• This is the first of Kentucky’s weekly press luncheons during the season. Today’s will be to preview the season opener against Miami of Ohio on Saturday.

• Volleyball coach Craig Skinner is at the podium now. He says UK initiated game with Louisville, offering to come to U of L this year if the Cardinals scheduled a return date in Lexington for 2010.