John Clay's Sidelines

Heading into tonight’s Blue-White Game, Kentucky quarterback Maxwell Smith talks about the progress he has made this spring.

Chris Low of ESPN’s SEC blog was in Lexington on Wednesday to check out how things are going at UK football’s spring practice.

An excerpt:

Sophomore Alvin “Bud” Dupree has a huge upside at the Wildcats’ hybrid linebacker/end position. He started the last three games a year ago. Sophomore Ashley Lowery would be a fit at the hybrid linebacker/safety spot (Guy’s old position), but the Wildcats need him at safety. (Rick) Minter said sophomore Miles Simpson is currently holding down that spot and doing a good job. The entire staff is excited about Marcus Caffey’s development at cornerback. He came in as a heralded running back, redshirted last season, and told the coaches in December that he would like to play defense. Minter loves having Caffey’s physical approach at the cornerback position.

From UK concerning Saturday’s 6 p.m. Blue-White game at Commonwealth Stadium:

With the Blue/White Game being the first public football event since the conclusion of the 2011 season, UK Athletics has commemorated the season-ending victory over Tennessee – and the excitement of Commonwealth Stadium – with a special edition poster.

The poster features the celebration after UK’s 10-7 win, including quarterback Matt Roark being carried off the field by jubilant fans. Quantities are limited and the posters will be given away first-come, first-served at the stadium gates.

Kentucky football coach Joker Phillips talked to the media after today’s spring football practice. He does not like his punting situation. He does not like his depth on the offensive line. The Blue-White Game is Saturday, by the way. Kickoff is 6 p.m.

As the starting center on the Kentucky football team, Wes Jackson would be written about it in the newspapers.

Now, he’s running one.

The former Cat and Herald-Leader alum was named publisher of the Courier-Journal this morning.

Continue reading ‘Former UK football center named publisher at C-J’

Mike Hlas of The Gazette from Cedar Rapids, Iowa pulled together the attendance figures for the eight SEC teams that held their spring football games last Saturday.

Alabama led the way with 78,526.

Vanderbilt drew 8,500.

Kentucky’s spring football game is this Saturday at 6 p.m. at Commonwealth Stadium.

Continue reading ‘SEC sets the bar high for spring football game attendance’

In Charlotte at the Jordan Brand Classic, UK signees Alex Poythress and Archie Goodwin were giving glimpses into the future of Kentucky basketball. But in two other places, the school’s present was progressing nicely.

The UK baseball team took a doubleheader from Arkansas to win the series in Fayetteville. A forecast of rain for today caused the two teams to play two games on Saturday, and Gary Henderson’s Cats improved their East-leading record to 11-4.

Meanwhile, the UK men’s tennis team beat Vanderbilt 6-1 to clinch the school’s first outright regular season conference title since 1992.

Click the continue line for today’s Big Blue Links.

Continue reading ‘BBL: Signees shine, baseball wins, tennis takes title’

John Calipari’s Trophy Tour continues today in Frankfort, Elizabethtown, Owensboro and Paducah. Approximately 3,000 showed up in Hazard on Thursday to see the NCAA Championship Trophy and have their pictures taken with the hardware and the UK staff. Calipari even stopped off at a McDonald’s in Martin.

Meanwhile, the UK baseball team travels to Arkansas for an important road series. Anthony Bennett is now the top uncommitted basketball recruit. UK tennis keeps winning. And the football team readies for a Saturday scrimmage.

Click the continue line for today’s Big Blue Links.

Continue reading ‘BBL: John Calipari takes trophy to a McDonald’s’

I’ll admit I was a bit surprised when Nerlens Noel turned around on the set of ESPNU last night and there was a UK logo cut into the back of his now famous mane.

The buzz leading up to the announcement appeared to indicate the shot-blocking center was headed to Georgetown. Even John Calipari, during his appearance early in the signing day special, seemed to temper expectations.

After Wednesday night, I don’t think Calipari is going to the Knicks. Or any other NBA team. Why would a coach turn his back on the chance at a second consecutive NCAA title — in this case, with a completely different roster — which is what Kentucky now has the chance of accomplishing with Noel in the fold.

Also, WTVQ, the ABC affiliate in Lexington, reported the news on a crawl during Modern Family last night. (Screen shot after the jump.)

Click the continue line for today’s Big Blue Links.

Continue reading ‘BBL: Noel gives Kentucky a shot at going back-to-back’

Big Blue Links for Tuesday:

• Muhammad, Noel and Bennett all preparing to make their picks, writes Eric Bossi of Rivals.
• UCLA the favorite for Muhammad, reports Zagsblog.
• Three Kentucky football defensive players departing, reports Jen Smith of Herald-Leader. Defensive end Justin Henderson, defensive tackle Nermin Delic and linebacker Tim Patterson are no longer with the team, UK spokesman Tony Neely confirmed Monday.
• Joker Phillips’ defense is thinning, reports Cody Porter of the Kentucky Kernel.