John Clay’s Sidelines

Back from UK football practice where head coach Rich Brooks said that he will not make an announcement on a starting quarterback before game-time Saturday at Auburn.

The coach said the quarterbacks have done some good things this week, and some not-so-good things. Of course, the consensus seems to be that true freshman Morgan Newton will not only see his first collegiate action, but also his first collegiate start. And Brooks has dropped a few hints this week to make you think that is exactly how the Cats will proceed. But we won’t know for sure until 7:30 Saturday night at the lovely little village on the plains. Brooks did say that it was likely we will see both quarterbacks, Newton and junior Will Fidler.

Meanwhile, Brooks did say that cornerback Paul Warford may be able to go Saturday. Warford will also be a game-time decison. And another Warford, Larry, a true freshman, will probably see some time on the offensive line as a backup now that Jake Lanefski is out for the year with his ACL injury.

Reminder: UK Basketball Media Day is today. Be sure and join the Liveblog/Livechat for Calipari’s press conference at 2:30. Then look back here on the blog and on kentuckysports.com for videos, reports, etc.

Update: Bluegrass State Basketball passes along this John Wall comic. Not for the weak of stomach.

Big Blue Links for Thursday:

• Jerry Tipton of the Herald-Leader has the rundown on the recruits scheduled to visit Big Blue Madness.
• Chip Cosby of the Herald-Leader writes that UK’s offensive line has come a long way.
• My column giving the pros and cons on starting Morgan Newton at Auburn.
• Larry Vaught of the Danville Advocate-Messenger says his sources confirm Newton will start Saturday.
• A Sea of Blue writes on the possible Newton start.
• C-J report on UK offensive lineman Jake Lanefski being lost for the season.
• Doron Lamb’s father tells Bruce Pascoe of the Arizona Daily Star that his son will visit UK on the 23rd.
• Connor Orr of the Daily Orange writes that Syracuse has a shot with UK target Tobias Harris. (Hat tip to Aaron’s UK Basketball Blog.)
• Michael Grant of the Courier-Journal writes on Auburn quarterback Chris Todd, former star at Elizabethtown.
• Jay Tate of the Montgomery Advertiser writes on the Auburn defense.

Continue reading ‘BBL: Top recruits on Friday, Newton on Saturday?’

Morgan Newton

Update: H-L’s Chip Cosby is on WKYT on-line with ex-UK defensive back Leonard Burress. And Morgan Newton’s father is scheduled to be on at 9:40 a.m.

Big Blue Links for Wednesday:

• Chip Cosby of the Herald-Leader writes that coaches are mum on whether it will be Morgan Newton or Will Fidler at quarterback for UK on Saturday.
• I was on WVLK-590 in Lexington with Larry Glover last night, and caller swore that he knew for 100 percent fact that players have already been told that Newton is the guy. I should point out that it’s in the first 10 minutes or so of the podcast, I think.
• Ryan Alessi of the Herald-Leader reports on the $3 million Billy Gillispie agreement with UK.
• Both sides agree not to speak ill of the other.
• Jerry Tipton of the Herald-Leader writes on DeAndre Liggins.
• Doron Lamb tells Zagsblog he will visit either UK or UConn on Oct. 23, but says UK, Oklahoma and Kansas are his top three.
• The H-L’s Jennifer Smith writes on Rebecca Gray’s second chance with UK hoops’ team.
• Brett Dawson of the Courier-Journal reports that Jake Lanefski could miss Auburn game.
• Mary Jo Perino of WLEX reports that Joker Phillips thinks the Cats are no joke.

Continue reading ‘BBL: Could Morgan Newton be the guy? UK isn’t saying’