John Clay's Sidelines

Randall Cobb at SEC Media Days (AP photo)

Big Blue Links for Thursday:

• After on-line protests, John Calipari cancels his political fundraiser for Gov. Steve Beshear, reports Jack Brammer of the Herald-Leader.
• Calipari’s Facebook page, where he announced the cancelation.
• Derrick Locke thinks Mike Hartline will be UK’s starting quarterback, writes Chip Cosby of the Herald-Leader.
• NCAA investigations have coaches fired up about agents, reports Cosby.
• Joker Phillips is keeping Kentucky on its toes, writes Andy Bitter of the Macon Telegraph.
• Brett Dawson of the Courier-Journal writes that UK’s running back isn’t Derrick Locke-jaw.
• Paul Warford’s college football career is over, reports Dawson.
• Warford ruled academically ineligible, reports Nathan Hutchinson of the Richmond Register.
• John Wall’s academic excellence doesn’t fit one-and-done image, writes Mike DeCourcy of the Sporting News.
• Randall Cobb is glad that Tee Martin is at Kentucky, writes Austin Ward of the Knoxville News-Sentinel.

Continue reading ‘BBL: Football meets SEC media, basketball meets politics’

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.

Big Blue Links for Wednesday:

• Chip Cosby of the Herald-Leader writes that UK is blowing its margin for errors.
• Ron Morris of The State writes that Cats mirror Gamecocks.
• Brett Dawson of the Courier-Journal writes on Derrick Locke.
• James Pennington of the Kentucky Kernel writes on bad column ideas.
• B.W. Jones of the Kentucky Kernel writes that UK’s rookie quarterbacks are biding their time.
• Bluegrass State Basketball thinks C.J. Leslie could commit to UK soon.

Continue reading ‘BBL: Rookie quarterbacks bide their time’

Big Blue Links for Thursday:

• Chip Cosby of the Herald-Leader writes that Paul Warford is happy to be back.
• The Indianapolis Star believes that Indiana, Duke and Kentucky are basketball target Kyrie Irving’s top choices.
• Tom Leach has some UK football practice notes.
• Leach also has a video interview with DeQuin Evans.
• Larry Vaught of the Danville Advocate-Messenger writes that freshmen Qua Huzzie and Ridge Wilson have been impressive early.
• Tyler Young of the Jessamine Journal reports that former UK walk-on Adam Delph will play at Asbury.

Continue reading ‘BBL: IU, Duke and UK top choices for Kyrie Irving?’

Big Blue Links for Monday:

• Zagsblog reports that Josh Selby will visit UConn on Wednesday.
• Chip Cosby of the H-L writes that UK has high hopes for junior college teammates.
• Cosby also writes on UK linebacker Danny Trevathan.
• H-L reports that UK has picked IMG to continue plans for new arena.
• Jody Demling of the Courier-Journal writes on the return of UK cornerback Paul Warford.
• Brett Dawson of the C-J writes on the UK juco duo from Los Angeles.
• Larry Vaught of the Danville Advocate-Messenger writes on Christian Johnson.

Continue reading ‘BBL: Josh Selby to visit UConn on Wednesday’