Chalk Talk with Freddie Maggard

Kentucky secured another nationally ranked quarterback today as Morgan Newton agreed to play college football in Lexington.  This is the second highly ranked signal caller to commit to the Cats, everyone has an opinion why, here’s mine….
Non-spread school.  Every major recruit has one goal, to play in the NFL.  Traditional spread collegiate quarterbacks have not faired well at the pro level.  Drop back passing quarterbacks want to play in a system and for a coaching staff that has proven to play a pro style offense, as well as having a history of drafted players.  UK offers both.  For you basketball fans out there, it would be like trying to recruit a seven footer to play in a run and gun, fast breaking offense.  Just doesn’t fit.  

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By now, Kentucky and Louisville should be getting close to game planning for the Governor’s Cup. Some may ask, “Isn’t that what they have been doing”? The first portion of fall camp is dedicated to talent evaluation, and implementation of offensive and defensive schemes. During this first phase of the season, decisions on red-shirting and depth charts are settled, and individual, fundamental drills are “stressed” by the coaching staff. As we enter the last week before the big week, I would think the game-plan will include…….

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The last few weeks leading up to the Governor’s Cup are passing very slowly, and with less attention compared to last year’s highly anticipated match-up.  I’ve been trying to figure out why but can’t really come up with a good answer.  Here are a few theories…
• Judging strictly by talent, UK has the better team.  Last year, the Cardinals were in the pre-season talk for a BCS invite, this year, expectations are much lower in Louisville.  Both teams came into last year’s game with high aspirations, this year’s being considered as more of a rebuilding season for both.  I somewhat disagree with that theory, but the Cats will have to rely on a strong defense to earn bowl eligibility.  This time last year, some folks were predicting a 59-58 shoot-out; this year’s game should be a much lower scoring affair.

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Within the last week, Kentucky has proven to be a national player in the recruiting world by securing two players with big-time credentials. Today, Sam Simpson agreed to attend college down the street in Lexington, which only adds to what is quickly becoming a talented 09 Class. This also sends a message to other in-state prospects, jump on the train now, before all the seats are taken. So far the 09 Class features……

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As we enjoyed Fan Day on Saturday, I noticed that Bill Ransdell’s #9 was not displayed with other former Wildcat legends. Bill was the Air before the Raid and left the University as the all time leader in passing and total yards. Since then, he has been surpassed by some great quarterbacks in the record books, but for several years, he was the best to have ever played the position. It’s more than time for the #9 to be placed beside other deserving greats. Fall camp is going well for the Cats…….

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Much like last year, I will be making predictions on a game by game basis, but the season total of wins for the Cats will be……

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