By LARRY VAUGHT
Terry Barker remembers the first time his son, Conner quarterback Drew Barker, went to UK to see new coach Mark Stoops. They walked into the football facilities and Barker’s father said “every coach was standing at the door waiting to greet us.” He said he would never forget that.
“As the saying goes, you never get a second chance to make a first impression and that really made an impression on me and Drew, too,” Terry Barker said. “I really think there is no reason they can’t win. They’ve got everything behind them. They are putting money into facilties. It’s just a great place. I really believe they can turn it around.”
Of course, Tennessee coach Butch Jones, who was recruiting Barker when he was head coach at Cincinnati, believes he can turn that program around. Steve Spurrier already has South Carolina competing for Southeastern Conference titles.
“You build relationships with coaches and visit schools. It’s all been great,” Terry Barker said.
He rattled off Spurrier and quarterbacks coach G.A. Mangus at South Carolina along with Jones. He even noted how Louisville offensive coordinator Shawn Watson as having a “great relationship” with his son even though Louisville is not in his final three.
“Coach Watson is a great guy, great coach. He still calls to talk to him about life in general and is somebody Drew respects because he is just a nice human being,” Terry Barker said. “That’s the hard part of forming relationships.
“At the end of the day, you have to make decisions and disappoint some people. Drew doesn’t like to disappoint people. He takes pride in pleasing people and making people happy. It goes against his grain a little bit to disappoint some folks. He likes to please whether it is myself, his mother, his cousin, his coach or whoever. He really likes to meet expectations. It’s going to be hard for him (to tell coaches no) and it is weighing on him, but he’s ready to make a decision.”
Former UK fullback Andy Murray is ready for it to be Kentucky and continue the momentum Stoops has built for what Murray and other former Wildcats hope will eventually lead to a SEC championship.
“The only thing that I would tell you about Barker is … the guys that arrive home from Atlanta (from the SEC championship game) with the (SEC) crown some day will have a bigger parade than any of our eight NCAA (basketball) crowns combined,” Murray said.
Drew Barker photo courtesy Bleacherreport.com
By LARRY VAUGHT
Andy Murray was a fierce competitor when he played fullback at the University of Kentucky and remains a hard-core UK fan. That’s why he’s become a huge Mark Stoops’ fan already and believes that Conner quarterback Drew Barker will pick the Wildcats over South Carolina and Tennessee Friday when he announces his college choice.
“He is a lock in my opinion. Kid is a blue blood,” said Murray.
Because Murray’s son plays at Simon Kenton, he’s not been able to get out in northern Kentucky to see Barker play. However, he knows something about South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier’s quarterback knowledge.
“I would think Spurrier knows what he is looking for in a QB and you can take that to the bank,” Murray said.
Barker’s number could break the bank. He was 140-for-225 passing for 2,067 yards and 22 touchdowns in 2012 when he also ran for 1,422 yards and 18 scores. As a sophomore, he completed 93 of 181 passes for 1,009 yards and four scores and ran for 1,371 yards and 22 touchdowns. That’s 2,793 yards and 40 touchdowns rushing the last two years and 3,076 yards and 26 touchdowns passing.
“His commitment will send our recruiting into another gear and it amazes me what this staff is capable of doing with these recruits,” Murray said.
Stoops did do the unthinkable after getting the job when he persuaded Franklin County receiver Ryan Timmons and Trinity linebacker Jason Hatcher to reverse their thinking about UK and sign with the Wildcats. Landing the two four-star Kentucky players at the last minute proved that Stoops and his staff would be relevant with the state’s best players — like Barker.
“I think the state of Kentucky will depend on wins and losses, and they must take control of the Louisville series. The Hatcher kid will go down as one of the turning points in this area. I think Timmons was a matter of timing and the right coach (offensive coordinator Neal Brown),” Murray said. “The state will be ours if we win.
“Let’s face it, we have not had a desirable product and these guys want to play in the spotlight. There will not be a better spotlight than UK when this thing turns … and it will turn. We have never been in a better spot. Stoops is the man. I have never been more impressed with a guy than this one. My favorite thing about him is his demeanor and upbringing. He is awesome.”
Barker and his father seem to feel the same after being ignored by former UK coach Joker Phillips.
When Barker made a visit to UK, Stoops had a video showing former in-state UK quarterbacks Tim Couch, Jared Lorenzen and Andre Woodson on a video — and then Barker’s highlights were included.
“We are Kentucky fans. I love the Big Blue Nation,” Terry Barker said. “I think coach Stoops and his staff knew Drew had a sour taste in his mouth, so they went the extra mile to show how much they’d love to have him. That has impressed him.”
7 CommentsBy LARRY VAUGHT
Bringing former Texas Tech offensive coordinator Neal Brown to Kentucky to run the offense for new coach Mark Stoops certainly seems to have pleased UK fans, but the move has been just as popular with former players. “I can’t think of anything that has gone over bigger,” said former UK quarterback Freddie Maggard of Lawrenceburg, who lettered at UK from 1989-91.
Four other former lettermen — Jason Todd (1992) of Stanford, Derek Abney (2000-2003) of Charleston, S.C., Dave Hopewell (1976-78) of Harrodsburg and Andy Murray ((1986-89) of Florence — all agreed on that as well as the overall excitement about Kentucky football since the hiring of Stoops.
Question: What is your reaction to UK spending the money to bring a creative, innovative offense mind like Neal Brown to the program?
Murray: “I am thrilled to see us participating in the financial arms race, and really believe we can compete with a creative offense. Hal Mumme could score with anyone and would have taken us to another level if he believed in defense. He also had a few quirky thoughts on his special teams approach and simply believed that he did not have the talent to defend some of the guys that were returning kicks in our conference. When you add his offensive scheme to a program that has a head coach with a defensive pedigree, it will be scary. You can look at what his brother did in OK with the same approach, and OK was at a low point in their program’s history from a talent standpoint. I think most everyone will agree, our team has more young talent on it today than the first two Mumme teams. The other key to this is approach is the fact that Brown’s system has done a better job of running the ball as you can see in their rushing yards per game at Texas Tech.”
Abney: “I have not heard the final numbers but it’s very encouraging. To get Neal, you would need to provide a substantial financial incentive. This is the last justifiable beef the BBN can have with Mitch Barnhart; financial support of the football team. This could be the beginning of a beautiful thing.”
Maggard: “My feeling reflects reserved euphoria. I am dang proud of UK, but understand re-building a roster is both challenging and takes time. Neal Brown, in my opinion, is the best offensive coordinator in college football and now he’s home in Lexington. But Neal will be more about business than homecoming pats on the back. I like that. College football is a mere Econ 101 text book case. Re-distributing funds to any entities major money maker is sound business and also is on par with the rest of the SEC. Mr. Barnhart has set the stage.”
Todd: “It is an exciting proposition to think we will have the defensive coordinator of the second ranked 2012 defense and the offensive coordinator of the second ranked 2012 passing offense teaming up at UK. I personally feel that this is the first step that UK has to take to see us get back to a competitive situation with our football program. It is great to think that we are in a situation to attract successful coaches to our program. I feel the next step is for the administration and the fans to do their part. By that I mean, the administration preparing and executing a plan to make the facilities and ‘extras’ for UK football to match the rest of the SEC. For the fans, I think that means they have to be willing to support the program with their attendance and the financial commitment that comes with that. Neal will bring an offensive style that we have seen before. It was exciting and successful and actually led to the last major financial expansion by UK when they expanded Commonwealth Stadium.”
Hopewell: “I’m certainly glad to see it. And again everyone knows how much I like offense. To bring in a coach who is has put together teams that have run offenses in the top 10 in the country at a couple of different schools is a step in the right direction.The added bonus that he is a Kentuckian and a former player, that is pretty sweet too.”
14 CommentsBy LARRY VAUGHT
I asked former University of Kentucky football players Derek Abney, Freddie Maggard, Jason Todd, Andy Murray and Dave Hopewell a series of questions about Kentucky football. This is the first of a series of posts over the next few days with their answers.
Question: Do you remember a time when there was more excitement over UK football, especially coming off a 2-10 season?
Hopewell: “For me personally only one time. I was a freshman at UK in 1975 and we went 2-8-1. I sure hated to go home that Christmas. I could feel the embarrassment for me from my entire family. But we as a team knew we were better than that and the next two years we went 9-3 and then 10-1 and won the last SEC Championship UK has ever won in football. That’s still my dream for this team.
“But as a parent of players and as a fan, no I have never seen this much excitement. I do feel most fans are really happy about the way things have gone with this hire. It looks like coach Stoops has been given free rein on what he was wanting to do and I am really glad to see that.”
Todd: “The only thing I have to compare this to is the transition from Coach Curry to Coach Mumme between the 1996 and 1997 seasons. UK spent a lot of time and money getting out the word about the “air raid” offense that Mumme was bringing. Now we have the “air raid” part II and to go along with it, we have Coach Stoops and his background on the defensive side. As much as most fans will be excited about the offensive potential, I am just excited to see what Coach Stoops will be able to do with our defense. I would like nothing better than to have a defense that can stop people in the SEC. Regardless of the outcome, I will forever be a UK fan and avid supporter.”
Maggard: “I can’t, and I’ve been a fanatic since birth. Maybe after coach Jerry Claiborne’s first-second season, but today’s instant communication and social media takes this to a level uncharted at UK.”
Murray: “Not since the afternoon of us beating Louisville and listening to the Air Raid sirens in Commonwealth Stadium.”
Abney: “Absolutely not. And the excitement seems entirely justifiable.”
13 CommentsBy LARRY VAUGHT
Former Kentucky All-American receiver Derek Abney says he can’t remember being so excited about UK football as he was Tuesday when Florida State defensive coordinator Mark Stoops was named the team’s new coach.
“It’s just amazing. I can’t wait to see who the offensive coordinator is going to be,” said Abney, who lives in South Carolina now.
“This state loves football. I believe the whole place is ready to explode with excitement. The journey to a championship is the most fun,” said Burgin’s David Hopewell, a starter on UK’s 1976 Peach Bowl team and 1977 team that finished 10-1 and won the Southeastern Conference title.
Former UK quarterback Freddie Maggard of Lawrenceburg is excited, too, but also expressed appreciation to Joker Phillips and his wife for their “love and dedication to Kentucky” and noted that they have been “avid supporters” of the Kentucky National Guard and the state’s military.
“For that and many other reasons, I’d hope as Kentucky fans we don’t forget their 20 plus years dedicated to Wildcat football and continue to show our appreciation and support for their future endeavors,” Maggard said. “Also I’d like to wish his staff the best and pray for them to land on their feet and continue to lead young men on the football field. That’s the tough part about the business of college football. But I am definitely excited about Mark Stoops.”
So is former UK fullback Andy Murray, who lives in northern Kentucky. “I love the fact that we have a hard-nosed defensive minded coach. Football is about attitude … and defensive guys bring attitude,” Murray said.
The four players responded to various questions about the hiring of Stoops and what impact it will have on UK football.
Question: Has the hiring of Mark Stoops changed your enthusiasm about Kentucky football?
Hopewell: “Let me say 1st our hearts bleed Big Blue. My family loves coach Phillips and Leslie and all they meant to this program. We all hate things did not work out for him and we want to thank him for everything he has done for us. Thank you coach Phillips.
“Coach Stoops brings name recognition for sure. We have all heard of him and his family for a long time. I can say those close to me have already circled the spring game and are ready to travel to all the away games, too. Listening to the radio as things unfolded I had chill bumps as I read the release on the UK website and I cannot wait to hear the press conference Sunday. All the talk was positive as it should be at this time.”
Murray: “Without a doubt. He is connected in Ohio. This is the largest miss in Kentucky football history. We have more players per year in Cincy alone than the entire state of Kentucky and we have never had success recruiting there.”
Maggard: “My enthusiasm and passion for UK football stays pretty high, but coach Stoops brings a change that is exciting for UK fans. My family attends games at Commonwealth Stadium thru good and bad, so we’ll be there as we always have been. Just may have some more friends ask if they can tag along. Coach Stoops’ name and track record as a coordinator and recruiter brings on thoughts of competing in the SEC East. It’s going to be a fun ride.”
Abney: “I’ve surprised myself in that I’m more enthusiastic than I would have been with an offensive-minded coach. That is because I have yet to hear a negative thing about Mark Stoops, save he has no head coaching experience. Results will tell the whole story but, preliminarily, I really like the Mark Stoops choice.”
Question: Do you think he can immediately win the overall UK fan base back that seemed to bail out this year?
Hopewell: “Oh, no doubt about that. Coach Stoops has a good resume. He deserves a chance to run his own show based on that. I think UK and (athletics director) Mitch Barnhart naming a leader for our program is a big hit. Knowing who is in charge brings all the excitement back. Larry you have done a great job turning Kentucky into a football state and I want to thank you too. We need reporters like you to keep UK fans not only in Kentucky informed but nationwide and those abroad. I know how hard this particular change has been on you but I thank you for staying with the work you had to do. It has been good to hear and read all the news about UK football with the tough year we have had. How crazy will it get when we win the SEC!”
Murray: “I think the fan base is in shock. I really think that they were convinced Mitch could/would not close a deal on a guy like Stoops.”
Maggard: “I don’t think Nick Saban could win over 100 percent of our fan base, but this hire is hopefully a step in the right direction to re-connect the BBN. The last couple weeks have been unique, and not in a good way. I’ve been a UK fan for 40 years, and had never seen such divide and at times apathy. That can be attributed to many factors, I hope now we can all agree to support our student-athletes, coaches, and university. The initial press conference is vital; winning at Sunday’s event will definitely set the tone. From what I hear, it’s going to be incredible. I am confident that today’s excitement will be reflected in ticket sales. I’ve always said UK football fans are the best in the nation. They, we, should be rewarded for years of dedication to the program and deserve the very best.”
Abney: “Absolutely. The only fans that may be disappointed are the die-hard ‘air raid’ fans that want to see lots of touchdowns on offense. Fortunately, a great defense doesn’t necessarily mean an anemic offense.”
9 CommentsBy LARRY VAUGHT
Freddie Maggard and Andy Murray are two former Wildcats who remain Kentucky fans and regularly attend games. Maggard, who lettered from 1989-1991, lives in Lawrenceburg and Murray, who lettered from 1986-1989, in Independence.
Question: What things would you tell current players that might help them?
Murray: “I think the best advice is to believe in your teammates and coaches and not let the outside noise get to you. I also told them (the captains) in the captains’ breakfast this year that they need to take some ownership in this thing as well. They need to be the example for all of this new young talent coming into our program.”
‘“These new players will learn how to practice and prepare themselves based on the veterans work habits. I asked the captains if they were leading in a positive way, or were they just trying to make it through the process. When you talk about winning and tradition, that is why the great programs have success year in and year out. Someone, at some point, taught everyone involved in the program how to work and how to win. They established a mark/bar that you never wanted to find yourself below. Finding yourself below that mark meant you did not sustain the winning ways. When we get that from the older members of this team, we will win.”
Maggard: “That they are not alone, names on the back of the jerseys may change, but the stories are generationally common. Take Morgan Newton, I had the same shoulder surgery my junior year and had to deal with the rehab and pain to fight back. I understand what he’s going through. Take advantage of the C.A.T.S Center and the resources available to earn their degree which is a must in today’s environment. Choose a post-football career that you are passionate about. A career is for a life-time and much different than having a job for 30 years.”
2 CommentsBy LARRY VAUGHT
Former Kentucky football players have been invited to not only attend Saturday’s scrimmage at Commonwealth Stadium, but also have lunch with the players after the scrimmage. Spouses and children are also invited. Freddie Maggard and Andy Murray are two former Wildcats who remain Kentucky fans and regularly attend games. Maggard, who lettered from 1989-1991, lives in Lawrenceburg and Murray, who lettered from 1986-1989, in Independence.
They shared their thoughts on this move by UK to reach out to football alumni.
Question: Do you see this as a step to maybe make former players feel more a part of the program than many seem to now?
Murray: “I think the former players feel a connection to Joker and these kids and will always feel connected based on the sacrifices we made during our time in Lexington.”
Maggard: “I would like to hope so. Like I said earlier, Joker Phillips has stressed former player re-connection more than any other coach I can remember. But, Joker is the head coach. His responsibilities don’t allow him to coordinate the events, stuff invitation envelopes, send email invites, or work the grill. He is and should be focused on the big picture.
“It’s paramount that his vision is supported from within the program, alumni organizations, and from the University. These groups require synchronization to enact a successful alumni program. Somebody may ask why this is so important. It must be significant; many SEC programs have a person on staff just for Alumni Relations. Alumni functions are not accidental and require in-depth planning and organization. But more importantly, it takes passion.
“I’m excited to see Jeremy Jarmon in his new role and would like to see former players of all generations welcomed, not just pocketed tenures. We don’t need separate Brooks’ guys, Mumme’s guys, or even Claiborne’s guys. We need UK Men. We don’t have to look far to see a successful example. The family environment atmosphere is one thing that is universally praised in Rupp Arena. ’d like to see that same ‘welcome home passion to former football players as well. That’s a win-win for all things UK.”
Question: What could this mean to the current players to have a chance to meet former players such as yourself?
Maggard: “I’m not sure I bring much to the table there, but I think it’s very important that current players meet alumnus like Lt. Col. Travis Powers, a former walk-on quarterback from Middlesboro that ended up as a long-snapper and special teams’ captain that battled through knee surgeries to contribute to the program he dearly loves. Travis is now a Marine Corp Aviator. So is Major Jeff Speedy. I bet most players on the team and sadly some fans have never heard of Wilbur Hackett who was a courageous SEC pioneer in the 60’s. To say it was an honor to meet him would be a tremendous understatement.
“Those are just a few examples of how former Wildcats have developed leadership at the University that have real-world ramifications. I know Lt. Col. Powers and Mr. Hackett have both attended our Captain’s Breakfast in the past. Those stories should and must be shared within the program and with our fans. I’ve always said UK football fans are the best in the SEC. I’d like to even see a fan appreciation day. Certainly they’ve earned that reward.”
Next: What former players would like to share with current players.
By LARRY VAUGHT
Former Kentucky football players have been invited to not only attend Saturday’s scrimmage at Commonwealth Stadium, but also have lunch with the players after the scrimmage. Spouses and children are also invited. Former players can make arrangements to also attend other practices, but coach Joker Phillips set up Saturday’s event specifically for former Cats to have a chance to meet and spend time with the current players.
Freddie Maggard and Andy Murray are two former Wildcats who remain Kentucky fans and regularly attend games. Maggard, who lettered from 1989-1991, lives in Lawrenceburg and Murray, who lettered from 1986-1989, in Independence.
They shared their thoughts on this move by UK to reach out to football alumni.
Question: What do you think of the offer for former players to come have lunch with current players after practice Saturday?
Murray: “I think it is great for the program to reach out to its history and let the current team know and understand that there are still a lot of guys out there that would love to have one more shot in Commonwealth. I also think Joker has done a much better job of reaching out to us than past coaches.”
Maggard: “I appreciate the opportunity. I hope to see a many old friends at the luncheon. Joker’s done more for alumni re-connection than any other coach I can remember. I truly think it’s very important to him as well as it should be. Former players are the program’s best ambassadors; I’ve never understood why we’ve not been engaged more in the past. But, from the Captain’s Breakfast to this, Joker’s vision of a strong alumni base has been evident; I’d like to see that vision supported. I see this is a step in that direction.”
Question: Is this something you would like to see become a tradition at Kentucky?
Murray: “I think that anytime you talk about traditions, you think of established powers in their given sport. Joker is trying to establish his mark, or stamp, on this program and that starts with its history and his knowledge of our history and how hard it has been to establish something of substance. This process of inviting players back is not costly … but I think it can be very beneficial in the long run if we can make everyone feel welcome.”
Maggard: “Absolutely, and more opportunities like this can only strengthen the UK football family. Quite honestly, some guys graduate, leave, and don’t want to come back regardless of where they went to school. That’s understandable, but there are also folks like me that are UK fanatics that side more with being a fan than being a part of the organization if that makes sense. For me personally, I love the alumni events. I get to meet players that I looked up to as a kid and still have the game programs with their autographs on the cover. I remember the 1977 team. My dad gave me a dollar every time I could name all 22 starters before listening to the away games with Cawood (Ledford) at the call. Missing a home game was not an option. Being 10 years old and being the first vehicle in parking lot waiting on the bus to get a high five from Derrick Ramsey. That’s what UK football means to me. We have season tickets, go to away games, and I leave no doubt in the conversation that I’m a UK guy.”
Next: They discuss if this is a needed step to make former players feel more a part of the program.
Blue Zoom Radio Show
Polls
Loading ...Choose Your Favorite!
Recent Comments