By LARRY VAUGHT
As Youngstown (Ohio) Christian coach Brian Marrow watched Tymere Dubose play basketball, he kept thinking what a superb football player he could be, too.
“He is raw. Last year was his first year playing football, and he showed a lot. I talked him into playing football. I told him with his size and the way he moved on the basketball court, he could get something in football,” said Marrow.
He got that, too, Saturday when he became the first football player from his school to commit to a Division I program — Kentucky. The 6-5, 255-pound Dubose had offers from Michigan State, West Virginia, Maryland and Pittsburgh. Ohio State, Purdue, Penn State and Oregon had called about Dubose and Marrow was expecting more schools to begin to show interest as Dubose’s highlight tape circulated.
“He had a good first year. He was a good pass rusher and played the run well. He has a ways to go, but his upside is large,” Marrow said. “He’s good in basketball. He didn’t make all-state or anything, but he’s really a good athlete.”
Because Dubose has not been to summer camps or clinics, Marrow knows he could make dramatic improvement once he gets to Kentucky and works under defensive line coach Jimmy Brumbaugh and head coach Mark Stoops, the former defensive coordinator at Florida State.
“I think Kentucky is really getting a good player. With Stoops and his staff, they are going to do big things for Kentucky,” Marrow said. “He will definitely be a defensive end at Kentucky. I am not an expert on defensive line play, but I definitely think he will be an end. He’s a good kid, a fun kid. His grades are good and he’s doing pretty decent academically. I told him now he would have to hit it even harder now with the expectations being big on him. He has to work out and hit the books even more to get his grades up even higher.”
Marrow certainly knows plenty about the staff at Kentucky. His brother, Vince, is the tight ends coach at UK. He’s know Stoops since he played football with his brother. Brian Marrow’s high school coach was Stoops’ uncle.
“I know the reputation Mark Stoops has and knew he would be a good fit at Kentucky,” the Youngstown coach said. “I just wanted to see if he (Dubose) was wanted. He took a visit to the spring game with his grandmother and mother and they all really liked it. Once he told me that, I told him I thought it would be a good fit for him at Kentucky. People on that staff are accountable to me to look out for his best interests.”
Those are not the coach’s only ties to Kentucky. His daughter lives in Lexington and works at the University of Kentucky hospital. But get this — he coached former UK star linebacker Danny Trevathan, who is now with the Denver Broncos, in little league in Youngstown.
“Danny moved when he was about 12 or 13. But I’ve had my eye on Kentucky and I was excited when Stoops got the job. I remember my daughter texting me when they were looking at Stoops and thought then he could be great for Kentucky,” Marrow said. “His reputation is so good. It’s that way with the whole Stoops’ family. It would not surprise me if they won some games they are not expected to win next year and get this turned around.
“I know it will take time but I would not be surprised if they do turn it around quick. I do not want to put pressure them on because know I know it will be hard in the SEC, but it would not surprise me at all to see them do that.”
If it happens, one reason could be the recruiting Vince Marrow is doing in Ohio. He’s already got five verbal commitments from Ohio in UK’s 2014 recruiting class as well as one highly-touted transfer.
3 CommentsBy LARRY VAUGHT
LOUISVILLE — Kentucky coach Joker Phillips had a passionate plea for UK football fans.
“Get behind this team. You don’t have to get behind me. It’s the wrong thing for a coach to sell himself and what he does. Coaches change (jobs) on their own or don’t win. Coaches retire. You are not about to see me selling me. I am selling you the fans (in recruiting). This a great state, great university. I tell that to players when they come here,” said Phillips during an appearance at the Louisville Quarterback Club.
“Get behind them. Don’t get behind me. When this thing is all over for me, I will be one of you and will be behind this thing. Get behind this team. They deserve that.”
Phillips also tactfully explained to those questioning the coaching staff changes he’s had in his two years why that is not a bad thing and how receivers coach Pat Washington and secondary coach Mike Cassity are valuable additions to his third UK team.
“I learned a lot from (former assistant coach) Bill Glaser (who was in the audience). I learned not to be afraid to speak up when I was working under him at Kentucky,” Phillips said. “I like change. I am not afraid of change. I want staff changes every two years. I am open to new ideas. The same thing year after year is not always good. I want to be open to new ideas and things and tell our coaches that.
“If you have change, I see that as a good. Mike Cassity wanted to be back here. He’s from Kentucky, played at Kentucky. He’s put 35 guys into the NFL. I am glad to have him back coaching the right team in this state (after previously coaching at Louisville). Pat Washington has coached in this league for 13 years and played in this league. He coached and recruited Tee Martin (at Tennessee). When Tee left (for USC), why not go get him.”
Phillips called the Southeastern Conference a “grown man’s league” and noted that is why it was encouraging to view UK’s defensive line as the team’s strength based on the way the returning players performed the second half of last season.
“Mister Cobble is a Myron Pryor, Corey Peters (two former Cats now playing in the NFL). The biggest adjustment for college kids in athletics is being able to go from freshmen to sophomores. Once they get to their sophomore year, you can see things go uphill. He had a problem (academically) getting to be a sophomore. He didn’t care of himself academically. Now he is way ahead academically and I think he will get his degree next year,” Phillips said of his defensive tackle.
“Him and Donte Rumph, who we signed three times … he ought to be good. He is a guy coming into his own, too. Danny (Trevathan) made a lot of tackles last year and people said our defensive line was not very good. But the defensive line did not let guys get on the linebackers and Danny made plays because of the guys up front.
“End Collins Ukwu is a self-made guy. He’s a first generation football player from Nigeria. He has not grown up in the game. The most natural guy at the position is Farrington Hugeunin, a guy we redshirted last year. He has the most natural ability. He is a more natural defensive end. Those guys are why I think the defensive line will be the strength of our team.”
Danny Trevathan
ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) — Wesley Woodyard is gearing up for a bigger role than ever with the Denver Broncos.
The fifth-year pro is coming off a year in which he piled up career highs in tackles (97), starts (seven) and forced fumbles (two) while replacing middle linebacker Joe Mays on passing downs and making spot starts at weakside linebacker for D.J. Williams.
Williams, who led the team in tackles after missing the first three games with an elbow injury, is facing a six-game drug suspension to start the 2012 season. He also has an Aug. 15 trial on misdemeanor driving under the influence and traffic charges.
Williams’ troubles might give Woodyard the chance to have much more than a rotational role in Denver’s 4-3 scheme next season, especially early on.
Woodyard, whose role has increased every year in Denver since the Broncos signed him as an undrafted free agent out of Kentucky in 2008, parlayed his outstanding 2011 season into a two-year, $3.5 million contract over the winter.
That may not be starter’s money in today’s NFL, but Woodyard indicated Tuesday after the team’s latest voluntary practice that he has his sights set on joining Mays and reigning Defensive Rookie of the Year Von Miller atop the Broncos’ depth chart at linebacker.
“Everybody wants to be a starter,” Woodyard said. “This year it’s going to be an open competition once we start summer camp, so I feel like my options are open everywhere that I would have (gone).”
Woodyard was the starter on the weak side during an open practice Monday, when Williams was absent from the start of four days of voluntary on-field workouts.
Woodyard said Williams’ off-field issues aren’t something that he ponders.
“No, man, we don’t talk about that. That’s his issues. I’ve just got to be ready whenever I’m called to be on the field,” Woodyard said. “It’s out of my hands. I’ve just got to be the next guy to step up and if I get a chance to compete for that starting spot during summer camp, I’m definitely going to do it.”
Williams is suing the NFL, seeking to overturn his drug suspension without pay. The lawsuit contends that the league violated protocol in collecting urine samples.
Woodyard said he wasn’t bothered when the Broncos drafted another quick and undersized weakside linebacker out of Kentucky in Danny Trevathan in April.
“It’s a great opportunity for both of us,” Woodyard said. “We’ll both compete and I know what type of player he is, coming from a school that I went to. I know he’s going to give it his all every time he steps on the field, so it’s an honor to have a guy like him on our team.”
Woodyard said he’s been counseling Trevathan for years, so it’s not like he’s suddenly sharing the tricks of the trade with him during these offseason workouts.
“He’s kind of like my little brother, but I’m trying to give him the chance to learn the things he can do and that he can’t do before I go in there and try to tell him everything,” Woodyard said. “So, he’s coming along well. I think he’s had like two interceptions throughout these OTAs, so he’s doing pretty good.”
Danny Trevathan lifts Ronnie Sneed during spring practice. (Clay Jackson photo)
DENVER BRONCOS 2012 NFL DRAFT CONFERENCE CALL QUOTES (4/28/12)
LINEBACKER DANNY TREVATHAN (6th Round No. 188 overall)
On his relationship with Broncos LB Wesley Woodyard
“It’s been an honor to see him play. I never had a chance to play with him. I think our football characteristics are similar. I strive [to be] like him, he’s a great leader, I can’t wait to play with him this year.â€
On his contact with the Broncos prior to the draft
“There wasn’t that much, but there was enough to know that they were interested. You never know with the draft. You just have to play your game.”
On not being able to live without “haters,†like it says in the University of Kentucky media guide
“They motivate me. That’s always going to be in the back of my mind. You have to pay attention to yourself and strive for excellence. In this world they are looking for you to fail. You can’t be one of those dudes that give up when times get hard.â€
On where he sees himself playing
“I can see myself playing whatever they need me to play. I played Will and Mike here. I also can play Sam.â€
On his charity work in Ethiopia
“It taught me to not take things for granted. It built into the character I am right now. It helped me learn to take it one day at a time. There will be people that don’t see like you do, but you’ve got to learn how to live. Live your life and not worry about anything else.â€
On what he did in Ethiopia
“I did missionary work. I went to the leper colony, I went to the orphanage, I helped build fences for their camp. I just interacted and tried to blend my culture with them.â€
2 Comments
Danny Trevathan (22) and Winston Guy (21). (Victoria Graff photo)
LEXINGTON, Ky. – Kentucky safety Winston Guy and linebacker Danny Trevathan were selected by Seattle and Denver, respectively, in the sixth round of the National Football League draft Saturday afternoon.
Guy was the 11th pick of the sixth round, 181st overall, and the only safety taken by Seattle through the first six rounds. Trevathan was tabbed seven picks later, at the 18th slot of the sixth round and 188th overall, and the only linebacker chosen by Denver through round six.
Guy, who came to UK from Lexington Catholic High School, played a different position each year as a Wildcat – cornerback as a freshman, free safety as a sophomore, strong safety as a junior and the hybrid linebacker/safety slot as a senior. He started his final three seasons.
Guy’s senior season was his best, making 120 tackles and ranking second in the Southeastern Conference in that category behind teammate Trevathan. Guy added 14 tackles for loss, 1.5 quarterback sacks, two pass interceptions, two pass breakups, one fumble caused and one fumble recovery. He finished his career with a bang, notching 14 tackles and earning an ESPN “helmet sticker†for his role in UK’s 10-7 upset of Tennessee. He earned second-team All-SEC honors by The Associated Press, SEC Coaches and Phil Steele’s College Football.
Guy also eclipsed the century mark as a junior with 106 tackles, including a career-high 18 stops in a win over Vanderbilt. He had three interceptions and four tackles for loss during that season. He was a second-team All-SEC choice by CollegeFootballNews.com.
For his career, Guy totaled 297 tackles, five interceptions and nine pass breakups. He also returned 19 kickoffs during career with an average of 25.0 yards per return. He helped the Wildcats to three bowl appearances, the AutoZone Liberty Bowl following the 2008 season, the 2009 Gaylord Hotels Music City Bowl and the BBVA Compass Bowl after the 2010 season.
Guy is the first Wildcat to be selected by Seattle since linebacker Dean Wells in 1993. Wells played six years for the Seahawks (1993-98) and three more with Carolina (1999-2001).
Trevathan led the Southeastern Conference in tackles each of his last two seasons. As a senior, he totaled 143 tackles, 11.5 tackles for loss, three sacks, four pass interceptions, five pass breakups, caused five fumbles and had one fumble recovery. He led the nation’s linebackers in fumbles caused (five) and was second among the nation’s linebackers in interceptions (four).
Thanks to Trevathan’s all-around excellence, he was named the National Linebacker of the Year by the College Football Performance Awards. He was named second-team All-America by SportsIllustrated.com and a first-team All-SEC choice by numerous selectors, including AP and ESPN.com.
Trevathan’s junior year was equally outstanding, as his 144 tackles led the SEC. He also had 16 tackles for loss that season, three sacks, three pass breakups and caused four fumbles. He became the first linebacker in Kentucky history to be named first-team All-America when he was chosen for that honor by CollegeFootballNews.com. He also received several first-team All-SEC accolades, including AP and SEC coaches.
Trevathan’s career numbers feature some monster totals – 374 tackles, 32.5 tackles for loss, six sacks, nine breakups, 11 fumbles caused and two fumble recoveries. He helped the Wildcats to three bowl appearances, the AutoZone Liberty Bowl following the 2008 season, the 2009 Gaylord Hotels Music City Bowl and the BBVA Compass Bowl after the 2010 season.
Trevathan joins three other Wildcats in Denver. Special teams captain Wesley Woodyard (UK 2004-07) has been with the team four years. Tight end Jacob Tamme, who has been with the Indianapolis Colts the last four seasons, signed with Denver in the off-season. Defensive end Jeremy Jarmon, who played two seasons with the Washington Redskins, also has signed with Denver as a free agent.
Seattle finished 7-9 last season for Coach Pete Carroll.
5 CommentsDanny Trevathan (22) and Winston Guy (21). (Victoria Graff photo)
By LARRY VAUGHT
What has linebacker Danny Trevathan meant to the Kentucky football program since the Cats persuaded the undersized linebacker to leave Florida and become a Wildcat?
“Danny means a lot to this program, and most of his production has come in the last two years. Watching the way he went about his business has been special. The guy last week was really probably the best game I’ve seen him play. Many would say other games would be. He had 17 tackles. He’s done that before. But just how he was patient and calling at the right time,” Kentucky coach Joker Phillips said.
“A lot of times you watch this game, Danny couldn’t see the runner. He just has the instinct and the knack to understand that, if I stay on this side just long enough, the running back is going to cut off the blocker to the other side, and he’d stay on that side just long enough to let the back commit and then come out the other side and make the play.
“Just the way he just glides across the field, waits till the last minute to strike. He’s just amazing to watch. He alone willed the defense to play the way they played Saturday (at Georgia). We continue to tell them to come up to his level, and everyone on defense that tried to play better than they were capable of. I think a lot of that had to do with the way Danny Trevathan played.
“He makes plays when needed. Caused fumbles, had sacks. I think he caused two fumbles and had a big sack, three tackles for loss. He’s just that guy that can get everybody lined up, and that’s been real helpful for us.”
And yet he’s not one of 12 linebackers on the Butkus Award list for the nation’s best linebacker despite leading the SEC in tackles.
“It would be hard for me to find 12 better linebackers than Danny as far as production. He’s playing in a pretty good league, and the production that he has had the last two years, if he matches his last couple of weeks, we’re talking a guy that could have over 150 tackles in this league in one season. That’s amazing within itself. So I’m hard pressed to find 12 other guys that’s better than him, in my opinion.”
Mine, too.
But today I want to know what you will remember best about Trevathan, a true warrior and all-around great guy. As much as I’ll remember the big plays, I’ll also remember him mourning the loss of his dog, talking about advice his mother gave him and how much he liked being interviewed by vaughtsviews.com Maria Montgomery, a former Miss Kentucky. He never saw a kid he didn’t like or want to talk to. He never gave up.
So tell me, what will you remember most about this special, special athlete as he prepares to play his final UK game?
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