SEC KICKOFF 2002
Southeastern Conference Football Media Days
July 30 - August 1 (Tuesday - Thursday)
Wynfrey Hotel * Hoover, Alabama

KENTUCKY PARTICIPANT AUDIO
  Coach Guy Morriss
  WR Derek Abney
  LB Ronnie Riley

Kentucky Quotes from Kickoff 2002 - SEC Football Media Days

Head Coach Guy Morriss

"We're anxious to get started and get the season going. I'm anxious to see how far we've progressed. It's going to be extremely important that we get through the majority of the season healthy. Our depth is a concern.

"In the secondary, we've got some young kids with ability but not lot of experience. They'll be tested often. If they can hold up and get some confidence we may be able to get on a roll in our non-conference schedule. Those are our 2 biggest concerns going into the season.

On Difficulty of UK job
"It's gotten easier just from the fact that any time assemble 10 different guys on a new staff it takes time get that group on same page. The team has got to get accustomed to the new staff. I think the players have done a good job of learning the scheme and the systems. We've asked kids to get a better grasp of what's going on around them. That should make us a better football team.

"Everybody talks about sanctions and all the stuff going on. Can't control it anyway so we don't waste a lot of time worrying about it. If you're an outside observer, all been hearing about is the negative stuff going on and all Kentucky football is gloom and doom. Obviously, we don't feel that way. We feel Kentucky football is in as good a shape as it's been in long time.

"We just hired a new athletic director and glad to see that happen. Obviously Kentucky's a good academic school. There's a lot of things we can sell that are very good at Kentucky. I tend to overlook the positive things.

On Quarterback Jared Lorenzen
"He really doesn't go up and down. He kind of stays about the same. I really stopped making an issue out of the weight. I want him to continue to bring his weight down, but I have shifted gears to just get him in the best shape that we possibly can.

"We feel we have a good plan in place to restore Kentucky football. It's a matter of staying true to that plan. I make a concerted effort to keep our staff in tact. I just think at maybe this particular time we have the right coaches in the right place at the right time. We'll get strong support from our administration, and I think maybe the stars are lining up for Kentucky football. I really feel that. That's what we're trying to sell.

Goals for this season
"Coming out of two-a-days to be healthy, we've got favorable schedule, three of first four at home. If we can come out 3-1 or 4-0 and get confidence rolling we might peck around enough to find two or three more wins. I think that's a realistic goal. Who knows? It's why you line up and play them.

KICKOFF 2002: KENTUCKY PHOTO GALLERY
(Click on the thumbnail to see the full size image and caption)