quote:

---

Originally posted by prophet:
I've made the same comment time and time again on this and other UK sites, and nearly always responders say that it's not the case. UK is destined to remain a second-tier team without more talent especially speed.

---

quote:

---

though worded probably more harshly than really necessary

---

Personally, I don't find the wording harsh at all. It's very simply the truth. If we are not able to recruit more speed, we are destined to be a second tier program which can from time to time make a 7-5 record.

[ 11-24-2007, 04:10 PM: Message edited by: bayer ]
 

---

Posted by KyCat (Member # 146) on 11-24-2007, 04:14 PM:
 
Different strokes I guess. To me the entire comment added nothing and the 'second tier' comment while perhaps accurate was unnecessary and thus harsh. From my perspective, why be negative for no apparent reason other than to note you have made the obvious observation before. Even the coaches has indicated the need for speed and has made it a priority to recruit speed. I recall that when he first got there there was something like only one player with 4.5 speed and now that number is somewhere around 20.

[ 11-24-2007, 04:18 PM: Message edited by: KyCat ]
 

---

Posted by bayer (Member # 462) on 11-24-2007, 05:08 PM:
 
The point is, to compete, we need more overall team speed.
 

---

Posted by SCWC (Member # 2464) on 11-24-2007, 05:35 PM:
 
In listening to one of the radio broadcasts I heard the announcers say that when Brooks took over at UK they had one player with better than 4.5 speed and that they now have 15 so they seem to be trying to move in the speed direction.
 

---

Posted by Brandon (Member # 108) on 11-24-2007, 05:48 PM:
 
They also need to recruit ability, especially in the offensive line and the safety positions.

Speed on defense is what is needed most of all. The offense can patch speed people in as needed. Speed can make up for mistakes sometimes, but we also need ability.
 

---

Posted by ukcatfannfl (Member # 1425) on 11-24-2007, 05:58 PM:
 
Don't be too hard on him - back to back 7-5 seasons is not too bad considering what we have been used to in the past.

He is recruiting better each year and in fact has about 15 players he did redshirt this year. That hasnt happened in my recent memory.

This was a tough one to lose but we did take it to Tenn and certainly had our chances.

Another bowl this year means more practice time and hence a better team next year or at least more experienced. (I know we will have a hard time replaceing the seniors but good fast guys are playing now and coming up in the system))
.

Keep the faith!! Anything else will give us all a heart attack!@!

[ 11-24-2007, 05:59 PM: Message edited by: ukcatfannfl ]
 

---

Posted by prophet (Member # 2089) on 11-24-2007, 06:07 PM:
 
Speaking of posting on other sites, here's mine:

For a fan who predicted 5-7 I can't be too disappointed. Disappointed today? Sure but it was exciting and courageous play. After all the seasons with losing records, 7-5 and back-to-back bowls is an improvement. Moving up to next level, especially in SEC, is going to take more and better players because we know the other teams aren't going to backtrack. A whole lot of work, a lot better recruiting and possibly a new, younger, more energetic coach. Now onto the bowl game and win #8....I've enjoyed the season
 

---

Posted by SCWC (Member # 2464) on 11-24-2007, 06:50 PM:
 
I personally think Brooks has done a wonderful job at UK. He took over a program on probation and has turned UK football into a very competetive sport. I am very happy with the team I have seen him assemble and have certainly enjoyed watching this group of young men play the game this year.
 

---

Posted by bayer (Member # 462) on 11-24-2007, 07:03 PM:
 
Please don't think this thread was some kind of attempt to criticize Coach Brooks. It was nothing of the sort. Coach Brooks and his Assistants have done a marvelous job of getting better athletes at nearly every position. What I was saying in the initial post is that now we need to work on increasing team speed. Even today it was obvious to me that UT, on both sides of the ball had much more and much better team speed than we did.

What Coach Brooks has done is nothing short of a miracle, given what he was handed when he took the job. But, if he is willing to continue the job, then he will need to get more speed on the team to continue the march upward.
 

---

Posted by SCWC (Member # 2464) on 11-24-2007, 08:06 PM:
 
I did not take your post as a criticism Bayer, it was a factual statement of what is needed for the future success of the program. We do need more speed at all positions to vie with the better teams in the SEC, and like you, I am very proud of these young men representing our University on the Grid Iron this season. They can hold their heads high.
 

---