CATS LAIR

By: LONNY DEMAREE

• At Wheeler’s breakfast Bar I have to be the voice of reason on what is perceived as ambivalence around the south toward UK football. My explanation was until UK defeats U of L consistently and likewise the Tennessee Volunteers, respect will not come.

• UK first opponent this season is Louisiana Monroe is coached by Terry Bowden whose brother Tommy that was Bill Curry’s first offensive coordinator in 1990.

• UK’s newest coaching addition Chris Collins was asked how was UK being viewed around the SEC and what is its brand. He said a program that develops players.

• Paul Finebaum on yesterday’s program was asked who the SEC dark-horses were. He said seriously, Kentucky and Missouri and he’s landing on Missouri.

• Reports from the UK camp are that JJ Weaver’s rehab is progressing nicely. Weaver has a lot of the Josh Allen attributes.

• PFF (Pro Football Focus) said the two best players returning in the SEC this season are Kentucky’s offensive tackle Darian Kinnard and Kentucky’s running back Chris Rodriquez. That’s heady stuff.

• Mark Stoops said they are shifting more of their recruiting to the south. He mention Tennessee where he has already made a dent getting the Wade twins Keaton and Destin both 247 sports 4-star players.

• Jon Sumrall said he is shaking the bushes in Mississippi. Looks like he has already shaken one out in the arrival of Jacquez Jones.