The knocks on Rich Brooks' Wildcats the last couple of years have been directed at the defensive side of the ball. If this spring is an accurate gauge, that's about to change.

The defense, featuring a hard-hitting, experienced secondary and a star-studded front, dominated the spring. Cornerback Trevard Lindley and defensive end Jeremy Jarmon are All-SEC-caliber players. Braxton Kelley has moved from middle to weak-side linebacker to help fill the big hole left by Wesley Woodyard, the SEC's leading tackler the past two seasons.

Kentucky appears to have all the ingredients for a very good defense this season.

The offense, on the other hand, has some concerns, specifically at quarterback.

While both Curtis Pulley and Mike Hartline showed signs in the spring, neither separated himself in the race to replace Andre Woodson as the 'Cats starter.

"The good news is that I think they both did some really good things and I feel very confident that our offense is not going to fall off the face of the earth with either one of them at quarterback," said Brooks after the spring game. "I am pleased with the level of play from both of them."

Copyright (C) 2008 The Sports Xchange. All Rights Reserved.