The storyline coach Rich Brooks is pushing for Kentucky football in 2005 is emphasizing the new guys.

Coming off a 2-9 season and picked to finish behind even Vanderbilt in the SEC East, that's understandable. You wouldn't want to talk about the old guys too much.

"By the end of this year you're going to know some new names at Kentucky,'' Brooks promised.

In his second year in Lexington, Brooks played nine true freshmen on a team whose numbers are down due to NCAA probation sanctions. Five ended up starting.

His third year is more of same.

"Seven to 10 will play significant roles, and some of them may be starting,'' Brooks said. "Depth is an issue, but part of it is some of them are pretty good.''

Here's a sneak preview of some of those knew names who will emerge:

Mikhail Mabry and Johnny Williams are true freshmen who might start at linebacker because the Wildcats lost three projected starters for various reasons.

"We had some offseason attrition that opened the door for some faster, impressive young linebackers,'' Brooks said. "They need to play like veterans and they're not.''

Shomari Moore and Jarrell Williams are redshirt freshmen pushing for jobs at cornerback. So is true freshman Trevard Lindley.

Depending on freshmen to bolster your defense is risky in the SEC. But considering the Wildcats ranked last in the SEC in total defense last year (428 yards per game), what have they got to lose?

Brooks switched from a 3-4 look to a four-man front, in hopes of improving a dismal showing against the run.

Offensively, the Wildcats were also last in the league in 2004, a departure from the Hal Mumme/Jared Lorenzen days.

Kentucky scored more than 17 points only twice last season. Gone is coordinator Ron Hudson, replaced by Joker Phillips.

Phillips actually debuted in the season finale and a 37-31 loss at Tennessee at least gave the program encouragement.

So does the ascension of sophomore Andre Woodson, to take over for Shane Boyd at quarterback.

Woodson was recruited by Tennessee and Penn State and has some credentials. He completed 61 percent of his passes last year coming off the bench.

"He's 6-foot-6, 230 pounds and is extremely accurate throwing the ball,'' Brooks said. "He has a chance to be a rising star in this league.''

Tommy Cook, one of Woodson's receivers, concurs.

"He has arm strength and accuracy,'' said Cook. "Sometimes, you have either/or.

"The difference this year is we'll have a more vertical attack passing and running because Andre can throw the deep ball.''

Andre Woodson, rising star. Remember the name.

If he doesn't have a big year there will probably be another new name to learn at the end of the season - the next coach.

Brooks knows he's on a hot seat. Six wins in two seasons and the Wildcats haven't been much fun to watch.

"I think we'll be a better team this year than most people perceive us to be,'' Brooks said.

"It's a situation where many players were recruited by (Hal) Mumme or (Guy) Morriss, different systems and different attitudes.

"Now we've got more guys pulling the wagon in the same direction and fewer detractors in the locker room than we've had in the past.''

Mike Strange may be reached at 865-342-6276.