Sanders takes over Kentucky recruiting

Sanders, who also coaches quarterbacks, was the recruiting coordinator at the University of Tennessee 1993-98.

"I'm glad that Randy has accepted the added responsibilities as recruiting coordinator, a role in which he has successful experience," Brooks told the Lexington Herald-Leader. "He is very organized and is a good evaluator of talent, qualities which make him ideal for the job."

So it's no surprise that the Herald-Leader reported that Kentucky is wooing the Alcoa High School trio of running back Chris Shiverdecker, wide receiver Kyrus Lanxter and defensive end Rae Sykes. Lanxter has committed to West Virginia.

Last week, Kentucky promoted Steve Brown from defensive backs coach to defensive coordinator. He replaces Mike Archer, who left for the coordinator job at North Carolina State.

"You always sit in the back seat wondering how you would do if you had the different seat," Brown said. "When I was told about Mike's departure, I was excited, but yet again, I was nervous, because now it's on (my) shoulders."

Brooks said there was "no hesitation" on his part in choosing Brown to replace Archer and guide a defense that last season ranked 118th out of 119 NCAA Division I-A teams in average yards allowed.

"He's very bright; he's articulate; he communicates well with young men," Brooks said. "He's a teacher, and I think it's critically important that you are a good teacher to be a coach, period."

Brinson will coach running backs while Lockwood will work with defensive backs. Brinson comes to Kentucky after having coached running backs for 23 years on the staff of Ken Hatfield at Air Force, Arkansas, Clemson and Rice. The Owls led the nation in rushing in 2004 and finished in the top five several other times during Brinson's tenure.

Brinson, who played at Florida and spent five years in the NFL, winning a Super Bowl with the Dallas Cowboys in 1978. He'll get to work with senior standout Rafael Little.

"Larry is an excellent recruiter and has developed outstanding running backs during his career," Brooks said. "He also has connections with SEC schools from his playing days at Florida and coaching at Arkansas."

Lockwood comes to Kentucky after five years at the University of Minnesota, where he served as defensive coordinator the last two seasons. Lockwood, an 18-year coaching veteran, began his career as an assistant at his alma mater, West Virginia, in 1989. He has also coached at Delaware, James Madison, Memphis, West Virginia and Notre Dame.

Lockwood turned down offers from other schools, including Kansas, to come to Kentucky.

"It (Kentucky) is a program on a rise ... in a big-time conference," he said. "When you're in it 18 years, it's not all about the prestige of the place. It's about the guy you're working for and the staff you're working for."

Pulley's Status: Backup quarterback Chris Pulley has withdrawn from school and isn't attending Kentucky this semester.

"He has some academic issues to take care of," Brooks said. "He'll re-enroll in the fall."

Pulley will sit out the 2007 season and redshirt, Brooks said.

Brooks added that the 6-foot-4, 200-pound Pulley intends to play for the Wildcats in 2008, when he'd be a junior, if all goes according to plan. Pulley would have two years of eligibility remaining.

Pulley was named Kentucky's starting quarterback in spring practice last year before losing the job to junior Andre' Woodson in the fall.

Pulley played in every game, primarily as a wide receiver and in spot duty at quarterback.

Pulley's absence this spring means that two redshirt freshmen will back up Woodson: Will Fidler and Mike Hartline.