The offensive line returned three starters - preseason all-Southeastern Conference tackle Garry Williams, guard Zipp Duncan and Jeffries. A fourth starter, guard Christian Johnson, has had back problems and also apparently is academically ineligible.
Still, with three starters intact, Brooks predicted all summer this would be his best offensive line at Kentucky.
"Really, it only takes one person, especially on offense, to throw everything off. It is one person here, one person there," Jeffries said. "I don't think it is as much the whole unit as it is just individual breakdowns.
"I think when we come together and mesh as a unit and find the right group, then I think we will be a really good offensive line. But it is going to take some time."
Jeffries blames himself
Jeffries faults himself as much as any newcomer in the line for the unit's production.
"I just think we are just having individual breakdowns. It could be me one play, then Garry (Williams) the next play. One person can mess everything up," Jeffries said.
"Once we can get going, we will be good. I think the individual pieces are still there. It just might take time. Me and Garry and the whole offensive line have made a pact to be more physical. We have to do that."
In the eye of the film-watcher
Jeffries said he is watching more film than ever before to try to improve his play.
"I try to get in as much film as I can during dead periods. Every day before I go eat or after I eat, I try to catch the film of what I did," he said. "I try to live in the film room. I probably don't do as much as I should.
"I think that is one thing that has helped me out more this year because I have watched more film and tried to be more a student of the game."
During his film study, he's grown to appreciate just how good Kentucky's defense, especially the front four, has become. It also has made him appreciate the preseason criticism the defense got the last two years when it was often outplayed by the Kentucky offense.
"It is kind of weird. My first two years we had those big offensive stars and the defense was just kind of sitting back. Now the tables are turned and payback is something else," he said.
However, he said there's still no reason to panic over the offensive line as Kentucky prepares for its season opener Aug. 31 at Louisville.
"I wouldn't throw us away yet. Don't count us out yet," he said. "It might take a little longer than what people hope for, but hopefully we can get the job done with what we have. That is what we are working for."
TV special: Tom Leach, the radio play-by-play voice of Kentucky football, has put together a special called "Tom's Top 25 Calls (1997-2007)" that will air 9 p.m. Saturday on WKYT-TV (Channel 27).
"The concept involves a countdown of my top 25 most memorable moments during the time I've been doing the games," Leach said. "Tim Couch and Andre Woodson were directly involved in four of the plays each - the most of any individual. And the 2006 season had the most plays of any single season to make the list.
"When we get to the top 10, there will be interviews with players and coaches talking about those specific plays and players."
The show is a joint production of WKYT and Tom Leach Productions.
