Douglas has also played linebacker for Largo, a state semifinalist in 2008. However, he hopes to be a defensive end with the Wildcats.
Versatility to his game
"I am going up there as defensive end, but I could play tight end if that does not work out or I could even try linebacker. I have some versatility to my game. That is why I feel like if there needs to be a change in my defense, I can help with that," Douglas said.
He says he ran the 40-yard dash in 4.6 seconds at the start of the season but has reduced his time to 4.56 recently. "I want to get faster before I go, too," he said.
He'll be joining the basketball team after this week's all-star football game and this spring he'll switch from throwing the shot put and discus to running the 200-meter dash, a move that should help his speed even more.
"I have speed and strength. That's why I hope I can challenge for a No. 1 spot next year," Douglas said.
He describes himself as a "high energy player who hates losing." His team lost three games this year — the most any team he has played on has ever lost.
"Me and losing aren't the best of friends. I am not used to that. I am a fierce competitor and have a high energy and passion for the game," he said.
He has a 2.9 grade-point average and will re-take the SAT and ACT in January after barely missing the needed score for freshman eligibility on his first try.
Douglas is not likely to get homesick during his time at Kentucky or have any problem adjusting to the cooler temperatures.
He was born in Connecticut and lived there for 12 years. He lived the next three years in North Carolina before moving to Florida after his freshman year of high school.
"I can play in any climate. I am used to any type of weather," he said.
He may also have another edge on many college freshmen — he can already do his own laundry.
"I grew up with my grandmother, aunt and mother. I can do what I need to do when it comes to laundry," Douglas said. "They are all happy I am going to school within driving distance for them so they can come see me play and follow my dream of playing in the SEC.
"I am excited to have this decision made. It never really bothered me being recruited and dealing with the phone calls. I still take out the garbage and do my chores. Nothing has changed except I know now I have my chance to play in the SEC," he said.
Hartline update: Junior quarterback Mike Hartline, who injured his knee against South Carolina in October, had swelling in his knee Monday after practicing Saturday and Sunday and did not work out.
"We'll have to judge his availability next week when we have four days in a row (Dec. 18-21) and see if that knee settles down or not," Brooks said. "That's the first two days of really good (football) activity he's had, even though he'd been going through treadmill, swim-ex, stairmaster and all that without any setbacks.
"This is the first setback we've had and we'll see if it settles down or whether it will flare up again next week."
Hartline played briefly against Vanderbilt, but that has been it since his injury Oct. 10.
Locke evaluation: Junior running back Derrick Locke, UK's leading rusher, has asked the NFL to evaluate his draft status like Wildcats Micah Johnson, Trevard Lindley and Jeremy Jarmon did last year. He's the only UK player to make the request this season.
Kentucky coach Rich Brooks, a former NFL head coach, would not offer any guesses on what the evaluation might say.
"That's why we do evaluations and send them in. I am not going to give an opinion. I will give one after we get the evaluation back," Brooks said.
Fields out: Freshman redshirt receiver E.J. Fields of Frankfort will not practice this month.
He was injured in the preseason and hoped to be able to participate in UK's bowl game.
""E.J. is not going to be able to practice. He will be down there with the injured players (during practice). He should be able to resume full activity in the middle of January," Brooks said.
