Training Camp

LEXINGTON - Four years ago Jacob Tamme remembers having to adjust to his first practices at Boyle County High School. As difficult as that transition was, it doesn't start to experience what Tamme is doing now that he has started preseason workouts at the University of Kentucky. "I came up for almost four weeks to get ahead start getting to know some of the guys," said Tamme. "I've been looking forward to this for a long time. I'm still not exactly sure what the real practices are going to be like, but I learned when we did our 7-on-7 scrimmages in the summer that the competition would be a lot tougher because everybody is so fast and athletic.

LEXINGTON - Freshman Josh Clemons was one of the prize recruits in Kentucky's 2011 recruiting class - and he's played that way. In two games, he's rushed for 165 yards on 25 carries, an average of 6.6 per try. He's scored twice - a 14-yard run against Western Kentucky and a UK¿freshman record 87-yard run against Central Michigan that was the fourth-longest rushing touchdown play in Kentucky history. “You hear the buzz around a facility in the summer of how he works in the weight room.

LEXINGTON - He's played football in various cities across the country, and even in Europe. However, there's also one constant about every place Chris Demaree has been. "I have always have a real good time playing football," the former Kentucky defensive end said. "I have been everywhere from San Diego to San Francisco to Chicago to Kansas City to Charlotte. I went to NFL Europe. I went to the Super Bowl. I've always had a good time. " Well, almost always. He did get discouraged late in his career at Kentucky because of the inconsistent defense the Wildcats had under coach Hal Mumme and defensive coordinator Mike Major.

Ventrell Jenkins never appreciated Kentucky head coach Rich Brooks and defensive line coach Rick Petri more than when he got to the Buffalo Bills' minicamp. "Coach Brooks and coach Petri got me ready for this opportunity. All the things I learned from coach Petri carried right over to the NFL," said Jenkins, a defensive end and the most valuable player in Kentucky's Liberty Bowl win last year. "I was so far ahead of most other rookies because of all the drills and things we had been doing for four years with coach Petri.

LEXINGTON - Kentucky defensive coordinator Steve Brown attended the NCAA Expert Coaches Academy in Dallas this weekend to discuss the shortage of ethnic minorities in head football coaching positions. Brown is entering his sixth year at Kentucky, his second as defensive coordinator. With Brown and Joker Phillips, Kentucky is the first school in Southeastern Conference history to have African-American defensive and offensive coordinators at the same time. Phillips has been designated as UK's head coach of the future following current coach Rich Brooks' eventual retirement.

LEXINGTON - Andrew Hopewell hoped this could be the year he would emerge as more than a special teams specialist for Kentucky. Instead, it has been a season without many highlights for the former Danville all-state player. "Team-wise, things could be a lot better," Hopewell said as the Wildcats prepare to host Georgia Saturday. "There is tons of room for improvement. " He still believes he had a chance to make a "season-changing" play against Alabama when he came through the line untouched so quickly that he could have tackled the punter.

TODAY Back to School Weekend FORT BOONESBOROUGH ? It won't be long until the kids are back in school, so spend one last summer weekend at Fort Boonesborough, 4375 Boonesborough Road. The campground is hosting a special weekend for kids and their parents full of activities like putt-putt golf, hikes and free tours. Events are for registered campers only, so call 527-3131 to reserve a space. SATURDAY Handbuilt pottery demonstration BEREA ? Ceramic artist Jana John of Louisville will demonstrate clay handbuilding techniques from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Kentucky Artisan Center, 975 Walnut Meadow Road.

RICHMOND - Chukki Okobi says he's the same football player he was before he earned the big ring on his right hand. But his old coach says that ring helps Okobi get through to young players in a way few others can. Okobi, a center with the Super Bowl champion Pittsburgh Steelers, brought his ring and his expertise to the Danny Hope Lineman Camp at Eastern Kentucky University Friday. "I'm not in there to take over the camp," Okobi said. "I just kind of add my two cents here and there.

Watching Kentucky beat Ohio University last week brought back a lot of good memories for Glenn Pakulak. It also made him want to get back on the playing field more than ever. The former UK punter had tryouts with Seattle, Pittsburgh and Detroit this year after failing to be picked in the National Football League draft. He was not signed by any of the three teams and now is waiting for another chance to impress an NFL team. "The number one thing is that you cannot get frustrated," said Pakulak.

LEXINGTON - Ellery Moore has no complaints about how life is treating him. "I am playing for the Lexington Horsemen. I have three beautiful kids, two boys and a little girl. I am blessed every day and cannot complain at all," said Moore, a defensive lineman at Kentucky from 2001-2004. Moore helped the Horsemen beat the RiverCity Rage 48-33 on Sunday in the first round of the playoffs and avenge two close regular-season losses. The Horsemen will host Eastern Conference champion Bloomington on Saturday.