Wesley Woodyard

The workouts are over. The interviews are history. Now it's time for the real test. For the first time in recent memory, more than one Kentucky football player will be on the charts of many experts and NFL executives during the annual draft this weekend. The draft unofficially began earlier this week when the Miami Dolphins signed Michigan tackle Jake Long and officially made him the top pick in the draft. The bigger question mark is who will be No. 2. Because of a deeper talent pool that Kentucky coach Rich Brooks has developed over the past five years, the program has several players who will be given a look when the draft begins Saturday.

LEXINGTON - Kentucky tight end Jacob Tamme has been named an Academic All-American. Tamme, a senior, was named to the Academic All-America team selected by the College Sports Information Directors of America, the school an-nounced today. He is the third Kentucky player named to the Academic All-America first team in the last three years. The list includes fellow Boyle County High School graduate Taylor Begley, who was honored in 2005. Kentucky punter Tim Masthay was a second-team selection.

An eighth player has been added to Kentucky's team leadership council. The council, which has traditionally featured seven players elected by members of the football team, is selected by team members in each position group. Council members are J.D. Craigman (defensive line), Wesley Woodyard (linebackers), Roger Williams (defensive backs), Jason Leger (offensive line), Jacob Tamme (tight ends and specialists), Keenan Burton (wide receivers), Andre Woodson (quarterbacks and running backs)

LEXINGTON ? Sam Maxwell knows exactly what it will take for Kentucky to continue doing what it did when it won 21-14 at Auburn last week. "We know what kind of mindset we have to bring," said the senior linebacker. "We have to be intense, aggressive and disciplined. Auburn reminded me of Florida's offense. You had to be disciplined in what you did and now I think we have learned how to do that. " Maxwell knows about learning his lessons. He waited patiently for his chance to be a starter while playing behind players like Wesley Woodyard, Braxton Kelley, Johnny Williams and Micah Johnson.

LEXINGTON - Kentucky offensive coordinator Joker Phillips doesn't consider himself an overly emotional person. However, even the normally stoic Phillips admits he might be a little teary-eyed on Saturday during UK's Senior Day. Phillips was UK's recruiting coordinator when most of this senior class arrived at Kentucky. He spent countless hours pursuing many of them and selling them on a dream that they could help change the UK football program as they did last year with an 8-5 record and have this year with a 7-4 mark going into the final regular-season game with Tennessee.

Mitch Barnhart quickly admits he was apprehensive last year when he saw the video linebacker Wesley Woodyard and several other players had made - and wanted shown at Commonwealth Stadium before Kentucky football games. It was a video brimming with confidence in the UK football program and stressing to believe in winning. Barnhart, UK's athletics director, told the players they were "sticking their necks out," and he wasn't sure the video should be used. However, the players convinced Barnhart they believed in the team and the Cats went on to a memorable 8-5 season and Music City Bowl win. Say hello to the Believers, a group of players who have willed out UK of probation and into a bowl game.

LEXINGTON - Rich Brooks didn't seem this unhappy when his Wildcats were struggling to win games a few years ago. On Saturday, the Kentucky coach blasted fans who booed UK quarterback Mike Hartline when he started the second half of UK's win over Norfolk State. On Monday, he questioned how some teams could be ranked over Kentucky when the Wildcats were 2-0 and had not given up a touchdown in two games. On Wednesday, he ripped his whole team for its lack of practice effort as it prepares for Saturday's game against Middle Tennessee.

LEXINGTON ? Sam Maxwell knows exactly what it will take for Kentucky to continue doing what it did when it won 21-14 at Auburn last week. "We know what kind of mindset we have to bring," said the senior linebacker. "We have to be intense, aggressive and disciplined. Auburn reminded me of Florida's offense. You had to be disciplined in what you did and now I think we have learned how to do that. " Maxwell knows about learning his lessons. He waited patiently for his chance to be a starter while playing behind players like Wesley Woodyard, Braxton Kelley, Johnny Williams and Micah Johnson.

Mitch Barnhart quickly admits he was apprehensive last year when he saw the video linebacker Wesley Woodyard and several other players had made - and wanted shown at Commonwealth Stadium before Kentucky football games. It was a video brimming with confidence in the UK football program and stressing to believe in winning. Barnhart, UK's athletics director, told the players they were "sticking their necks out," and he wasn't sure the video should be used. However, the players convinced Barnhart they believed in the team and the Cats went on to a memorable 8-5 season and Music City Bowl win. Say hello to the Believers, a group of players who have willed UK out of probation and into a bowl game.

LEXINGTON - Rich Brooks didn't seem this unhappy when his Wildcats were struggling to win games a few years ago. On Saturday, the Kentucky coach blasted fans who booed UK quarterback Mike Hartline when he started the second half of UK's win over Norfolk State. On Monday, he questioned how some teams could be ranked over Kentucky when the Wildcats were 2-0 and had not given up a touchdown in two games. On Wednesday, he ripped his whole team for its lack of practice effort as it prepares for Saturday's game against Middle Tennessee.