Tim Couch might be the best UK will ever see, but he certainly wasn't the first tough country boy to play quarterback with the kind of pride that makes you want to root for athletes. Freddie Maggard was Bill Curry's first UK offensive captain in 1990. By the time Freddie hung up his jersey, only one other quarterback in blue ever had taken more snaps in a single season.

Blessed with more guts than talent, Freddie was never shy. But, the thought of being the quarterback to follow Tim Couch would have made even Freddie nervous. "I would be following someone like that. Tim was a legend." One of UK's former favorites was quick to add, "there will always be a shadow over the next quarterback."

Freddie is visiting Kentucky to spend time with his dad. They recently went to a Mumme scrimmage. Freddie was all smiles when talking about Mumme--ball. "I would have loved it. They are having fun. I would have loved the atmosphere. Everyone's relaxed." Freddie's sense of humor always had you pulling for him. "As bad as I was, I think I could have completed a hundred yards in this offense." Since leaving UK, Freddie's best experience has been in the Army. He's thinking about signing up for another tour. "I loved every minute of it. I've always had a strong conviction to serve my country. I've always been a very patriotic person. It's the best thing I've every done. It certainly has been the most rewarding. If it wasn't for people that served their country, people wouldn't be out at UK choosing the freedom they want, and to practice their religion. It's the basis for our country which is the greatest in the world." Maggard laughs off those that say UK is doomed without Tim Couch. "A nine win season even without Tim is not far fetched.In the Army, college football is the number one topic of conversation. When UK started coming back, it gave me a lot of ammunition to be proud of. I am proud of them if they go 0--10 or 10--0."

When pressed to get specific about what he did in the Army, Freddie used that old country laugh to respond, "If I told you, I'd have to kill you. I was in the infantry. We traveled and deployed a few places." Although it was great seeing Freddie, I felt sad for him. We both knew that if he had a chance to play in Mumme--ball, his dream of making it to a bowl game could have become reality.

Spring Football tidbits: Everyone is concerned about who will be the starting quarterback. I am a lot more worried about the offensive line. I am not ready to say they will be the weak link of the team, but they obviously have a long way to go. UK might have to have one or two true freshman start in the trenches this fall. That would make it tough for any SEC team. UK's defense. My buddy, defensive co-ordinator Mike Major might not be sure who his cornerbacks are going to be, but overall the depth could be twice as good. One of the big benefits of that should be special teams. At times it was embarrassing last year. There is no reason why it can't be at least respectable this season.

To the NBA:How bad it is getting for Pitino ? NBC's Bill Walton says the Celtics are playing with NO HEART ! NBC's Peter Vescey watched Mercer and Walker. His response ? "If they shot this way in college, Kentucky would still be on probation." Unless Pitino is able to make a lot of changes, leaving Kentucky will be the biggest mistake of his professional life. Just because Pitino is the boss, that doesn't mean he will be able to make the necessary changes. Money and contracts seem to be more important than listening to your coach. That is unless your name is Pat Riley.