Gardner Adjusted To Defensive End, First Year
Learned Discipline Ways At Trinity
When Carwell Gardner accepted a scholarship to the University of Kentucky, he realized that he was entering a well-structured football program that stresses self-discipline. After all, he attended Trinity High School in Louisville which expects discipline by wearing a tie to class. So, when Gardner came to UK he had been accustomed to the strict rules that corresponds with being a student/athlete.
"I'm used to it," said Gardner, acknowledging that he didn't mind the emphasis placed on discipline at the University of Kentucky. "The discipline here is basically the same as it is at Trinity."
Unlike many freshmen that enter the Kentucky program, Gardner, a newcomer to the college scene in 1985, was not redshirted. Although he did display glimpses of a a veteran performer at the defensive end position, he was not entirely enthused with his rookie season.
Todd Hallum
Cats' Pause Columnist
"I wasn't happy with my performance because I felt I could have done beter," said the UK sophomore-to-be. "I didn't show my full potential."
Not knowing of his playing status in his first campaign as a Wildcat, Gardner admits the thought of sitting oul his first season was nol enticing.
'1 wasn't looking forward to being redshirted," Gardner said. "When I came here they i UK coaching staff) said it would depend on me. So. I came here and just played like I can play."
Adjusting To Defensive End Rather Well
Although he played various positions on the defensive line and at linebacker as a prep player. Gardner didn't object to becoming a defensive end in UK's wide-tackle-six alignment. It's a position he's taken a liking to rather well.
"I like defensive end because you do the same things as linebackers and defensive backs," said Gardner, whose high school team plays the same basic defense as Kentucky's. "At linebacker you've got the whole field but at defensive end you just have one side. You are basically playing three positions in one as a defensive end."
As a backup last season, Gardner had a tough time seeing extensive playing time behind senior standouts Brian Williams and Steve Mazza. Growing more acclimated to the Wildcats' multiple defensive scheme, meanwhile, Gardner possesses the tenacity that would make any coach smile.
"I just love the game," said Gardner regarding his affection for football. "When I am out on the field everything is out of my mind and I'm strictly concentrating on football."
What displeased Gardner last season was the manner in which some of his teammates could not jell as a cohesive unit.
"We should have done better," remarked Gardner. "We just didn't play as a team and played as individuals."
Gardner, however, expects the squad to rebound from last year's subpar 5-6 record and anticipates the defense to be a hard-knocking unit.
High Hopes For Little Brother, Who's 6-Foot-5, 210 Pounds
"By looking at everybody working out in the weight room I think the defense is going to be pretty tough," said the Louisville native. "We have a lot of young hard hitting players that are coming back."
He is also looking forward to his brother Donnie making an impact for the Cats in the upcoming future. Donnie. a 6-5. 210-pound defensive lineman at Trinity, recently signed a letter-of-intent that he would be joining his brother at the University of Kentucky. For the most part, Gardner has no objections with his brothers' decision who chose the Wildcats over Purdue.
"To tell you the truth I'm happy about him coming here," said Gardner. "My mom would call me and say he was a little bit worried about his decision because my brother is a little bit flaky. But I was edging him to come here."
Presently, the UK staff plans on putting the younger Gardner (Donnie) at defensive tackle, but may move him to tight end if the tackle spot doesn't work out. However, Gardner thinks his brother will have no problems adjusting to the UK program.
"I think he will fit in pretty well after he gets into the program and gets some weight on him," said Gardner of his brother and new Wildcat teammate. "We will probably get along like we always have. We played football together since we were little kids. It always has been the same with me moving up one year and him coming right behind me."
While in high school Carwell Gardner was an All-State linebacker and was instrumental in helping his team post an impressive 43-5 record during his career at Trinity. What impressed recruiters most about Gardner was a body frame of 6-2, 210 pounds, and his overall speed and quickness.
Gardner has also worked hard in the classroom as academics played a key role in his decision to attend UK.
"UK had a nice academic program with CATS (Center for Academic Tutorial Services) while it was basically getting started when I was being recruited," said Gardner. "I also like the way coach (Bill) Glaser (Wildcat defensive guard coach) recruited me."
Stayed In Bluegrass Because of Mom
Another reason he remained in the Bluegrass was he didn't want his mother traveling great distances to see him play football.
"One of the reasons I came here was that it was close to home and so that my mom could see me play," said Gardner, who chose UK over the likes of Georgia. Michigan and Ciemson.
"She left the decision up to me. When I had a visit with another school she would come along, and wouldn't say much during the visit.
"She just left it up to me."
Nowadays, Gardner is working towards a degree in Business Administration and is striving to improve himself during winter workouts in hopes of rectifying last year's disappointing record.
Gardner Earns First-Year Playing Time
"I'm looking to getting stronger and I'm trying to get my speed down (time)," Gardner said. "I'm coming along pretty well.
"This year I think we are going to be more of a team. I think we'll have a totally different attitude next year and I'm expecting to do my best and show how I can really play."
AROUND THE SEC
A grand jury will decide whether a jury should hear a drug trafficking case against former Tennessee quarterback Tony Robinson and ex-running back Kenneth Cooper. Both players are charged with selling cocaine to undercover agents, and a Knox County Sessions judge refered the case to a grand jury in Knoxville. Robert Ritchie, Robinson's attorney, indicates that Robinson was nothing more than a witness to the alleged crime and that undercover officers had used entrapment to arrest the two players. . Tennessee received two verbal commitments from a place-kicker (Reno, Nevada) and a linebacker (Princeton, New Jersey). Dirk Borgognone who last year set a national high school record with a 68-yard field goal, said he chose Tennessee over Arizona State because of the Vols' traditional outstanding kicking game. Joining Borgognone is linebacker Bruce James. James selected UT over such powerhouses as Michigan State, West Virginia. Ohio State and Miami, Fla.