Groves Looks To Dish Out Playing Time In '86
Is Kentucky's Only Returning Fullback
Last season John Groves was somewhat of an enigma in UK's offensive backficld. Though he went unnoticed in many impressive JV outings of years past, Groves found himself as a third-string fullback behind experienced seniors Chris Derry and Tom Wheary. However, the UK senior-to-be understands that he must stay patient and capitalize on the chance ot perform when his time comes.
"Sure it's tough being a walk-on," said Groves. "You have to pay for your education. Sometimes when you don't get your break it's hard to stick it out."
That long awaited break occured when UK encountered Florida last November in Gainesville. With the 'Cats facing a third-and-nine situation in its own territory, Groves hauled in a 'big' pass from quarterback Bill Ransdell, which kept the Wildcats' drive alive around midfield. For Groves it was his only reception of the season and a play that he'll never forget.
Todd Hallum
Cats' Pause Columnist
"Chris (Derry) had been hurt and Tom (Wheary) was winded because it was so hot," recalled Groves. "I was the safety valve on the play. Bill saw everybody was covered and dropped it off to me."
Looking Forward To Next Season
Although he remains a non-scholarship player. Groves would welcome more opportunities to display his efforts for next season, which will be his last.
"Coach Claiborne likes to play a lot of backs," said Groves. "I thing I can be a key part because I am the only true fullback returning."
Groves also realizes that Claiborne treats each of his players in the same manner, whether one is a scholarship player or not.
"When it comes down to scholarship and walk-on players we are all family." said
John Groves
Groves. "If one is good enough to play, he (Claiborne) doesn't care what you are or who you are."
What distinguishes Groves from many players in the country is that he has played for two of the best college football coaches in the nation. One is Claiborne and the other is Alabama's Paul "Bear" Bryant.
When coming out of Russell High School in northern Kentucky, Groves was heavily recruited as a junior. Afterall, he was a three time All-Area, All District, and All-Tri State selection. For some strange reason, however, recruiters backed off after his senior year. He grew up following the "Big Blue" but cherished the thought of playing for the legendary Bryant, despite not receiving an athletic scholarship.
"That was my best option at the time," said Groves. "I have always wanted to play for Coach Bryant. That was one of my big goals."
However, disenchantment set with the Bama program when Bryant tragically passed away, Groves was not enamored when the new Ray Perkins era.
"Coach Bryant had just died, then Coach Perkins came in with a whole new philosophy," said Groves. "With his new philosophy I didn't fit in well."
Says Claiborne Was Practically a Clone of Bryant
So he packed his bags and headed back to his home state with ambitions of earning a spot with the Wildcats.
"I still had Big Blue blood and I watched to find out what my chances of playing were," explained Groves, on his return to Kentucky.
By playing for both Bryant and Claiborne, who is a Bryant protege, Groves did see some similarities between both successful head coaches. In fact, he hinted that UK's mentor was practically a clone of Bryant.
"They are so much alike," said Groves. "But Coach Claiborne does have his different philosophies. Also, both of them really care about their players."
Physically, (he stands at 5-11 and weighs 230 pounds). Groves does have the ample size to play fullback. Although he is not blessed with outstanding speed, he can be characterized as a dependable "power back".
"My running ability is an asset," said Groves who is one of the team's top weightlifters. "In high school I carried the ball all the time and that has helped me in college. I'm not as fast as some of the backs in the SEC, but I make up for it with my strength."
Now that Al Baker, who is one of the top high school players in the country, has signed at UK, Groves should receive some lofty competition at fullback, if the UK coaching staff places the Trigg County phenom at the fullback position. In addition, Andy Murray, a promising redshirt from Louisville Trinity, will be in the picture at the fullback slot. Nevertheless, Groves relishes the idea of Baker making an impact in the UK backfield in his initial season.
Looks Forward To Being A Senior Leader
"If Al Baker can come in and start at fullback, I will be more than glad to help him out," Groves unselfishly commented. "I just want to be a part of the team that wins the SEC. because that is the main goal."
Only time will tell whether Baker will make an impact on UK's talented stable of running backs next season. In winter workouts, Groves says Wildcats are making great strides toward producing a winning 1986 campaign.
"Anytime you have a losing season you want to come back and prove yourself," remarked Groves. "We are working that much harder, believing that Coach Claiborne's philosophy is the right one and are working as hard as we can to make it (philosophy) work.
"We didn't get the breaks last season but you make your won breaks happen. But you can't live on "ifs".
Preparing for his final season with the Wildcats, Groves thinks he can become a senior leader for the team, demonstrating by example and not by words.
"I think I can provide senior leadership because I had to work hard to get where I am," said Groves, who is a member of UK's Fellowship of Christian Athletes. "But the best way to be a senior leader is prove it on the field."
UK Note Book
UK assistant athletic director Bob Bradley had some interesting comments in a recent USA Today article dealing with college athletes taking special remedial courses in school and getting preferential treatment by professors. Remedial education programs, much like the one at the University of Georgia that came under scrutiny when fired professor Jan Kemp filed suit, does not constitute preferential treatment, according to college educators. But it is wrong to give special treatment to student/athletes enrolled in the program, as members of a committee named "Survival of Athletes" were told during a Southeastern regional meeting of the College Board. "If athletes and academics are going to co-exist, then you're are going to have to make compromises," said Bradley in the story, who is in charge of UK's academic program. "I think most people realize that".....UK center Robert Lock has indicated that he would be more than willing to be tutored by UK's all-time leading scorer Dan Issel. Lock said the learning sessions during the off-season in the summer is when he would like to begin. With another SEC title already under wraps, UK is currently striving for one of the top seeds in one of the NCAA Tournament's four regionals. Although its unlikely UK will receive one of the top four spots in the entire tourney, the Cats have an excellent shot of getting
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