< PreviousCareer Combine • PRO Career Institute • PRO Pathways • My New Kentucky Home Visit - UKathletics.com/the-kentucky-road STUDENT-ATHLETE EXPERIENCE systems. His expertise lies in optimizing staff communications, coordination, cooperation, and accountability to help teams The UK Athletics Department has intensified its commitment to providing best-in-class experiences and opportunities for student-athletes throughThe Kentucky Road,which describes the incomparable developmental experience provided for student-athletes during their time as Wildcats. Benefits include, but are not limited to: Impact leadership, career and professional development, pro pathways, student- athlete network, community engagement, diversity advocacy committee, student-athlete career combine, NIL, and more!Financial Education is fundamental to the developmental experiences at the University of Kentucky. Annually, student- athletes attend two (one per semester) in-person Financial Education sessions. Additionally, student-athletes have access to the iGrad Financial Literacy platform for further educational resources. Whether crafting a budget for the current week or strategizing for the future, The Kentucky Road equips you with the necessary skills. Former Wildcat and NFL veteran, Avery Williamson (2010-13), returned to Kentucky in the spring of 2019 and graduated with a degree in integrated strategic communication (pictured above). In December of 2020, cornerback Derrick Tatum, who played from 1999-2002, and wide receiver Steve Johnson, who played at UK in 2006-07 and went on to an eight-year career in the NFL, came back to earn their degrees. Financial Education Lifetime Scholarships Impact Leadership As the Director of the Impact Leadership Program for UK Athletics, Shawn Umbrell (pictured above) is dedicated to empowering coaches and their programs through comprehensive leadership education, personalized one-on-one coaching, and the establishment of effective tems. His expertise lies in optimizing staff communications, oordination, cooperation, and accountability to help teams achieve the head coach’s vision.WILL LEVIS JAMIN DAVIS WAN’DALE ROBINSON JOSH HINES-ALLEN n Kentucky had FOUR NFL Draft picks in the 2024 NFL Draft - DB Andru Phillips (3rd Round - Giants), LB Trevin Wallace (3rd Round - Panthers), RB Ray Davis (4th Round - Bills) and QB Devin Leary (6th Round - Ravens). n 2024 marked the sixth straight year UK has had at least one player taken in the first three rounds. n Head coach Mark Stoops has had 28 players drafted in his 11 seasons at Kentucky. Twenty-four of those selections have come in the last six drafts.A total of 19 former Kentucky Wildcats are currently on National Football League rosters with four additional players with other NFL roles or in the CFL. (as of Sept. 9, 2024): BUD DUPREE CARRINGTON VALENTINE LANDON YOUNG Two Wildcats, safety Mike Edwards and offensive lineman Darian Kinnard, earned another Super Bowl ring when the Kansas City Chiefs defeated the San Francisco 49ers in 2024. Buffalo Bills Ray Davis, RB (2023) Mike Edwards, S (2015-2018) Carolina Panthers Lonnie Johnson Jr., CB (2017-18) Trevin Wallace, LB (2021-23) Cleveland Browns Za’Darius Smith, OLB (2013-14) Denver Broncos Keidron Smith, DB (2022) Detroit Lions Josh Paschal, DE (2017-21) Green Bay Packers Carrington Valentine, DB (2020-22) Jacksonville Jaguars Josh Hines-Allen, DE/LB (2015-18) Luke Fortner, C (2017-21) LA Chargers Bud Dupree, OLB (2011-14) New Orleans Saints Landon Young, OT (2016-17, 19-20) New York Giants Dru Phillips, DB (2020-23) Wan’Dale Robinson, WR (2021) New York Jets Brenden Bates, TE (2018-23) Brandin Echols, CB (2019-20) Philadelphia Eagles Darian Kinnard, OT (2018-21) Tennessee Titans Will Levis, QB (2001-22) Washington Commanders Jamin Davis, ILB (2018-20) OTHER CATS IN NFL ROLES General Manager, Las Vegas Raiders Champ Kelly, WR/DB (1998-2001) Director of Player Engagement, San Francisco 49ers Austin Moss, DE (2006-09) College Scout, Jacksonville Jaguars Corey Peters, DL (2006-09) CATS IN THE CFL Saskatchewan Roughriders Micah Johnson, LB (2006-09)I n volleyball, setters are natural leaders on the floor due to their responsibilities. For Kentucky, Emma Grome has filled the setter role for the last three seasons. The leadership role she has filled for the Cats since 2021 will be intensified this season, Grome’s senior campaign. Does Grome feel that the way she leads will be different this season? “Yeah, I would say it does,” Grome said. “Especially, I feel I’ve been more of a leader on the court the past couple of years and slowly, I’ve found my voice more. Now that we lost some of our best leaders on the team like (Azhani Tealer), other people have to step up and that falls on the senior class. Just finding my way to be a leader on the court still, but then be more of a vocal leader as well.” With the loss of Tealer and others, Grome will be even more in the leader- ship role this season. It’s not a role she’s completely comfortable with, but one she’s growing into. “It’s just forcing yourself to do it be- cause you don’t have the people above you to be the ones to say the important things,” Grome said. “So now, if I don’t say it, it’s not going to get said.” Kentucky has won seven consecutive Southeastern Conference volleyball titles, a streak the Cats will try to extend this season. But the addition of defending na- tional champion Texas will make that task more difficult. Grome believes that having a team like the Longhorns in the league will make the Cats work that much harder. “I feel like it’s really cool having two new teams in the league. I feel like that brings it up a notch,” Grome said. “But I feel like, in terms of approach, we’re not going to approach it any different. We have the same goal every year, we want to win the SEC and we know that’s going to take a lot of hard work.” Grome believes that the Cats’ trip to Japan is already paying dividends this fall. “It was really cool. Definitely a differ- ent experience than any of us has ever had,” Grome said. “I think playing wise, it was really good for us. The first couple of days of preseason, this is the best we’ve looked any year that I’ve been here and I really think that does come from going to Japan because we had time to train and then we got some game experience there with the new team. I think that just really helped our pieces fit together and get a head start on the season.” With this being her last season at UK, what is Grome most looking forward to experiencing? “I’m just looking forward to playing with this team,” Grome said. “The vibes in the gym are good, the energy is high. I’m just excited to see the athleticism, depth and talent on this team and how we prog- ress throughout the year.” With Grome taking on an even big- ger leadership role, the Cats are in good hands. By Tim Letcher UK Athletics Communications and Public Relations 72 @UKFootball Grome Prepared for Even Bigger Leadership Role in 2024 Emma Grome 44 John “Shipwreck” Kelly HB 1929-31 66 Raloh Kercheval P 1931-33 13 Bob Davis HB 1935-37 Bernie A. Shively AD 1938-67 Coach 1945 35 Ermal Allen QB/HB 1939-41 Asst. Coach 1948-61 8 Clyde Johnson T 1940-42 45 Jay Rhodemyre C 1942, 1946-47 48 Washington Serini T 1944-47 16 George Blanda QB/P/K 1945-48 27 Wallace “Wah Wah” Jones E 1945-48 Paul “Bear” Bryant Coach 1946-53 Jerry Claiborne DB/E 1946, 1948-49 Coach 1982-89 50 Harry Ulinski C/LB 1946-49 70 Bob Gain T 1947-50 87 Charlie McClendon DE 1949-50 10 Babe Parilli QB 1949-51 51 Doug Moseley C 1949-51 65 Ray Correll G 1951-53 80 Steve Meilinger E/HB/DB/LB 1951-53 84 Howard Schnellenberger E 1952-55 Blanton Collier Coach 1954-61 79 Lou Michaels T/K/P 1955-57 21 Calvin Byrd HB 1958-60 55 Irvin “Irv” Goode C 1959-61 80 Tom Hutchinson E 1960-62 70 Herschel Turner T 1961-63 80 Rick Kestner E 1963-65 11 Rick Norton QB 1963-65 73 Sam Ball OT 1963-65 21 Rodger Byrd HB 1963-65 32 Larry Seiple HB 1964-66 24 Dicky Lyons Sr. RB 1966-68 88 Jeff Van Note DE 1966-68 74 Dave Roller DL 1968-70 59 Joe Federspiel LB 1969-71 40 Sonny Collins HB 1972-75 52 Rick Nuzum OL 1972-74 69 Warren Bryant OT 1974-76 50 Jim Kovach LB 1974-76, 1978 97 Art Still DE 1974-77 12 Derrick Ramsey QB 1975-77 33 George Adams RB 1981-84 57 Dermontti Dawson C/OG 1984-87 22 Mark Higgs TB 1984-87 2 Tim Couch QB 1996-98 Football players who have been named to the UK Athletics Hall of Fame but have not had jerseys retired: 67 Larry Warford OG 2009-12 3 André Woodson QB 2004-07 12 Derek Abney WR 2000-03 79 Oliver Barnett DE 1986-89 85 Al Bruno WR 1948-50 44 Wilbur Hackett LB 1968-70 22 Jared Lorenzen QB 2000-03 45 Marty Moore LB 1990-93 23 Nate Northington DB 1966-67 82 Greg Page DE 1966-67 9 Bill Ransdell QB 1983-86 10 Moe Williams RB 1993-95 3 Craig Yeast WR 1995-98 Paul “Bear” Bryant Tim Couch 74 @UKFootball UK Retired Jerseys and UK Hall of FameI n the interest of athletics compliance, the University of Kentucky, along with ev- ery NCAA and SEC Institution, is responsi- ble for monitoring the activities of the de- partment of athletics. The NCAA & SEC rules were developed to ensure those members of the institution’s staff, student- athletes and other individuals or groups representing the institution’s ath- letics interests comply with the NCAA rules and maintain the highest standard of ethical conduct. PRINCIPLES OF RULES COMPLIANCE The Athletics Compliance Office (ACO) works to identify and reduce areas of risk within the athletics program that could neg- atively impact the University of Kentucky. If a problem arises, it is the responsibility of the ACO to determine how the problem oc- curred, how it could have been prevented and how to reduce the chances of it occur- ring in the future. The two main functions of the ACO are to educate and monitor. The ACO meets regularly with coaches and student-athletes to provide information and materials on the applications of the com- plexities of the NCAA bylaws, and at the same time provide as much information as possible to the University of Kentucky com- munity. The staff also monitors the functions of the athletics department that are governed by NCAA legislation. PRINCIPLES OF INSTITUTIONAL RESPONSIBILITY The institution’s responsibility for the conduct of its intercollegiate athletics pro- gram includes responsibility for the actions of its staff members and for the actions of any other individual or organization en- gaged in activities promoting the athletics interests of the institution. The NCAA defines an individual as a rep- resentative of athletics interests or a “boost- er” or “donor” if he or she: • Has participated in or is a member of an agency or organization promoting UK’s intercollegiate athletics program; • Makes or has made a donation to any of the UK men’s or women’s athletics pro- grams; • Is assisting or has been requested by the UK Athletics Department Staff to assist in the recruitment of prospects (which he or she is NOT permitted to do); • Is assisting or has been requested to Pro- vide benefits to enrolled student-athletes or their families (which he or she is NOT permitted to do); • Has been involved otherwise in promoting the UK athletics pro- gram. Remember, a rep- resentative of athletics Interests is responsible for making the Univer- sity of Kentucky’s ACO aware of any potential violations of NCAA rules he or she knows have occurred. According to the NCAA, once an in- dividual has been iden- tified as an athletics representative, he or she retains this identity forever, even if that person no longer contributes to the athletics program. NAME, IMAGE & LIKENESS Pursuant to the adoption of Kentucky re- vised statutes 164.6941 through 164.6951, Kentucky student-athletes are now per- mitted to use their name, image, and like- ness for purposes of compensation. Below are a few key highlights for donors/fans to be aware of: • SA is permitted receive NIL compensa- tion provided there are services rendered by the SA (quid pro quo). • All NIL deals must be submitted seven business days prior to the activity occurring and must be approved within threes busi- ness days by the institution; • Failure to disclose NIL deals to UK may result in violations of Kentucky State Law and NCAA rules, which in turn will affect a SA’s eligibility. • Prospects may not receive compen- sation from anyone in exchange for com- mitting to or signing a scholarship with the University of Kentucky. • Donor’s may not have contact with prospective student-athletes, including to negotiate an NIL deal; • SA must receive fair market value for services rendered. • It is permissible for a donor/booster to enter into a genuine NIL agreement with a current SA, so long as the agreement is not a payment, provision or promise of any other consideration or benefits. • UK marks are not permitted to be used for SA NIL activities UNLESS approved by UK in advance. • UK, including but not limited to ath- letics staff and coaches, are not permitted to provide, arrange or negotiate NIL deals for SA’s. • UK is permitted to put you into con- tact with a current SA if there is interest in a NIL deal – UK encourages contacting SA’s directly via their social media accounts. Failure to adhere to these regulations create NCAA violations that may result in a SA or PSA to be ineligible for intercollegiate competition. In addition, it may affect your standing as a donor with UK. To learn more, visit https://ukathletics. com/NIL STUDENT-ATHLETE EMPLOYMENT In addition to NIL, SA’s are also able to obtain employment opportunities to earn extra funds or gain invaluable experience in a field in which they look to have a career. SA’s are permitted to work provided: • They are only paid for work performed; • They are paid at the going rate for ser- vices in the locale. • The job is registered with the ACO. Follow compliance updates on Twitter (@ukcompliance). What is Athletics Compliance? n Compliance Corner @UKSportsNetwork 7576 @UKFootball Market Call Letters Frequency Ashland, KY WCMI 92.7 FM / 1340 AM Benton, KY WCBL 99.1 FM / 1290 AM Bowling Green, KY WGGC 95.1 FM Cadiz, KY WKDZ 106.5 FM / 1110 AM Campbellsville, KY WCKQ 104.1 FM Cincinnati, OH WCKY 1530 AM Columbia, KY WAIN 93.5 FM / 1270 AM Corbin, KY WCTT 107.3 FM / 680 AM Dry Ridge, KY WNKR 106.7 FM Elizabethtown, KY WQXE 98.3 FM Grayson, KY WUGO 99.7 FM Harlan, KY WTUK 105.1 FM Hazard, KY WSGS 101.1 FM Henderson, KY WSON 96.5 FM / 860 AM Hopkinsville, KY WHOP 98.7 FM / 1230 AM Jamestown, KY WJRS 104.9 FM Jenkins, KY WIFX 94.3 FM Lancaster, KY WRNZ 105.1 FM Lexington, KY WBUL / WLAP 98.1 FM / 630 AM London, KY WWEL 103.9 FM Louisville, KY WHAS 840 AM Madisonville, KY WKTG 93.9 FM Mayfield, KY WLLE 102.1 FM Maysville, KY WFTM 95.9 FM / 1240 AM Monticello, KY WKYM 101.7 FM Morehead, KY WIVY 96.3 FM Morganfield WMSK 101.3 FM Owensboro, KY WLME 102.7 FM Paducah, KY WKYX 94.3 FM / 570 AM Paintsville, KY WSIP 98.9 FM / 1490 AM Pikeville, KY WDHR / WPKE 93.1 FM / 103.1 FM Prestonsburg, KY WQHY / WDOC 95.5 FM / 1310 AM Providence, KY WWKY 104.9 FM Somerset, KY WSEK 93.9 FM / 910 AM Whitesburg, KY WXKQ / WTCW 103.9 FM / 920 AM Williamsburg, KY WEZJ / WEKX 104.3 FM / 102.7 FM 2024 Schedule Aug. 31 Southern Miss W, 31-0 Sept. 7 South Carolina L, 6-31 Sept. 14 Georgia L, 12-13 Sept. 21 Ohio 12:45 p.m. Sept. 28 @Ole Miss Noon Oct. 12 Vanderbilt TBA Oct. 19 @Florida TBA Oct. 26 Auburn TBA Nov. 2 @Tennessee TBA Nov. 16 Murray State 1:30 p.m. Nov. 23 @Texas TBA Nov. 30 Louisville TBA (Jack Burford Chevrolet Countdown to Kickoff begins 2 hours prior to kickoff} UK HealthCare Mark Stoops Radio Show (Mondays 6-7 p.m. followed by 1-hour BBN Radio hosted by Darren Headrick) August 26, 2024 September 2, 2024 September 9, 2024 September 16, 2024 September 23, 2024 September 30, 2024 October 7, 2024 October 14, 2024 October 21, 2024 October 28, 2024 November 6, 2024 November 11, 2024 November 18, 2024 November 25, 2024 December 2, 2024Monday – Friday at 7:30 pmSaturday at 9:00 am Johnson City, Tenn. Bowling Green, Ky. Nashville, Tenn.Paducah, Ky. Cincinnati, OhioHuntington, W.Va. Louisville, Ky. @UKSportsNetwork 77Next >