VIDEO: BEHIND-THE-SCENES VIDEO OF PLAYER DRAFT FOR SPRING FOOTBALL GAME
Bowling Green, Ky. - The draft has been completed, teams have been decided, and now all eyes turn to Saturday afternoon when the Western Kentucky University football team holds its annual spring game at Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium.
For the second straight spring, the Hilltopper staff was divided between the Red and White teams, with offensive guards and centers coach Walt Wells leading the Red team and new defensive coordinator Lance Guidry coaching the White squad. Earlier in the week, each team signed an offensive and defensive free agent, with quarterback Kawaun Jakes and defensive lineman Jared Clendenin signing on with the White team, while defensive lineman Jamarcus Allen and offensive lineman Wes Jeffries inked with the Red team.
All-America running back Bobby Rainey was the first overall pick of Friday's draft, going to the red team. He will be joined in the backfield by Antonio Andrews, with redshirt freshman Brandon Doughty lining up under center for the Red squad. Defensively for the Red team, Allen will be joined up front by fellow starting tackle Kenny Martin, with Tye Golden and Bar'ee Boyd anchoring the linebackers. Two members of last year's starting secondary - cornerback Tyree Robinson and safety Kiante Young - will lead the Red secondary, which also includes University of Florida transfer Jonathan Dowling.
Offensively for the White team, Jakes will have plenty of young targets with redshirt freshmen Rico Brown and Joel German, and sophomore Jamarielle Brown lining up at wide receiver. On the defensive side, Clendenin will be joined at the other defensive end position by Quanterus Smith. Senior Ben Duvall and sophomore Xavius Boyd bring experience at the linebacker spot, while the other two members of last year's young secondary - cornerback Arius Wright and safety Kareem Peterson - will be joined by returning leading tackler Ryan Beard in the defensive backfield for the White squad.
Festivities will get underway at 4 p.m. (CDT) on Saturday as the WKU coaching staff will take on the Hilltopper football alumni in a flag football game. Kickoff of the Red vs. White game will be one hour later at 5 p.m.
WKU fans and students can sign up at the marketing tables at each entrance to the stadium for a chance to win prizes throughout the game. One lucky fan will win an all-expense paid trip for two to the WKU game at LSU on Nov. 12. The trip includes airfare, hotel accommodations, dinner with the team, sideline passes for two and other exclusive prizes. That drawing will held at halftime.
Additionally, four WKU students will be picked to compete in the halftime 1-on-1 passing contest for a chance at $1,000 cash. One fan will also get a chance to play "A Minute To Win It" to win prizes courtesy of Pepsi and Diet Mountain Dew FanDEWmonium.
Following Saturday's conclusion of spring practice, the Hilltoppers will turn their attention to summer workouts and preparation for the 2011 season, which kicks off on Thursday, Sept. 1 when WKU takes on Kentucky at L.P. Field in Nashville, Tenn. The upcoming season will also include six home game at Houchens-Smith Stadium. Season tickets information is available by calling 1-800-5 BIG RED or online at www.wkusports.com.
May 2 is the deadline to have 50% payment to reserve your season tickets. Season tickets for all six home games start at $36. Home games include Navy, Indiana State, Arkansas State, Louisiana-Lafayette, Florida International, and Troy.
- WKU -
