Wildcats Will Be Without Second Leading Rusher For Bowl

Freshman tailback Derrick Locke will miss the Gaylord Hotels Music City Bowl, while senior wide receiver Keenan Burton and sophomore cornerback Paul Warford are doubtful to play in the contest, Coach Rich Brooks announced after Thursday’s practice.

Locke sustained a fractured rib in practice. He is the team’s second-leading rusher with 521 yards and leads the team in rushing touchdowns with five. He also has been outstanding in punt and kickoff coverage, making 13 tackles this season. He was named UK’s Most Outstanding First-Year Player by the coaching staff.

Burton (Louisville, Ky.) may miss his final collegiate game because of a knee injury. He has been battling a sprained ankle since the second game of the season and then incurred the knee strain mid-season vs. Florida. He is the team’s leading receiver with 59 catches for 685 yards and nine touchdowns.

Warford (Richmond, Ky.) a starter at cornerback, has an injured shoulder. He is second on the team in pass interceptions (two) and pass breakups (seven). He has totaled 36 tackles on the season.