TE Tamme an offensive focal point
Derek Poore
Issue date: 8/29/05 Section: Sports
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He has a knack for snagging wild passes. He has a knack for running crisp routes. He even has a knack for holding place kicks. And this year he may have a knack for jumpstarting UK's offense.
"I hope I can be a part of turning things around in general offensively," Tamme said after a recent morning practice at the Nutter Training Center. "We want to get a fresh start and go out and really move the ball and be able to help our defense."
Tamme made the switch from wide receiver to tight end, and this season he may not be offensive coordinator Joker Phillips' secret play - his ace, his wild card - but his first move. His first stab at opposing defenses.
"I think everything in the passing game starts inside," Phillips said.
Starting with the tight end and the back, Phillips wants to work his way out.
"If you can get the defense to squeeze inside," he said, "then it gives you a chance for a lot to happen outside on the perimeter."
Tamme is part of a greater scheme, a grander scheme. It's an admirable one considering the state of UK's offense after last season's catastrophe. Former offensive chief Ron Hudson just couldn't get his players to put points on the board.
It's a very simple concept - scoring points - but last year UK was just plain stale. The run game was stagnant, requiring the platooning of tailbacks. This didn't help the passing game because secondaries weren't taking the bait.
Phillips is a simple man. His simple plan is similar to Hal Mumme's offense. A small playbook of high percentage plays designed to start a rhythm and gain momentum.
Woodson will air it out to senior receiver Glenn Holt and sophomore Keenan Burton. He'll dump it off to Tamme, hoping the former wide out will take advantage of his route-running savvy.
So far, Phillips is impressed.
"He's come really far from where I thought he would be," Phillips said. "He's done a real good job staying on his feet and in the blocking game. I think he can be a great receiving tight end, because having been a receiver and learning how to run routes outside, he can move those inside."
Practices have been closed this preseason - like last year. And like last year, they'll probably reopen after the Louisville game.
But it's no secret what UK is trying to do on offense. Phillips just wants the execution to be crisp, and points will follow.
The '04 version of Wildcat football had a lot of bad habits like previous years. Letting teams come back. Turning the ball over at the worst times.
"We're trying to get ready for things Louisville is going to do to us," Tamme said. "Just like coach says, 'Nobody cares about anything on offense except for putting points on the board.' We need to learn and get in the habit of putting points on the board."
That's a good habit to have.
Derek Poore is a journalism senior. He can be heard on the "Big Blue Review" on WRFL 88.1 FM every Sunday night from 8-10 and Wednesdays at 4 p.m.
E-mail dpoore@kykernel.com