The Lion Guy's Monday Morning Wakeup

Between a bachelorette party and plenty of Olympics, I found time this weekend to watch a few more episodes of Netflix's latest hit, "Last Chance U." Like many of you, I'm a huge fan of the docu-series about the East Mississippi Community College football program -- of which Za'Darius Smith is an alum -- and while most will bring up Brittany Wagner, the academic advisor, Buddy Stephens, the intense head coach, or lovable Ollie as their favorite characters, I'm here to honor another: Richie Wallace, aka the "Lion Guy." Wallace is a huge EMCC football fan, and one day, started growling like a lion -- the team's mascot -- during games and it became a thing: https://vine.co/v/5hdMpw9jTWF https://vine.co/v/5hde5ihvUU3 East Mississippi's won three national championships in the past five years, so maybe Wallace is on to something. Does anyone want to volunteer to be Kentucky's "Wildcat Guy"? I bet Chester is up to the task. Let's channel the Lion Guy's energy as we head into another week, shall we?

ICYMI, Darius West is out for the season

The biggest news from the weekend is that sophomore safety Darius West is out for the season with a patellar tendon injury. West was the projected started at free safety along with Mike Edwards, and losing him is a huge blow, especially on the heels of the news that defensive tackle Regie Meant may miss the season for personal reasons. Right now, Blake McClain and Marcus McWilson are battling for West's spot, with McClain considered the forerunner. In other injury news, Mark Stoops said running back Mikel Horton suffered a "pretty significant" ankle injury and wide receiver Blake Bone is nursing a hamstring injury. Programs across the country are experiencing similar attrition, but the news about West wasn't what anyone wanted to hear this weekend. In more encouraging news...

Drew Barker was apparently great in Saturday's scrimmage

Both Stoops and Eddie Gran praised Barker's play in the team's first scrimmage Saturday, backing up all the good things we've been hearing about him so far in camp. Gran said Barker was firing on all cylinders, converting consistently on 3rd down and finding open targets. I'll admit I've been skeptical about Barker, but after one week of camp, all reports have been positive. Even better, receivers are apparently catching balls and hanging on to them, a concept so simple yet so daunting for UK's receiving corps the past few years. For more on Saturday's scrimmage, check out Nick Roush's recap of the coaches' remarks. Mark Stoops and the defense will address reporters after today's practice, so check back around lunch for a recap.

Jedrick Wills expected to announce his decision this week

The five-star offensive tackle from Lafayette is likely to announce his college decision before his senior season starts on Friday, and unfortunately, all signs point to Alabama. Kentucky looked to be in a good spot with Wills, teammate of UK commit Walker Wood and former teammate of UK freshman Landon Young, but in recent weeks, Alabama pulled ahead, with many whispering that Wills has already given the Crimson Tide a silent commitment. Anything can happen, but for now, brace yourself for another highly touted Kentucky kid to go to Tuscaloosa.

Usain Bolt is incredible

I think just about everyone watched Bolt cruise in the 100m final last night, or at least shared this amazing picture by Getty. For about three seconds, it appeared that American Justin Gatlin might have a chance to beat Bolt, but then the Jamaican legend kicked it into high gear and flew past the competition with amazing ease, even turning his head to deliver a grin for the cameras. (UPDATE: This pic of Bolt was actually from the semifinals. Regardless, he is still very, very fast.) Here are the highlights of today's Olympic schedule:

KSR is in Lexington

But where? We'll find out in an hour.