Brooks surprised Lindley skipping NFL draft

It's safe to assume more than a few fans were surprised by All-American Trevard Lindley's decision on Wednesday to return for his senior season at Kentucky instead of entering the 2009 NFL Draft.

But who knew that you could count UK coach Rich Brooks among that group?

"I advised Trevard that he should strongly consider his option because he was rated fairly high," Brooks said Wednesday. "I'm excited, and a little surprised, about his decision to return."

Lindley, a junior cornerback from Hiram, Ga., finished the 2008 season with a team-best 15 passes defended and 11 pass breakups, and tied for the team lead in interceptions with four. His 34 career pass breakups is a UK record.

"I sat down with my family and also talked to Coach Brooks to discuss what I wanted to do," Lindley said. "I want to get bigger and stronger and continue to improve."

Lindley was one of three UK players that explored the possibility of entering the NFL Draft, but all three are coming back.

His return, along with All-Southeastern Conference defensive end Jeremy Jarmon and All-SEC linebacker Micah Johnson, should bolster one of the SEC's best defenses in 2008. The Wildcats, who ranked 40th in the nation in total defense, helped guide UK to its third consecutive bowl victory in 2008, the first time in program history UK has won postseason games in three consecutive seasons.

"This enhances our chances of being a much better football team next year, when you have one of the top cornerbacks in the nation return," Brooks said. "With seniors like Trevard Lindley, Micah Johnson and Jeremy Jarmon, our defense should be very strong going into the 2009 season."