LEXINGTON, Ky. — Kentucky senior linebacker Ryan Murphy is academically ineligible, ending his career with the Wildcats, defensive coordinator John Goodner said.

        The 6-foot-2, 240-pound Murphy, a Moeller High graduate, was a two-year starter who was expected to see significant time at inside linebacker this season.

        Murphy is the second UK player declared academically ineligible for the coming season, joining offensive lineman Kip Sixbery.

        “First Kip Sixbery, then Ryan. Those things happen,” Goodner said Friday. “I guess we just have to go on down the road.”

        Murphy recorded 65 tackles and five tackles for loss last season and would have been the Cats' leading returning tackler this season.

        Murphy missed almost all of spring practice to rest a surgically repaired shoulder and to attempt to catch up academically, coach Guy Morriss said.

        • UK's season opener, Sept.1 against Louisville, will be broadcast regionally by Jefferson-Pilot Sports as the “SEC Game of the Week.” Kickoff is 12:30p.m. at Commonwealth Stadium.

        • The St.Louis Rams have signed UK defensive back Willie Gary to a free-agent contract. Gary was a four-year starter for the Wildcats from 1997-2000. He played every position in the defensive backfield during his college career and totaled two interceptions and 10 pass breakups.

        Gary is one of nine Cats from the 2000 team trying to make an NFL roster. The draftees were CB Eric Kelly (Minnesota), WR Quentin McCord (Atlanta) and S Marlon McCree (Jacksonville). In addition to Gary, free-agent signees have been CB Kenneth Grant (Carolina), RB Derek Homer (Baltimore), DE Matt Layow (New York Giants), WR Jimmy Robinson (New Orleans) and OG Omar Smith (St. Louis).

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