Kentucky hired former Tennessee offensive coordinator Randy Sanders on Monday as quarterbacks coach.

Sanders replaces Kurt Roper, who was hired by Tennessee to be the Volunteers’ running backs coach.

Sanders, who resigned in October during Tennessee’s disappointing 5-6 season, had spent 22 seasons with the Vols — including four as a quarterback.

Insider linebacker/running back Micah Johnson (6-foot-2, 249 pounds) from Fort Campbell, Kentucky has verbally committed to Kentucky.

Haubert’s take: While coach Rich Brooks and his team ended the season 3-8, they did give Wildcat fans one big reason to get excited about the school’s football program before basketball got into full swing. Over the weekend on his unofficial visit, ESPN’s No. 1 rated inside linebacker Micah Johnson gave his verbal commitment to join the Wildcat program next fall.

This is a huge commitment for a struggling program. Johnson is one of the most talented and versatile athletes in the 2006 class. To put it bluntly, Johnson is a freakish athlete combining size, strength and athleticism. He has been recruited to play inside backer for the Wildcats, but according to Johnson, they also plan to take advantage of his talents as a running back. It appears they have already started planning for the big athlete to carry the ball in certain situations.

Spring practice begins: March 29
Spring game: April 22
Area of concern: After just nine wins in his first three seasons, Kentucky head coach Rich Brooks needs his Wildcats to make a move next season or he’ll most likely be the one on the move. This is pretty much a make-or-break season for Brooks. The good news is that he has 15 starters returning from last season. The bad news is that the Wildcats still aren’t particularly deep. The hottest competition this spring will be at quarterback, where Andre’ Woodson and Curtis Pulley will battle for the job. There will be a fresh set of eyes watching, too. Randy Sanders, the former offensive coordinator at Tennessee, was hired by Brooks to be the Wildcats’ quarterbacks coach.