University of Kentucky tight end T.C. Drake has had surgery for a sports hernia and won't be back to full speed for about six weeks, Coach Rich Brooks said Wednesday.

Drake, who will be a senior this fall, started eight games at tight end last season, catching 12 passes for 204 yards.

Drake will probably be in a three-man battle with fellow seniors Ross Bogue and Maurice Grinter for the starting tight end spot in the fall. Bogue ended the spring at No. 1.