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Spring Wrap: Defensive Line

wildcatman26

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Apr 23, 2006
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http://kentucky.247sports.com/Article/Breaking-down-the-Kentucky-defensive-line-after-spring-pracitce-36831173


With spring practice officially behind us CatsPause.com takes a
position-by-position look at the UK football roster. Today we'll look at
the defensive line. Check out part one of the series about the offensive line.
7_3000270.jpg

Probable starters if season opened today: DE Melvin Lewis (6-4, 342, Sr.), DT C.J. Johnson (6-3, 297, Sr.)

Spring standout: Melvin Lewis
was something of an afterthought in Mark Stoops' first recruiting class
at Kentucky, joining the class after signing day in 2013 and then
arriving late to preseason camp. Defensive coordinator D.J. Eliot
described Lewis as "just a big kid, but not a very good player" upon
arriving in Lexington. After redshirting in 2013 and starting all 12
games in 2014 Lewis has shed that label. "Nothing was given to him, and
he didn't walk in here a good player," Eliot said. "He's a guy that may
be the most improved player on our team from when he came in to where
he's at now."

Other returning defensive linemen: DT Adrian Middleton (6-3, 294, RFr.), DT Zane Williams (6-4, 277, Jr.)

Newcomer to watch: Three-star junior-college transfer
Courtney Miggins (6-5, 285, Jr.) was one of the few bright spots late in
the 2015 recruiting cycle for Kentucky and will be counted on to play
immediately this fall. Miggins could likely help at either the end or
tackle spot. The staff is high on senior Farrington Huguenin,
who has been blocked by Za'Darius Smith the last two years, but
Miggins' could push Huguenin for a starting spot if he arrives on campus
in proper condition.

Other 2015 signees: DE Kengera Daniel* (6-5, 250, Fr.), DT Javon Provitt (6-3, 305, Fr.)

*Enrolled early, participated in spring practice

Question mark: Former five-star recruit Matt Elam's quest
to cut weight continues, but he was down to 360 pounds this spring. He
hopes to be closer to 340 pounds in time for the season. At that weight
Elam would likely build on his 10 tackles in 12 games as a freshman and
would be able to play more snaps in relief of Lewis. There's no doubting
Elam's talent, but how successful he is in changing his body will be
key to cashing in on that recruiting hype.

Fall outlook: Replacing Za'Darius Smith remains a
significant concern for the Wildcats, but the defensive line appears to
be one of the team's strengths this fall, especially at the interior
line positions. Lewis, Johnson, Elam and Meant provide a SEC-caliber
rotation at the tackle spots, and if Miggins backs up his recruiting
ranking the line could be even better. How Huguenin plays in an expanded
role may be the x-factor for the unit. "We've got four or five guys in
there that have that opportunity to be what we need," defensive line
coach Jimmy Brumbaugh said.
 
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