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A Special Defense?

The-Hack

All-American
Oct 1, 2016
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After reading of the defense humbling Levis, Hogan and the rest of the offense, I suspect we might be looking at a unit that will challenge the 2018/19 defense as Stoop’s best in ten years.

I just read a depth chart, and D’ Jack (D’Erick Jackson) and Wallace are “running third and fourth string,” behind Square and Jones.

Wow.

I just don’t see much of a drop off 4 deep.

It looks like we have 700 pounds of Michigan Men in the Middle, again, as the true frosh monster, Deone Walker is drawing rave reviews for his play, speed and size, to go along with Junior Justin Rogers. I’ve always believed the total effectiveness of the 3-4 defense is based on a big, athletic Nose, and we have more than one capable of playing the toughest position in defensive football.

Octavious Oxendine’s return from mid-season 2021 injury should have everyone pumped. He was the highest profile breakthrough player from Kentucky’s nationally renowned 2020 defensive line haul, and fellow classmates, Anaele, Rybka, Hayes and Rogers will have their moments to shine in 2022.

We will have good play on the edge, if not the spectacular play of Josh Allen in ‘18. Jordan Wright may never have 18 sacks in a single season, but he has been a Money-Ball-type player for years, with his freakish length and athleticism. He has ended up in the endzone more than Josh Allen, and is a ball swatting freak against the passing game. Weaver has similar attributes, and might be a more disruptive force as a sack-master, as he has gained strength and experience.

Ajian’s return was a pleasant surprise for our secondary. The former 4 Star has played on a high level since his introduction in 2018, and as result of Covid, will return as one of the most experienced defenders in the history of Kentucky football, having been a solid contributor for (now) five full seasons.

I have heard very little about Vito Tisdale this Summer . . . and that is a good thing. I expect him to have as renowned a season as he had a renowned off-season in 2021.

Our corners will be OK, if not dominant. Frosh Phillips is drawing strong reviews, and Carrington Valentine should compete for all SEC recognition.

Altogether, this defense might well compete for a return to Top 10 status nationally!
 
After reading of the defense humbling Levis, Hogan and the rest of the offense, I suspect we might be looking at a unit that will challenge the 2018/19 defense as Stoop’s best in ten years.

I just read a depth chart, and D’ Jack (D’Erick Jackson) and Wallace are “running third and fourth string,” behind Square and Jones.

Wow.

I just don’t see much of a drop off 4 deep.

It looks like we have 700 pounds of Michigan Men in the Middle, again, as the true frosh monster, Deone Walker is drawing rave reviews for his play, speed and size, to go along with Junior Justin Rogers. I’ve always believed the total effectiveness of the 3-4 defense is based on a big, athletic Nose, and we have more than one capable of playing the toughest position in defensive football.

Octavious Oxendine’s return from mid-season 2021 injury should have everyone pumped. He was the highest profile breakthrough player from Kentucky’s nationally renowned 2020 defensive line haul, and fellow classmates, Anaele, Rybka, Hayes and Rogers will have their moments to shine in 2022.

We will have good play on the edge, if not the spectacular play of Josh Allen in ‘18. Jordan Wright may never have 18 sacks in a single season, but he has been a Money-Ball-type player for years, with his freakish length and athleticism. He has ended up in the endzone more than Josh Allen, and is a ball swatting freak against the passing game. Weaver has similar attributes, and might be a more disruptive force as a sack-master, as he has gained strength and experience.

Ajian’s return was a pleasant surprise for our secondary. The former 4 Star has played on a high level since his introduction in 2018, and as result of Covid, will return as one of the most experienced defenders in the history of Kentucky football, having been a solid contributor for (now) five full seasons.

I have heard very little about Vito Tisdale this Summer . . . and that is a good thing. I expect him to have as renowned a season as he had a renowned off-season in 2021.

Our corners will be OK, if not dominant. Frosh Phillips is drawing strong reviews, and Carrington Valentine should compete for all SEC recognition.

Altogether, this defense might well compete for a return to Top 10 status nationally!
Great write up Hack but unfortunately Vito is out for the year.
 
Hack, how many true Freshman from that historic class will start and or play a ton?
 
Hack, how many true Freshman from that historic class will start and or play a ton?
Rybka and Anaele flashed at the end of last season, and in the Citrus Bowl. Rogers has been a steady contributor since he arrived, and Big Ox surprised everybody last year. I’d say all the bigguns from the ‘20 Class are playing lots of minutes this year.
 
Hack, how many true Freshman from that historic class will start and or play a ton?
If you mean the ‘22 Class, I’ve read as many as 10 could exceed the 4 game limit.

I doubt that many, but haven’t seen ‘em in person.
 
If you mean the ‘22 Class, I’ve read as many as 10 could exceed the 4 game limit.

I doubt that many, but haven’t seen ‘em in person.
Yeah I was referring to the top 10 2022 Class.
Im really looking forward to seeing that Five Star OL Goodwin play!
 
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If you mean the ‘22 Class, I’ve read as many as 10 could exceed the 4 game limit.

I doubt that many, but haven’t seen ‘em in person.
TFs sure to play more than 4:
Walker
Goodwin
Key
Brown

Might play more than 4:
Kattus
Anthony
Afari
Either Fearbry or K. Wade

I am not buying the idea that 10 TFs will take off their redshirts. It is preseason hype, not a lot different from other years. 2022 was a good class, but the returning veterans and transfers are good too. Some transfers will block TFs who might have played more otherwise.

But I am buying into the defense. This looks like a good unit.
 
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TFs sure to play more than 4:
Walker
Goodwin
Key
Brown

Might play more than 4:
Kattus
Anthony
Afari
Either Fearbry or K. Wade

I am not buying the idea that 10 TFs will take off their redshirts. It is preseason hype, not a lot different from other years. 2022 was a good class, but the returning veterans and transfers are good too. Some transfers will block TFs who might have played more otherwise.

But I am buying into the defense. This looks like a good unit.
Yes, it definitely looks like a good unit and could possibly end up being an excellent unit !! GO CATS !!
 
I know I sound like a broken record but Jackson will be the one to watch at LB. Geiger in the secondary.

Concerning hearing about the offensive struggle. Seems like last year it was opposite and there was more talent on defensive line.
The talk suggested a bad day for the offense, rather than some early season domination by the defense. They were also shallow at center, as Burton was forced into action there.
 
That 2018 defense was special. We had the best player in the country and 2 top 3 round picks in the secondary. We’ll see but i doubt this defense will be in that level
I dont know man, our LB Corp and Edge rushers are legit as is our D line. We have solid safetys and the transfers will help on corner as well as Valentine. UK is loaded.
 
That 2018 defense was special. We had the best player in the country and 2 top 3 round picks in the secondary. We’ll see but i doubt this defense will be in that level
I tend to agree here...I don't see this as close to 2018 D.

- Weaver and Wright are both a notch (or two) below Josh Allen and Boogie Watson as edge rushers
- Are we even going to try to argue Geiger/Ajian in the same hemisphere as Edwards and West?...Losing Vito was a big loss.
- Valentine and Keidron Smith/Dre Philips....are they going to match Baity/Lonnie Johnson as CB?
- I'll concede Square/Jones/DeRyck Jackson/Trevin Wallace solidly better than Kash/Jordan Jones
- I'll concede Ox/Rogers/Rybka are better than the Bohanna/Hoskins/Calvin Taylor, etc...

I personally don't see this unit as good as 2018 unless Weaver morphs into 14+ sacks off the edge. Then maybe it will materialize
 
I tend to agree here...I don't see this as close to 2018 D.

- Weaver and Wright are both a notch (or two) below Josh Allen and Boogie Watson as edge rushers
- Are we even going to try to argue Geiger/Ajian in the same hemisphere as Edwards and West?...Losing Vito was a big loss.
- Valentine and Keidron Smith/Dre Philips....are they going to match Baity/Lonnie Johnson as CB?
- I'll concede Square/Jones/DeRyck Jackson/Trevin Wallace solidly better than Kash/Jordan Jones
- I'll concede Ox/Rogers/Rybka are better than the Bohanna/Hoskins/Calvin Taylor, etc...

I personally don't see this unit as good as 2018 unless Weaver morphs into 14+ sacks off the edge. Then maybe it will materialize

I tend to agree that the EDGE players will make or break how good/dominant the defense can be. As has been noted, there was just NO answer for Josh Allen in 2018, and it is hard to imagine how much easier he alone made it for everyone else (especially the DL and DBs).

IF, and it's a big if as you said, Weaver can get double digit sacks, this defense may be in the conversation compared to 2018. The 2022 defense may not have the headliners, but I think it has the edge in good depth.

The down DL will be legit 3 deep. My guess at early season depth chart...

Down DL
DT: JR Ox, RS-FR Saunders, RS-FR Dinkins (he has been at NG, but maybe he moves to DT)
NT: JR Hayes, JR Rogers, TR-FR Walker
DE: SO Rybka, SO Anaele, SO Henry-Young

LBs
Jack: JR JJ Weaver, TR-FRDurojaiye, TR-FR Noah Matthews
MLB: SS Jacquez Jones, JR D'Eryk Jackson, JR Fulton
WLB: SS Square, SO Wallace, SO Thrower
SLB: SS Wright, TR-FR Wade, TR-FR Fearbry

Secondary (Other than the starters, I think this depth chart will shift a lot)...also, I am not sure which safeties are playing SS vs FS
CB: JR Valentine, RS-FR Hairston TR-FR Stewart, RS-FR Huey
S: JR Geiger, JR Joel Williams, RS-FR Lovett
S: SS Ajian, RS-FR Lovett, JR Dodson (can he stay healthy?), SO Childress
CB: SR Smith, SO Phillips, TR-FR Reed, TR-FR Robinson
NB: JR Joel Williams, RS-FR Lovett


So... while there is obviously some drop-off, most of the front 7 is pretty solid 3-deep (lots of inexperience at the backups for both OLB positions). If the secondary can be significantly improved from last year (and I think it should), this defense should be really good.
 
I tend to agree here...I don't see this as close to 2018 D.

- Weaver and Wright are both a notch (or two) below Josh Allen and Boogie Watson as edge rushers
- Are we even going to try to argue Geiger/Ajian in the same hemisphere as Edwards and West?...Losing Vito was a big loss.
- Valentine and Keidron Smith/Dre Philips....are they going to match Baity/Lonnie Johnson as CB?
- I'll concede Square/Jones/DeRyck Jackson/Trevin Wallace solidly better than Kash/Jordan Jones
- I'll concede Ox/Rogers/Rybka are better than the Bohanna/Hoskins/Calvin Taylor, etc...

I personally don't see this unit as good as 2018 unless Weaver morphs into 14+ sacks off the edge. Then maybe it will materialize
Josh Allen makes the 2018 Edge guys get the nod but Weaver and Wright are both better than Boogie IMO. Weaver had 6.5 sacks and multiple TFL and 2 INTs playing gimpy as hell last year off his ACL. With him being 100 percent he gives the defense a game wrecker.
Geiger has a chance to be a better NFL prospect than West but Ajian IMO needs to be supplanted for this defense to be even close to 2018 at safety.
The corners I think can be the biggest suprise. Valentine was thrown to the wolves early in his career and did a decent job against teams best WR. I think that experience going to make him flourish his last couple seasons. Andru Phillips is feisty and fast I think he just has a good feel how to make plays. He may not have Baitys length but I do think he can be just as good. We shall see though.
 
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Josh Allen makes the 2018 Edge guys get the nod but Weaver and Wright are both better than Boogie IMO. Weaver had 6.5 sacks and multiple TFL and 2 INTs playing gimpy as hell last year off his ACL. With him being 100 percent he gives the defense a game wrecker. Geiger has a chance to be a better NFL prospect than West but Ajian IMO needs to be supplanted for this defense to be even close to 2018 at safety. The corners I think can be the biggest suprise. Valentine was thrown to the wolves early in his career and did a decent job against teams best WR. I think that experience going to make him flourish his last couple seasons. Andru Phillips is feisty and fast I think he just has a good feel how to make plays. He may not have Baitys length but I do think he can be just as good. We shall see though.
1. In no universe is Jordan Wright better than Boogie Watson.....Wright has 7 sacks for his entire career...and he's played alot. His highest season sacks is 3.5....and most of those happen vs. non conference scrubs and he disappears in SEC play. Boogie has 18.5 career sacks as a comparison. I can argue Weaver is a notch better than Boogie....but he might be a ways away from Josh Allen as a sacker....let's hope for a big Sr year. I'll argue Jordan finishes with 5 sacks and will struggle to turn the corner vs. SEC teams as edge rusher....he's had 5 years to build his body and maybe he's a kid that can't put on strength is what I see holding him back.

2. As far as the DBs go...I thought Darius West was awesome his final year at UK in 2018 after having eons of injuries before. Maybe Geiger has that type of potential....I don't know. But in what little he played last year, he looks solid but he doesn't show me VIto-type pop in limited plays. I share your thoughts on Ajian....I don't love him as a starting SEC safety...I prefer him a nickel/dime sets more than starter.

CBs...2018 had Lonnie Johnson as a NFL player and Baity was damn good college CB from my book. I just can't say I see Valentine or Keidron Smith as good as either of the 2018 guys. My fear is Keidron played safety at Ole Miss as he wasn't great as a CB.
 
I tend to agree that the EDGE players will make or break how good/dominant the defense can be. As has been noted, there was just NO answer for Josh Allen in 2018, and it is hard to imagine how much easier he alone made it for everyone else (especially the DL and DBs).

IF, and it's a big if as you said, Weaver can get double digit sacks, this defense may be in the conversation compared to 2018. The 2022 defense may not have the headliners, but I think it has the edge in good depth.

The down DL will be legit 3 deep. My guess at early season depth chart...

Down DL
DT: JR Ox, RS-FR Saunders, RS-FR Dinkins (he has been at NG, but maybe he moves to DT)
NT: JR Hayes, JR Rogers, TR-FR Walker
DE: SO Rybka, SO Anaele, SO Henry-Young

LBs
Jack: JR JJ Weaver, TR-FRDurojaiye, TR-FR Noah Matthews
MLB: SS Jacquez Jones, JR D'Eryk Jackson, JR Fulton
WLB: SS Square, SO Wallace, SO Thrower
SLB: SS Wright, TR-FR Wade, TR-FR Fearbry

Secondary (Other than the starters, I think this depth chart will shift a lot)...also, I am not sure which safeties are playing SS vs FS
CB: JR Valentine, RS-FR Hairston TR-FR Stewart, RS-FR Huey
S: JR Geiger, JR Joel Williams, RS-FR Lovett
S: SS Ajian, RS-FR Lovett, JR Dodson (can he stay healthy?), SO Childress
CB: SR Smith, SO Phillips, TR-FR Reed, TR-FR Robinson
NB: JR Joel Williams, RS-FR Lovett


So... while there is obviously some drop-off, most of the front 7 is pretty solid 3-deep (lots of inexperience at the backups for both OLB positions). If the secondary can be significantly improved from last year (and I think it should), this defense should be really good.
Joel Williams just entered the transfer portal so he's not on the roster anymore. And, you left off Afari who is already turning heads. Sounds like he's a guy who will get plenty of reps.
 
After reading of the defense humbling Levis, Hogan and the rest of the offense, I suspect we might be looking at a unit that will challenge the 2018/19 defense as Stoop’s best in ten years.

I just read a depth chart, and D’ Jack (D’Erick Jackson) and Wallace are “running third and fourth string,” behind Square and Jones.

Wow.

I just don’t see much of a drop off 4 deep.

It looks like we have 700 pounds of Michigan Men in the Middle, again, as the true frosh monster, Deone Walker is drawing rave reviews for his play, speed and size, to go along with Junior Justin Rogers. I’ve always believed the total effectiveness of the 3-4 defense is based on a big, athletic Nose, and we have more than one capable of playing the toughest position in defensive football.

Octavious Oxendine’s return from mid-season 2021 injury should have everyone pumped. He was the highest profile breakthrough player from Kentucky’s nationally renowned 2020 defensive line haul, and fellow classmates, Anaele, Rybka, Hayes and Rogers will have their moments to shine in 2022.

We will have good play on the edge, if not the spectacular play of Josh Allen in ‘18. Jordan Wright may never have 18 sacks in a single season, but he has been a Money-Ball-type player for years, with his freakish length and athleticism. He has ended up in the endzone more than Josh Allen, and is a ball swatting freak against the passing game. Weaver has similar attributes, and might be a more disruptive force as a sack-master, as he has gained strength and experience.

Ajian’s return was a pleasant surprise for our secondary. The former 4 Star has played on a high level since his introduction in 2018, and as result of Covid, will return as one of the most experienced defenders in the history of Kentucky football, having been a solid contributor for (now) five full seasons.

I have heard very little about Vito Tisdale this Summer . . . and that is a good thing. I expect him to have as renowned a season as he had a renowned off-season in 2021.

Our corners will be OK, if not dominant. Frosh Phillips is drawing strong reviews, and Carrington Valentine should compete for all SEC recognition.

Altogether, this defense might well compete for a return to Top 10 status nationally!
Isn't defense usually ahead early on? Especially with a new offensive coordinator and installing new stuff. Maybe the offense was shy about showing too much to the world at MEDIA Day.
 
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Joel Williams just entered the transfer portal so he's not on the roster anymore. And, you left off Afari who is already turning heads. Sounds like he's a guy who will get plenty of reps.

Fair - I did leave off Afari, but I am also really not sure if he will be a CB or S at this point, so I still don’t know where to put him.

I was also thinking the veterans would have a leg up on the true FR like Afari early in the season.

However, if he is really just that good, even better!
 
Deone Walker will be the X factor...an incredible talent who could make a difference in a couple key games.
 
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On the one hand, I see why people are raising the issue. Lot of talent and depth on this coming Defense (really, the Front 7 which is pretty loaded with both talent and experience).

On the other, we had the best player in the country coming off the EDGE and our secondary was ridiculously good in 2018. It was a lethal combo.
 
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