Alex Afari

[YaketySax]

An intriguing player. In three games UK kept him in at OLB in their base package even when opponents would go three wide. Not being forced to go into nickel is a luxury. That’s a NFL ceiling.

I worry with his size that SEC teams will run right at him. For instance, Akron HBack sealed him on a sweep last night and Georgia’s guys are much bigger than him.

No player is perfect every play, but he could be a very good one. Honestly, reminds me of one of Gary Danielson’s “oversized” nickel backs 10 years ago. Interested to see how he does in conference play.

 

[BigBlueManSouthCentralKY]

An intriguing player. In three games UK kept him in at OLB in their base package even when opponents would go three wide. Not being forced to go into nickel is a luxury. That’s a NFL ceiling.

I worry with his size that SEC teams will run right at him. For instance, Akron HBack sealed him on a sweep last night and Georgia’s guys are much bigger than him.

No player is perfect every play, but he could be a very good one. Honestly, reminds me of one of Gary Danielson’s “oversized” nickel backs 10 years ago. Interested to see how he does in conference play.

One of those guys that plays rough and physical. Bigger than his size in a way and less likely to get hurt the way he plays.

 

[bigblueinsanity]

Iirc he's the nb/olb on passing downs/packages. Wade is the olb for base looks.

Afari plays way above his weight imo although I did see him uncharacteristically fail to force an edge once in the first half yesterday.

 

[YaketySax]

Iirc he's the nb/olb on passing downs/packages. Wade is the olb for base looks.

Afari plays way above his weight imo although I did see him uncharacteristically fail to force an edge once in the first half yesterday.

I dunno. Wade on short yardage and garbage time. Afari plays more.

 

[bigblueinsanity]

I dunno. Wade on short yardage and garbage time. Afari plays more.

He definitely plays more because we run more nickel. I wish we'd just shift afari to olb period and have wade backup weaver.

 

[YaketySax]

He definitely plays more because we run more nickel. I wish we'd just shift afari to olb period and have wade backup weaver.

He’s listed as starter ahead of Wade and we play as much nickel as the offense dictates. But EKU and Akron throw it a lot. I think he’s starter regardless of offense in four wide or 12 personnel but we’ll see more opponents to know for sure. I agree he’s not an ideal fit for short yardage against 12 or 13 personnel but if he can be in another year or two he’ll be an early round pick.

 

[bigblueinsanity]

He’s listed as starter ahead of Wade and we play as much nickel as the offense dictates. But EKU and Akron throw it a lot. I think he’s starter regardless of offense in four wide or 12 personnel but we’ll see more opponents to know for sure. I agree he’s not an ideal fit for short yardage against 12 or 13 personnel but if he can be in another year or two he’ll be an early round pick.

He is with a slash indicating it's nickel

 

[Caveman Catfan]

Hardaway looked like a very fine athlete yesterday. But, Hairston seems to be a real baller.

 

[maroon79]

Proud of Hairston

A few more games like he’s had and he will be drafted

He’s playing fast

 

[blue cincy]

If I remember right he had some really big stops last year against UGA and a a few other SEC teams. AA is good and plays fast and is quick and athletic (his size) but when he plays downhill he brings the wood and takes guys down 1 on 1. He can be blocked but I have seen him also get off blocks. I think he will continue to gain muscle and good weight and be a huge part of UK defense moving forward (meaning next year). He will play very good this year and will have to play through mistakes. The really good ones might get sealed on a play but fix that issue in live game action.

 

[cathouse]

Hardaway looked like a very fine athlete yesterday. But, Hairston seems to be a real baller.

We are going to need Hardaway's size at corner in the worst sort of way when we get into SEC play.

If you have watched USCjr, UT, UF, etc, all have 6'4. 6'5 or taller athletic WR's

6 footers can't cover these guys. Especially on corner routes in the end zone.
.

 

[Deeeefense]

Everything in football is a trade off when you trade out Wade for Afari, you lose some run support and pressure, but you gain speed that helps in the short passing game, and edge sweeps etc. I'm not sure if Afari is a true nickel, he's more of a "hybrid" player that give the DC a lot of flexibility as to if they want to put him in coverage or keep in in run support - helps confuse the offense because they don't really know what his responsibilities are presnap.

As college football moves more towards passing the ball I think you see more coaches trying to get more speed onto the field.