Flexibility can maximize Cats' talent on defense in 2024
Alex Afari has played numerous roles on the UK defense in his first two seasons. This year, he'll spend more time at inside linebacker. (Jeff Drummond/Cats Illustrated)
Jeff Drummond • CatsIllustrated
Managing Editor Edit
@JDrumUK
Expectations are high for the Kentucky defense entering the 2024 season.
The Wildcats have 10 players who started at one point last season and have added key contributors from the Georgia and Michigan defenses via the transfer portal, raising expectations even higher after an inconsistent 2023 campaign for Brad White's unit.
With an abundance of depth on that side of the ball, White is looking for ways to maximize his talent, and that includes experimenting with new primary positions for veterans Zion Childress and Alex Afari.
Childress, a fifth-year senior who started all 13 games at safety last season, has been getting significant reps at nickel through the first two weeks of camp. Afari, meanwhile, has shifted from a hybrid outside linebacker/nickel role to inside linebacker as he continues to mature into an athletic, 6-foot-2, 222-pound frame.
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CatsIllustrated - Flexibility can maximize Cats' talent on defense in 2024
Versatile players like Zion Childress, Alex Afari give UK ability to show multiple looks on D.
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