Rogers and Henry-Young

[PersianCat387]

Question for our fans who breakdown the tape and pay better attention than me.

1. While it's fair to say we haven't seen any eye-opening plays from Justin Rogers so far this year, he seems to get quite a bit of playing time in the middle for us. For those watching a bit closer, does he seem to be fulfilling his role well? Eating up blockers and holding his position in the middle of the line for us? Our defense has generally played good and he is on the field often so much like Ajian at Safety I have to assume the coaches are pleased with his play...but wondering if we had some more educated opinions on the topic.

2. I'm not very adept at looking up participation reports but really wondering what has been going on with our OSU transfer, Henry-Young. I've heard almost nothing about him all summer and as far as I can remember have yet to see him on the field. Don't expect him to play a lot this year, but has there been any talk or game film that suggests he can give us depth? I just hope there are no outside issues there and that whatever kept him from breaking into the rotation at OSU doesn't keep him from doing the same here. The measurables really get me excited.

 

[vhcat70]

H-Y looks pretty lightweight for DL per UK Athletics numbers.

 

[tdcat]

RogersI was very good against the Gators

 

[SpamburgerHamburger]

Interior linemen don't get their name called unless they make crazy plays. He did a great job occupying blockers, holding his ground, just like you said. We've got some depth there. Easiest way for people who don't analyze the film, is if he's playing a lot, he's playing well. He wouldn't be in there if he was struggling.

 

[SaltyCat22]

Really would like an alternate endzone camera view on TV. Put it on ESPN+ or something like that and we can watch plays develop and see what the hell is going on in the secondary. Following the ball is boring. Only way we get a birdseye is on replays.

 

[jgraf_1]

rogers is doing his job and he did it very well against florida. he's not letting guys get to the second level to block and he's keeping control of his gap responsbility.

in fact the entire defensive line made great improvement from week 1 to week 2.

 

[catben]

Justin has played great!! His play has allowed our LB’s to roam free and make plays on top of stuffing the middle of the line of scrimmage against the run. In a 3-4 defense, the NG is the least glorious position on the unit, but one of the most important.

 

[TBCat]

Rogers has been very good. Not sure where the mindset that he's not doing well is coming from. Keep in mind that NTs rarely get double digit tackles. The first sign that a NT is doing his job is when the inside LBs are able to to flow to the ball. That has been happening. The inside OL are not able to reach our line backers. Both he and Hayes have done a great job.

 

[bigblueinsanity]

I don't recall anyone saying Rogers is playing poorly. I do recall some, like me, saying he and walker need to switch. They actually did flip fairly often vs UF and with great results.

Rogers is athletic but he just isn't the anchor that walker is. Rogers gets doubled but he doesn't anchor down. He gets driven back much too far to play that position. Walker is just a monster.

Move walker to nose. Slide the other two down and rybka to second unit. Will make a good defense even better. Will let Rogers start focusing on his more natural position. Everyone profits.

 

[PersianCat387]

Rogers has been very good. Not sure where the mindset that he's not doing well is coming from. Keep in mind that NTs rarely get double digit tackles. The first sign that a NT is doing his job is when the inside LBs are able to to flow to the ball. That has been happening. The inside OL are not able to reach our line backers. Both he and Hayes have done a great job.

TB, this is a good point. I made this thread because I feel like what I hear and what I see is quite different. What I see on the field (despite my lack of playing experience, X/Os knowledge) is that we seem quite stout in the middle. What I keep hearing through casually consuming lots of UK-related radio and podcast media has been lots of reminders about how "fans need to remember that we don't have Bohannon and McCall anymore" or people saying "I'd like to see more out of Rogers". But despite everything he is still on the first line in the depth chart and we seem about as stout or more so than we have been the past couple of years against the inside run, so as you said it seems to be going well.

 

[The-Hack]

Rogers absorbed a huge double-team that slowly drove him backwards, leaving Walker with only one blocker (the center), who he flung out of the way and made his huge TFL.

Another way of looking at Rogers position is total rushing yards. If the Nose is doing his job, teams seldom rush effectively, especially between the tackles.

 

[zjp3016]

TB, this is a good point. I made this thread because I feel like what I hear and what I see is quite different. What I see on the field (despite my lack of playing experience, X/Os knowledge) is that we seem quite stout in the middle. What I keep hearing through casually consuming lots of UK-related radio and podcast media has been lots of reminders about how "fans need to remember that we don't have Bohannon and McCall anymore" or people saying "I'd like to see more out of Rogers". But despite everything he is still on the first line in the depth chart and we seem about as stout or more so than we have been the past couple of years against the inside run, so as you said it seems to be going well.

Something to keep in mind. McCall's best statistical season (his Junior year) he had 22 total tackles, only 9 solo, 1 TFL, and 1 sack. Bohanna had 18/9/3/1. The NG position is not going to rack up stats or get their name called. It's not their job.

Coming into the season, the "not having McCall" line was more about him being a known quantity before the season. I think Rogers has held up quite well in the middle so far. Eaten double teams and not been pushed back, as opposed to someone like Matt Elam. Not trying to be harsh on the kid, but his play made life hard on our LBs.

 

[SPECT imaging]

Question for our fans who breakdown the tape and pay better attention than me.

1. While it's fair to say we haven't seen any eye-opening plays from Justin Rogers so far this year, he seems to get quite a bit of playing time in the middle for us. For those watching a bit closer, does he seem to be fulfilling his role well? Eating up blockers and holding his position in the middle of the line for us? Our defense has generally played good and he is on the field often so much like Ajian at Safety I have to assume the coaches are pleased with his play...but wondering if we had some more educated opinions on the topic.

2. I'm not very adept at looking up participation reports but really wondering what has been going on with our OSU transfer, Henry-Young. I've heard almost nothing about him all summer and as far as I can remember have yet to see him on the field. Don't expect him to play a lot this year, but has there been any talk or game film that suggests he can give us depth? I just hope there are no outside issues there and that whatever kept him from breaking into the rotation at OSU doesn't keep him from doing the same here. The measurables really get me excited.

I live in Florida and was fortunate enough to get a couple of tickets to Saturday's game. I tried to lock onto our lines, because that is where games are won. Rogers played a great game. There are no stats that tell us how well a nose tackle played. Nose tackles do not get many tackles and almost never get sacks. Rogers is a big guy who does not get pushed around. He holds his gap and plays a strong, disciplined game. I like Rogers a lot, and would add that Hayes is really good too.

But the best player we have on our d-line is Deone Walker. That young man is a real load. No Florida blocker was able to handle him one on one. Walker will have to be double teamed, and that means our other linemen will not have as many hands on them.

I was excited when DHY transferred to UK. DHY is from Cincinnati, and I get fired up every time Stoops brings in a highly rated player from there because we want Cincinnati to be ground floor UK recruiting teritory. DHY is a sophomore, so he has some time to develop. I think the problem is fitting in a 3-4 scheme. He is not big and stout enough yet to play on the line in the 3-4, and might not be quick enough to play the Jack position. He may become a player for us, but I am not expecting him to give us very much this year.

 

[sieken]

Justin has played great!! His play has allowed our LB’s to roam free and make plays on top of stuffing the middle of the line of scrimmage against the run. In a 3-4 defense, the NG is the least glorious position on the unit, but one of the most important.

That’s generally how I look at the NT tackle spot. Think Elam, our middle linebackers were having to deal with lineman more than they should. If the linebackers are making plays around the LOS, typically the NT and DT are doing their jobs.

 

[TBCat]

TB, this is a good point. I made this thread because I feel like what I hear and what I see is quite different. What I see on the field (despite my lack of playing experience, X/Os knowledge) is that we seem quite stout in the middle. What I keep hearing through casually consuming lots of UK-related radio and podcast media has been lots of reminders about how "fans need to remember that we don't have Bohannon and McCall anymore" or people saying "I'd like to see more out of Rogers". But despite everything he is still on the first line in the depth chart and we seem about as stout or more so than we have been the past couple of years against the inside run, so as you said it seems to be going well.

Fair point. I don't claim to be a Freddie Maggard level expert but I did play when I was younger. I believe both Rogers and Hayes are playing at a A- level or better. I also love using Walker on the edge. It really is unorthodox but effective.

 

[Catluv]

You gotta let the Dancing Bear grow up. The kid is 18 he should get better and better. I can’t recall much rushing yards up the middle. NG must be clogging things up.

 

[HCaulfield]

Let me just say how educational this thread has been. Thank you guys.

 

[Cobb4uk]

I live in Florida and was fortunate enough to get a couple of tickets to Saturday's game. I tried to lock onto our lines, because that is where games are won. Rogers played a great game. There are no stats that tell us how well a nose tackle played. Nose tackles do not get many tackles and almost never get sacks. Rogers is a big guy who does not get pushed around. He holds his gap and plays a strong, disciplined game. I like Rogers a lot, and would add that Hayes is really good too.

But the best player we have on our d-line is Deone Walker. That young man is a real load. No Florida blocker was able to handle him one on one. Walker will have to be double teamed, and that means our other linemen will not have as many hands on them.

I was excited when DHY transferred to UK. DHY is from Cincinnati, and I get fired up every time Stoops brings in a highly rated player from there because we want Cincinnati to be ground floor UK recruiting teritory. DHY is a sophomore, so he has some time to develop. I think the problem is fitting in a 3-4 scheme. He is not big and stout enough yet to play on the line in the 3-4, and might not be quick enough to play the Jack position. He may become a player for us, but I am not expecting him to give us very much this year.

Your post is one reason so many enjoy being on this forum. Everyone didn't get the opportunity to play football. Thanks. Guarantee you the Linebackers know what a great job Rogers and Hayes are doing, they get all the glory because of their efforts.

 

[TOMCATS1990]

When your LB’s are making tons of plays it means the big nasty’s are doing their job.

 

[TOMCATS1990]

Another thing I forgot to mention, AR-15 had no running lanes to take off for huge gains Saturday Night. I always get nervous with running QBs gashing our Defense and what did he have 4 yards the entire game. Brad White and the entire D played almost flawless and hopefully can get even better.

 

[kl40504]

I don't recall anyone saying Rogers is playing poorly. I do recall some, like me, saying he and walker need to switch. They actually did flip fairly often vs UF and with great results.

Rogers is athletic but he just isn't the anchor that walker is. Rogers gets doubled but he doesn't anchor down. He gets driven back much too far to play that position. Walker is just a monster.

Move walker to nose. Slide the other two down and rybka to second unit. Will make a good defense even better. Will let Rogers start focusing on his more natural position. Everyone profits.

Thanks coach.

 

[The-Hack]

Let me just say how educational this thread has been. Thank you guys.

One way I Iook at basic football (which is all I ever got to play), the quickest route to the goal line is straight up the middle. When backs and mobile QB’s are forced to “angle” their run, they have surrendered the most efficient route.

When a Nose commands a double-team from two large O-linemen, and can hold his ground, just think of how wide the “base” of those three monsters is . . . 8 feet or more, clogging the middle of the field either from the point of the original snap, or very close to it.

We saw both teams run into the middle, and it looked pretty foolish when the back hit a mass of humanity for a gain of a yard. Even slowing down the film, it can be tough to distinguish who got the tackle . . . sometimes it is just “the pile” that causes backs to fall.

Usually, when you see a back stopped for little or no gain between the tackles, the Nose has created enough inertia in the middle to stop the play, or has held his ground against a double team, allowing a backer to attack the edge of the pile head-on (“downhill”) to cram the play.

Interestingly, late in the game, we hit the middle with Smoke and bullied them after they had gotten tired.

Hence, basic running plays that look a little stupid early in games, help wear a defensive front down, for clock-grinding drives in the 4th quarter.

 

[The-Hack]

Thanks coach.

He has a point.

I have not seen them in practice, but if Rogers has Walker’s speed, he might be better served playing off the ball to allow Walker to catch more doubles.

Let’s just say that making that decision with this size and depth is the wet dream of all defensive coaches.

 

[BigBlueManSouthCentralKY]

Rogers played well. On replays I like to look at who is around the ball a lot also. Rogers was stout up the middle. Looks like this could be the year he takes a step. I would like to see the big Ox at DE, Rogers at the NG and Walker at the DT spot for a few plays. Those three seem the most active so far. Hayes also did a good job when he was in there also. We are fortunate to be at least two deep with that kind of talent on the DL.

 

[The-Hack]

We are fortunate to be at least two deep with that kind of talent on the DL.

I think we are really three deep at the “hand-in-the-dirt” positions.

And whoever is third at any spot could have started for us most of the last 70 years.

 

[tdcat]

Rogers played well. On replays I like to look at who is around the ball a lot also. Rogers was stout up the middle. Looks like this could be the year he takes a step. I would like to see the big Ox at DE, Rogers at the NG and Walker at the DT spot for a few plays. Those three seem the most active so far. Hayes also did a good job when he was in there also. We are fortunate to be at least two deep with that kind of talent on the DL.

Saunders has been very good too.

 

[BigBlueManSouthCentralKY]

I think we are really three deep at the “hand-in-the-dirt” positions.

And whoever is third at any spot could have started for us most of the last 70 years.

Yeah, I hope the next to weeks we get to see some of Henry-Young, Anaele and Dinkins.

 

[BigBlueManSouthCentralKY]

Saunders has been very good too.

Yeah, his name was mentioned some during the game. Looks like he moves pretty well for his size.

 

[UKSanders]

Another thing I forgot to mention, AR-15 had no running lanes to take off for huge gains Saturday Night. I always get nervous with running QBs gashing our Defense and what did he have 4 yards the entire game. Brad White and the entire D played almost flawless and hopefully can get even better.

Many have credited Wright for keeping Richardson’s running check by spying him, but that’s once again a testimony to those guys up front because they were keeping the OL occupied thus preventing them from getting their hands on Wright.

 

[mrschwump]

I've wondered about Henry-Young too. Is he having to RS for whatever bizarre reason? Is he hurt? Or is he just behind others? Inquiring minds want to know.

 

[kl40504]

I've wondered about Henry-Young too. Is he having to RS for whatever bizarre reason? Is he hurt? Or is he just behind others? Inquiring minds want to know.

Yes

 

[seccats04]

I've wondered about Henry-Young too. Is he having to RS for whatever bizarre reason? Is he hurt? Or is he just behind others? Inquiring minds want to know.

I think he already RS at OSU so no need to now. I think he's just behind.

And I don't think Rybka is one of our 3 best DL. I'd like to see Ox slide down to DE and move Walker to starter at DT. We need more of a pass rush and Ox gives us more than Rybka.

 

[TBCat]

I've wondered about Henry-Young too. Is he having to RS for whatever bizarre reason? Is he hurt? Or is he just behind others? Inquiring minds want to know.

Not big enough yet. Right now he's about 250#. They want that end to be at least 280.

 

[Caveman Catfan]

I don't recall anyone saying Rogers is playing poorly. I do recall some, like me, saying he and walker need to switch. They actually did flip fairly often vs UF and with great results.

Rogers is athletic but he just isn't the anchor that walker is. Rogers gets doubled but he doesn't anchor down. He gets driven back much too far to play that position. Walker is just a monster.

Move walker to nose. Slide the other two down and rybka to second unit. Will make a good defense even better. Will let Rogers start focusing on his more natural position. Everyone profits.

Walker is a potential superstar. Moving him around on the line will make him more lethal.

 

[billoliver40]

Nose tackle is really hard for a lot of us to grade. If he does his job, the DEs or linebackers get the big pub.
If they dont and the opposing o linemen get hold of those backers, it's all a misfire.

 

[mrschwump]

I think he already RS at OSU so no need to now. I think he's just behind.

And I don't think Rybka is one of our 3 best DL. I'd like to see Ox slide down to DE and move Walker to starter at DT. We need more of a pass rush and Ox gives us more than Rybka.

I was hoping to see Anaele, maybe we eventually will.

 

[The-Hack]

Walker is a potential superstar. Moving him around on the line will make him more lethal.

And I think they have.

I also saw looks where KY-15 was in the middle of the defensive alingnment, looking like a MLB.

I assume they throw odd looks in so as not to be predictable.

 

[mrschwump]

And I think they have.

I also saw looks where KY-15 was in the middle of the defensive alingnment, looking like a MLB.

I assume they throw odd looks in so as not to be predictable.

Wright even lined up over nose in obvious passing situations. Think he was actually used as a spy on AR.

 

[Caveman Catfan]

Wright even lined up over nose in obvious passing situations. Think he was actually used as a spy on AR.

They may have shared that responsibility. On the one stuff, Jones clearly looked like the spy, but maybe it was just quick reaction.

 

[mrschwump]

They may have shared that responsibility. On the one stuff, Jones clearly looked like the spy, but maybe it was just quick reaction.

Could've been quick reaction, that's what UK gets with the great experience of both Jones and Wright.