Depth on Defense-Secondary

The deepest and most talented unit (as well as the most experienced) on Defense is the Secondary. Eventhough, the CATS lost one of the best CBs (T Lindley) in UK history and a pretty good SS (C Harrison), this unit remains the stalwart of the Defense. The unit, led by returners W Guy, and P Warford add additional depth and talent in part time starters from the '09 season in M Neloms (sophomore), and C Rice (sophomore).


CBs: The cornerback position may be the deepest that it has ever been in UK history even with the loss of T Lindley. Among the players which return with significant game experience include: R Burden, P Warford, M Neloms, and C Rice. Potential new faces to the mix include: J Priester, D Trimble, and Eric Simmons.

At this time, given previous game experience, and playmaking ability, the starters by default would seem to be R Burden and P Warford. Both have started several games, and flashed the ability to be SEC corners. The problem is that Neloms and Rice also have extensive playing time, and Rice has been singled out by the staff as having had a great spring practice, so to count him out of the mix would not be advisable. Added to that, Neloms had great flashes last season and demonstrated that he too could also make plays on the ball. The major drawback with C Rice would be his size, but he has obviously demonstrated the ability to get better during the offseason by refining his technique.

The addition of the "True Freshmen" does nothing but add tremendous talent, and depth to the roster and signify that a couple of players may be headed for redshirts (which is certainly not all bad). The coaches are looking at Priester as another "All World" player, in the mode of R Cobb who may be designated for play on both offense and defense. At this time, Jerrell may be among the top 3-4 fastest guys on the team, and come in to play cornerback in special package formations in order to add playmaking ability and speed on the field. Given the talent at the CB position, and the cockiness (which is required to play the position) of all of the players listed, playing time could be at a premium and the days of almost no depth at CB over for the foreseeable future.

Safety: The CATS lost C Harrison, and M Lentz to eligibility and injury respectively. Harrison was a better than average player at the position for UK, and Lentz had too many concussions.

Winston Guy looks to have the FS position locked down with Dakotah Tyler, Josh Gibbs, and Jarvis Walker fighting for the other position. Most of the visitors, to Spring practice have mentioned Jarvis as a pleasant surprise, and Gibbs has also been mentioned as having had a pretty good spring as well. Gibbs is considered undersized, but he was a 2nd team All American JUCO player and he will probably not just relinquish the position without a fight. Add to the mix Mychal Bailey and the Safety position seems to be almost as deep as the CB position especially if one of the more elite CBs is moved over to Safety to backup W Guy.

All in all, the Secondary is deep, fast, and should be one of the deeper units in UK history. If the Defensive line, especially the DEs can generate pressure on the opposing QBs, the unit might really take off to an elite level even in the SEC.