The 1st ever UK Team Breakdown -Defense for '09

I thought that you might like to read the preseason breakdown for the Defense for the '09 season. Again, this was written about 6 weeks before the season began.

I hope you enjoy it.


Secondary: The UK secondary is very talented and somewhat deep with very young players (especially by UK standards). Lindley has been rated as one of the top cornerbacks in the country and anchors this area of the D.

KY has several people fighting for the other CB position and it looks like Burden will be the starter there especially after his Liberty Bowl performance. UK needs one of the youngsters to step his game up for the nickel role this year and replace Lindley next year. There are also ample backups for the CB position in C Rice (whom the coaches have raved about), and Paul Warford who looks to be the #3 CB at this point. Both Rice and Warford have enough talent that in the past either/both would have been considered as starters.

Winston Guy will anchor one Safety position, the other will be an open competition with many showing at least some ability to be declared the starter; however look for Calvin Harrison to begin the season as the other starter. At this time, it looks like A Cobb and M Lentz are the main reserves with playing time in the past and possible starters for the '10 season. The up and comers for this area would include Jarvis Walker, and possibly Dakotah Tyler if he does not work out at RB.

Linbackers: Once again, UK is stacked in this area with talent and some depth. All World Micah Johnson mans the middle with several players vying to play on each side. The Linebacker position saw a tremendous upgrade in talent in the 09 Recruiting Class and several of the Freshmen seem to be talented speedsters with a very high football acumen. Look for D Trevathan to be the 1st in line for the Will position and S Maxwell to at least be the initial starter at the Sam LB position.

The Linebackers this year will prove to be slightly more agressive due to the natural ability of the players; additionally, they will be much faster, much more athletic, and demonstrate a much greater field presence than in previous years (provided the DL can keep the oppositions OL off of them). The up and comers for this unit would include Qua (Qua-Zilla the quareterback Killa) Huzzie, (Flyin') Ryan Mosby, and possibly Ridge Wilson (although he may be better suited to red shirt and come back in the '10 season as a DE).

Defensive End: The UK DL is a mixture of a lot of things. The DE position is raw. There are no returning starters or backups and the Freshmen of this class all seem to be at least a year away from being serious contributors. Donte Rumph would have almost had one of the positions locked down, but has not proven that he can get on the field academically. Chandler Burden and Collins Ukwu seem to have the initial lead for starting spots; however, JUCO recruit DeQuin Evans might have to be "The Man" on this unit almost by default. If Evans can step his game up as many have stated, this unit might be serviceable. The least that UK needs from the DEs is to be able to hold the point of attack and let the LBs make plays, if this happens, the Defense could be ok. Overall, this area still seems to be at least 1 yr away from being a true strength of this team.

One of the "Sleepers" for DE might be Patrick Ligon from Memphis, he has a very high motor, good strength to hold the point of attack, more size than most of our DEs, and has experience at the postion. If he, someone else does emerge, to provide an ample pass rush or at least hold the point of attack for the LBs, the Wildcats may dominate some games from the defensive side of the ball even in the very tough SEC East.

Defensive Tackle : This area is the strength of the DL. There are several players who will fight for playing time (a good thing). Corey Peters has one position on lockdown mode and demands a double team on some Saturdays.

The other starter may be Mark Crawford who transferred in January of 09. He was originally out of shape, but hopefully has dedicated himself to the weight room and learned that he will be held accountable in Lexington. There are several players who will compete for serious playing time and maybe even one of the starter positions although R Lumpkins seems to have the size and edge to team up with Peters as the other starting DT. Depth at DT certainly looks to be one of the positives on this side of the ball (S McCord). Up and Comers for this unit include Mister Cobble and possibly Myron Walker both incoming Freshmen.

Overall, the Cats sport 4 starters, 1 on each layer of the Defensive side of the ball which are game changers certainly an anomoly by KY Standards. These 4 players, Peters, Guy, Lindley and M. Johnson certainly look to have the talent and drive to be playing on Sunday, and to provide this version of the Cat D with leadership, talent, and experience. If almost any other player steps up, especially a DE, the Cats might not only be a spoiler in division play but actually finish 3rd or 4th in the SEC.