Big Things Expected In 2023
On Saturday the Kentucky Wildcats held an open practice for the Big Blue Nation. As we discussed before there’s no spring game for Mark Stoops’ club for the third time in four years. This time it’s due to a new turf being installed at Kroger Field. Brad White’s defense dominated the day and that fits well with what we’re talking about today. After previewing the offense let’s head to the other side of the ball with our Kentucky 2023 Spring Preview: Defensive Line.
Taking A Big Step Forward
A season ago Josaih Hayes split time with Justin Rogers at the nose guard position. Of course, Rogers transferred to Auburn after the season. In 11 games Hayes recorded eight tackles and a pass deflection. However, his playing time went down considerably at the end of the year when Jamarius Dinkins emerged as the backup nose guard. Dinkins made nine tackles and had a sack in nine games. Most notably he had a big game against the national champion Georgia Bulldogs.
So far in the Spring the former four-star player from Mississippi has made great strides as has Dinkins, a three-star player from Ohio. For Kentucky’s defense to be great they’ll need more consistent play from both guys. As we continue with our Kentucky 2023 Spring Preview: Defensive Line let’s look at a player the staff has high hopes for.
Instant Impact Transfer
As we’ve talked about Kentucky really improved its roster through the transfer portal. One of the newcomers is on the defensive line. Keeshawn Silver, a 6-4,315 pounder from Rocky Mountain, North Carolina left Mack Brown’s program and headed to Lexington.
Coming out of high school Silver ranked as the 31st-best player in the nation. However, the five-star player never found much playing time in Chapel Hill appearing in only four games in two years. He’s pushing Dinkins and Hayes for playing time.
Moving on with our Kentucky 2023 Spring Preview: Defensive Line let’s move from the middle and look at the remainder of the defensive line.
All-SEC Player
One of the biggest stories concerning last season’s squad was the development of tackle Deone Walker. During his first season, the Detroit native had 40 tackles, a sack, and a forced fumble. He was named SEC’s co-Defensive Lineman of the week for his performance against Louisville. In that contest, he made six tackles, had a half-sack, and forced a fumble. As a result of his strong play, Walker was also named a freshman All-American.
During Saturday’s scrimmage, he dominated the Wildcat offensive line that’s still a work in progress. If sacks had been allowed he would have had a couple. He’s looking for an All-SEC selection this year.
The player likely backing up Walker is Octavious Oxendine. The North Hardin product entered 2022 with high expectations. Playing in six games before a season-ending injury Oxendine recorded 15 tackles and two sacks in 2021. He dropped 30 pounds in the off-season in order to be quicker upfront. Unfortunately, it didn’t quite work out the way he and defensive line coach Anwar Stewart hoped. As a result, he’s bulking back up for 2023. Former Ohio State transfer Darrion Henry-Young also provides depth.
Keeping The Status Quo
The defensive end spot shouldn’t see much change from 2022. Redshirt junior Tre’Vonn Rybka appeared in 12 games last season making 19 tackles and a sack. He’s backed up by redshirt sophomore Khalil Saunders who made 13 stops and had a half sack. Tomiwa Durojaiye adds depth to the end position.
Final Thoughts
Led by Walker the Kentucky defensive line could go eight or nine deep and has a chance to be one of the SEC’s best in 2023. Overall the entire defense finished 13th in the country giving up 19 points per game. That number would have been even better if not for the “all-systems failure” against Tennessee.
Thanks for checking out of Kentucky 2023 Spring Preview: Defensive Line here at Last Word On College Football. Next time we’ll look at another strong point for the Cats, the linebackers.
Photo courtesy: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
