One of The Strongest Groups on The Team
The Kentucky Wildcats wrapped up Spring practice on Wednesday. However we here at Last Word On College Football are rolling on with our position-by-position look at Mark Stoops’ Wildcats. After going through each of the offensive groups we’ve moved to the defense. This time out it’s the linebackers, a group with a ton of potential. Let’s introduce you to some Cats with major breakout potential with our 2023 Kentucky Spring Preview: Linebackers. First up, the guys on the inside.
Big Shoes to Fill
Mike Stoops, Mark’s brother, lost both starters from 2o22. Jacquez Jones and DeAndre Square were multiple-year starters and have a good chance at playing in the NFL. Square finished second on the team with 58 tackles and second in sacks with two-and-a-half. Even while suffering through an injury-plagued year Jones made 37 tackles with a sack and interception. Those two missing significant time in 2022 allowed extensive playing time for some younger guys. Stoops hopes this gives the Cats a big head start for 2023.
D’Eryk Jackson and Trevin Wallace are slotted as starters at inside linebacker for Kentucky. Jackson, a Georgia native, led Kentucky in tackles last season with 67, including four for loss. In addition, he had two passes defended. Wallace, another Georgia native, finished fifth on the team with 54 stops. Furthermore, he was second on the team in sacks (two-and-a-half) and interceptions (two). The junior led the defense in the Music City Bowl loss to Iowa with six tackles, five of them solo. At times both players have shown All-SEC caliber type play. However, they must be more consistent in 2023.
Continuing on with our 2023 Kentucky Spring Preview: Linebackers we move to the outside where a key return was huge for Brad White’s group.
“Edge” Of A Breakout Season
With one tweet the Kentucky defense went from being really good to potentially top-tier in the SEC.
Thank you #BBN
This what’s best for me!! @UKFootball @UKCoachStoops @vincemarrow pic.twitter.com/xnZIVqbORd— JJ Weaver (@jjtimeee) January 8, 2023
Even though he still had two years of eligibility remaining J.J. Weaver went through “Senior Day” activities last year. Playing at the edge rusher/outside linebacker spot the Louisville native led the team in sacks with three. In addition, he also led the team with three fumble recoveries and made 47 tackles. This is despite missing time due to injuries.
Weaver’s return makes the loss of Jordan Wright a little less severe. As a senior Wright finished second on the team with 62 tackles and led the team with nine for loss. If he stays healthy Weaver has All-SEC potential.
As you’ve seen Kentucky’s in good shape with its starters at linebacker. However, who backs them up is a big question mark. As we wrap up our 2023 Kentucky Spring Preview: Linebackers let’s look at the guys who’ll be needed at some point.
Pushing For Playing Time?
Behind Jackson and Wallace, the other two inside linebackers who were available for the Spring were Luke Fulton and Martez Thrower. As a junior last year, Thrower appeared in all 13 games mainly on special teams making five tackles. Fulton, a former Michigan State transfer, played in six games all on special teams. Their development will be crucial to the defense’s success. Incoming four-star linebacker Jayvant Brown could also push for some playing time but won’t be on campus until summer.
Over at the edge/outside linebacker position Kentucky signed three really good players in the 2022 class. After a full year in the program, all three are looking for more reps this year. Keaten Wade, brother of backup quarterback Destin Wade, played in all 13 games recording 16 tackles and one-and-a-half sacks. Tyreese Fearby played three games making one tackle while Noah Matthews came in as the fourth-best player in Delaware but did not see any game action.
Another incoming player looking for immediate playing time is Grant Godfrey. The four-star player from Georgia is the third-highest-ranked player in Kentucky’s 2023 class. Godfrey recorded 69 tackles in 2022 including 11 for a loss. In addition, he had seven sacks, a forced fumble, and an interception.
Final Thoughts
Kentucky’s defense ranked 12th in the nation and second in the SEC to Georgia allowing 311 yards a game. Not too many schools can lose three top linebackers and probably not miss a beat in 2023. The team’s starters are All-SEC quality, however, it’s a matter of getting the guys behind them ready. Thanks for checking out our 2023 Kentucky Spring Preview: Linebackers here at Last Word On College Football. Next time we’ll finish up our look at the Wildcats with the secondary and special teams.
Photo courtesy: Jordan Prather-USA TODAY Sports
