Strength In Numbers<\/h3>\n
Of the two secondary positions on Brad White’s<\/strong> defense, the safeties look ahead of the corners. Jordan Lovett<\/a> shined in 2022 after a season-ending injury to starter Jalen Geiger.<\/a> As a sophomore Lovett played in all 13 games finishing second on the team in tackles with 62. In addition, he had two interceptions which placed him eighth in the SEC. As a result, College Football News<\/em> named him an honorable mention All-American.<\/p>\n One of the stars of the spring was Zion Childress<\/a>. Last year the Texas State transfer played in every game totaling 34 tackles, two pass breakups, and a sack. He had his best game against national champion Georgia where he made a season-high nine stops as Kentucky gave the Bulldogs all they could handle. <\/a><\/p>\n Geiger was able to practice on a limited basis this spring and his return adds depth to an already strong group. Behind Geiger, Jaremiah Anglin, Brady Pierce, Nasir Addison and Ty Bryant<\/strong> are all younger players pushing for playing time. Another player who was expected to have a bounce-back season was Vito Tisdale<\/a>. However, after coming back from a knee injury he was dismissed from the team and has since entered the transfer portal.<\/p>\n As we continue on with our 2023 Kentucky Spring Preview: Secondary let’s move to the cornerback spot where the Kentucky defense must replace some key players.<\/p>\n Heading into 2023 Kentucky lost both of their starting cornerbacks, Carrington Valentine<\/a> and Keidron Smith<\/a>. Valentine made 48 tackles, defended 10 passes, and had an interception. He’s a projected late-round pick in the upcoming NFL Draft. Smith had 46 tackles and two picks. He’s hoping for a late-round call from the NFL. Andru Phillips<\/strong> started in week one last season and made four starts overall. He finished 2o22 with 31 tackles and five pass breakups. Jordan Robertson<\/strong> and Maxwell Hairston<\/strong> are also names to watch.<\/p>\n As we’ve talked about quite a bit Kentucky was very successful in the transfer portal. Two of the incoming players JQ Hardaway<\/a> and Jantzen Dunn<\/a> will compete for playing time immediately. Hardaway made seven tackles and had a sack for the Bearcats. Dunn, a Bowling Green native, and four star player<\/a> appeared in four games for Ohio State but had no stats. Both players have three years of eligibility remaining.<\/p>\n We can’t wrap up a look at the Kentucky secondary without talking about\u00a0Alex Afari<\/a>. Listed as a defensive back the Cincinnati native plays the hybrid position in White’s defense. What that means is he’ll line up anywhere from defensive end to outside linebacker to nickelback. As a freshman he played in all 13 games, starting three. He made 21 tackles, including three for a loss, along with a sack. The staff thinks he’s poised for a breakout year.<\/p>\n As we finish up our 2023 Kentucky Spring Preview: Secondary we look at special teams.<\/p>\n Saying the Wildcat special teams’ performance was “subpar” is an understatement. Kicking woes cost the Cats a win at Ole Miss. <\/a>That loss cost them a chance at a much better bowl game. Constant issues with long snapping caused Matt Ruffolo<\/a> to make only 16 of 24 field goals and 25 of 27 extra points. New special teams coach Jay Boulware<\/strong> along with head coach\u00a0Mark Stoops<\/a> put extra emphasis on the kicking game this spring.<\/p>\n Super Senior Chance Poore<\/strong> gets the early nod as Ruffolo’s replacement. He’s done a great job as Kentucky’s kickoff specialist but lost the place-kicking job twice, including once to Ruffolo. Behind Poore is Jackson Smith<\/strong>, a Boyle County native who ProKicker.com named the top punter\/kicker in the 2022 class.<\/p>\n Australian punter Wilson Berry<\/strong> started the 2021 year as a punter but lost the job to Colin Goodfellow<\/strong> following a back injury. When Goodfellow was injured in the Missouri game Berry averaged 41 yards a punt over the last four games. It can’t be stated enough the special teams must improve for Kentucky to have a great 2023.<\/p>\nNext Man Up<\/h3>\n
Playing All Over The Field<\/h3>\n
Not-So Special Teams<\/h3>\n
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