3 Players to Watch When Kentucky Hosts Vanderbilt

Kentucky hosts Vanderbilt at Kroger Field this Saturday at Noon on the SEC Network. On paper, this is a game the Wildcats should win. However, things could get dicey if Kentucky does not come ready to play. An exceptional performance by three Wildcats in particular can ensure the score is tilted in favor of the home team.

Andru Phillips

Now in his third season in Lexington, the redshirt sophomore is coming into his own in the UK secondary. Andru Phillips started the season as a second-team cornerback. After rotating in regularly he has emerged as Kentucky’s top slot cornerback in the Wildcats’ nickel package. Phillips wracked up four tackles at Tennessee, then became a focal point of the defense at Missouri, totaling 6 tackles, 1.5 for loss, a pass deflection and a QB pressure.

“I think he’s found a comfort level, a confidence in his play. It’s a lot of the Andru we saw in the spring and fall camp that I kept bringing up and mentioning about his ability to make plays on the ball and make competitive plays. He plays with no fear and every week you see that confidence level continue to tick and tick and tick,” defensive coordinator Brad White said this week.

“You can put more on his plate and I think that there’s definitely a high ceiling for him in that nickel spot. He can also play out there on the edge. But that’s a big, big position, especially when you think about the next level. Those slot corners are in high value and high demand because when you think about who you have to matchup with in there and the quickness, your ability to have to both cover and tackle in certain situations — in the run game and be a blitzer — he’s got a lot of those qualities. Really excited about how he’s progressing and there’s still so much more that we can get.”

Versatility is essential at that position. Phillips can apply pressure on the blitz and support the run game when Mike Wright is scrambling outside of the pocket. The nickel may also be tasked to cover Will Sheppard, the Vanderbilt wide receiver that’s tied for second in the SEC in touchdown receptions. Kentucky asks a lot of their nickels, and as of late, Phillips has delivered.

Chris Rodriguez

This is the first cold weather football game Kentucky will play in this fall. They will be playing it with a banged up Will Levis under center. The overall sentiment is “let’s just get out of here with a win.” The quickest way to do that is by leaning on Chris Rodriguez. Chasing Kentucky’s all-time leading rushing record, he has the potential to put up a big number against a rushing defense that is allowing just under 5 yards per carry. A big day for Rodriguez is the key to a comfortable win for the Cats.

Josh Kattus

For Chris Rodriguez to have a big day, he needs the big men to lead the way. Despite the Big Blue Wall’s struggles, one dude on the edge has consistently busted heads. Josh Kattus has been arguably the most pleasant surprise from the loaded 2022 Kentucky football recruiting class. Even though he was one of the lowest-ranked players, the headhunter in the trenches was always confident he could make an immediate impact at Kentucky.

“I knew what I was capable of all along and I just knew I had to keep working,” he said this week. “Coach Marrow had faith in me and I just knew I had to work to get where I wanted. I’m glad I was able to able to achieve it, start getting on the field and prove myself each week.

Known more for his blocking prowess, Kattus caught his first pass last weekend in Columbia, a 10-yard gain to move the chains. This Saturday is a good day to keep that momentum rolling.