4 Lessons Learned about the Kentucky Defense from Fan Day Open Practice

Mark Stoops opened up practice for the BBN to kick off Fall Camp with Kentucky Football Fan Day. Even though Will Levis has been the center of attention for most of the offseason, the Kentucky defense shined at open practice. Here’s what we learned about Brad White’s group, one he believes can be special in 2022.

Linebackers are the Strength of the Defense

The Wildcats often say “Big Men Lead the Way.” For the Kentucky defense, the linebackers lead the way. DeAndre Square and Jacquez Jones play like Super Seniors, anticipating the offense’s every move a step early, whether that’s in pass coverage or against the run. During a run portion of practice, Rich Scangarello threw every type of personnel grouping at the defense, using a variety of tight ends and running backs. The offense found a crease or two, but there wasn’t much wiggle room against the experienced defense.

You did not notice when the Super Seniors weren’t on the field. Trevin Wallace covers so much ground and D’Eryk Jackson always seems to be at the right place at the right time. He ended the practice with a Pick Six. It was great seeing a healthy Jordan Wright back at practice. He moves effortlessly, creating havoc by sliding in-between would-be blockers. A freshman stepped in for Wright and did not disappoint. During 7-on-7 Tyreese Fearbry picked off a tipped pass, one of the first highlights of his promising Kentucky career. The defense is in good hands with this talented group of experienced linebackers leading the way.

Newfound Confidence in the Secondary

Kentucky’s pass defense was the best in the SEC in 2020. They fell all the way to eighth in the league last fall. Considered by many as the weak link of the 2021 team, the group heard the chatter from fans and pundits. Now they’re ready to prove everyone wrong.

Carrington Valentine got put on an island throughout his true freshman season. He played more snaps than anyone on Brad White’s defense. It’s clear he is not going to get picked on again. Today was the first day of one-on-ones in full pads and Valentine put them to good use. There was chatter back and forth after every rep. If an offensive player said there was pass interference, Valentine was quick to share some words. He’s creating rivalries with competitive plays.

Another player that flashed was Andru Phillips. Often overlooked from bystanders for transfer portal additions, Phillips looks like he has a chip on his shoulder. He played low and used leverage to keep the offense off balance, jumping a few passing lanes at crucial moments. If he plays with intensity on a consistent basis, it’s going to be hard to keep No. 23 off the field.

Explosiveness on the Defensive Line

The big guys are still big, but the unit looked lighter on its feet than it did in the spring. The most noticeable improvement was from Justin Rogers. The former five-star prospect is at his best when stuffing the run, but it appears he added some much-needed explosiveness to his game this offseason. Tre’vonn Rybka has the tall task of replacing Josh Paschal. He understood the assignment in the weight room, adding good weight to set the edge of the defensive line. Josaih Hayes was assignment sound throughout, while Ox jumped off the line to create havoc in the backfield. Anwar Stewart’s room is moving in the right direction. The key during fall camp is consistency.

Young Guys Can Play Defense Early

Two freshmen Mark Stoops mentioned on Wednesday’s edition of Kentucky Sports Radio looked the part at open practice. The one-on-one portion of practice ended with a big win by freshman Alex Afari. The big cornerback played the dig-route to perfection, getting over top of the route to eliminate any chance the receiver had at making a play. It’s clear why Brad White is looking for a role for Afari to play right away.

Down in the trenches, one of the biggest Wildcats on the defensive line has only been on campus for a few weeks. Deone Walker is an enormous human being that moves well in the wash. Jacquez Jones can already see that Walker will be a special talent for the Wildcats.

Freshman Deone Walker opened the #BBN's eyes at Kentucky Football Fan Day. "He's a special talent," said Jacquez Jones. pic.twitter.com/mowey3QXh5

— Nick Roush (@RoushKSR) August 6, 2022