Kentucky CB Andru Phillips will return to lineup against South Carolina

Pass defense has been an issue for Kentucky football this season. The pass rush has had problems getting home, but coverage in the at the second and third levels has been a bigger problem. A run of injuries at cornerback and safety has not helped. The Wildcats missed starter Andru Phillips in the Week 11 loss to Alabama.

The redshirt junior has 36 tackles and two pass breakups this season. Phillips is starter at outside cornerback, but is also this defense’s top slot cornerback option when defensive coordinator Brad White calls for true nickel alignments. Kentucky needs the former legacy recruit and Palmetto State native in the lineup. All signs point to Phillips returning to the starting lineup on Saturday night when Kentucky faces South Carolina under the lights at Williams-Brice Stadium.

“He’s been out there,” Kentucky head coach Mark Stoops told the media about Phillips on Thursday. “So hopefully he’s 100 percent.”

The Wildcats will get a very important secondary piece back before they face the most pass-heavy offense in the SEC.

WATCH: Mark Stoops Thursday Press Conference

Kentucky head coach Mark Stoops met with the media for the final time on Thursday evening at the Joe Craft Football Training Facility. Stoops addressed Andru Phillips’ availability, confirmed that the Wildcats had a good week of practice, and admitted to liking Sandstorm.

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