WATCH: Kentucky mics up defensive line coach Anwar Stewart

Former Kentucky defensive end Anwar Stewart is entering year four as the program’s defensive line coach. The 47-year-old could be leading the team’s biggest positional strength in 2023.

Behind super sophomore defensive tackle Deone Walker, the Wildcats are a legitimate three-deep at each position with a good blend of talent and experience. Thanks to stability, good recruiting wins, and development, Kentucky’s defensive line appears ready to take the next step this fall.

“I really feel like we’re pretty stout upfront. As good as we’ve been in awhile,” Stoops told reporters during spring practice. “Getting some good pressure on the quarterback. Better than we’ve probably been in the last couple years and that always helps the secondary.”

Kentucky has been focusing on improving the pass rush this spring. During March and April practice sessions, the Wildcats worked up fundamentals to help upgrade some that pass rush productivity while maintaining the physicality and technique required to stop the run.

Anwar Stewart is leading a loaded position group with high expectations after signing a two-year contract extension this offseason upping his pay to $350,000. Kentucky mic’d up the assistant coach and former CFL star during a spring practice to show what the defensive line has been working on.

Smash that play button.

Coach @Bigstew9 mic'd up with the defensive line at #spring practice. pic.twitter.com/F3WACXwbsT

— Kentucky Football (@UKFootball) April 15, 2023