DeAndre Square is Back and Kentucky is Loaded at Linebacker

DeAndre Square announced he will return for an additional year of eligibility, providing the Wildcats a deep and veteran presence along the front seven. Square joins fellow inside linebacker Jacquez Jones to go along with outside backers Jordan Wright and J.J. Weaver to construct a dynamic corps of second level defenders. But, UK’s effectiveness at the position can also be seen in its collection of youthful linebackers that will provide quality depth with very little drop off from starter to backup. 

Inside linebackers DeAndre Square and Jacquez Jones combined for 166 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, 3.5 QB sacks, 6 QB hurries, 2 forced fumbles, and 1 fumble recovery in 2021. The veteran duo will be joined by three young, talented linebackers: D’Eryk Jackson, Trevin Wallace and Martez Thrower. Wallace was named to the SEC’s All-Freshman Team after registering 32 tackles, 4 TFL’s, and 2 sacks. Jackson returned from a devastating Achilles injury to make seven stops in the Citrus Bowl. Thrower also saw extensive action against Iowa but retained his redshirt by only playing in four games. 

Outside linebackers Jordan Wright and JJ Weaver construct one of the most potent Edge duos in the Southeastern Conference. Wright missed significant time in 2021 due to injury which placed a great deal of responsibility on Weaver. Having both healthy and available gives coordinator Brad White a plethora of schematic options. JJ Weaver recorded 34 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, 6 QB sacks, 2 interceptions, and four quarterback hurries this season. Wright contributed 30 stops, 4 TFL’s, 1 sack, 6 PBU’s, and 1 QB hurry. Both have proven to be explosive play producers and will be called upon to be the team’s designated pass rushers. 

What Does All This Mean?

Kentucky will be loaded with proven production at both the inside and outside linebacker positions in 2022. An experienced presence at both groups will allow coordinator Brad White to play pre-snap games with reliable defenders. UK must replace two future NFL defensive linemen in Marquan McCall and Josh Paschal. A veteran and forceful second level eases the transition of an evolving front seven. 

A defense can never have enough quality inside linebackers. The 2021 season and the Citrus Bowl taught the BBN that difficult lesson. Recent personnel transactions give the Wildcats five viable options at the Mike and Will spots. Havoc production from the Edge is vital for a defense to force the issue across the line of scrimmage. The Cats will have both JJ Weaver and Jordan Wright chasing quarterbacks next season. 

Kentucky is in good shape at linebacker. Depth should not be an issue which will allow the Cats to develop youthful defenders at a preferred pace. This especially applies at Edge. Prior to Wright’s declaration, Tyreese Fearbry and Keaten Wade’s progression was going to be increased due to lack of depth behind JJ Weaver. Now, the pair of highly talented freshmen can observe and learn from the veteran outside linebackers while playing spot duty in 2022.  

The offseason has started off strong for the Kentucky defense. Linebackers Jordan Wright, DeAndre Square, and Jacquez Jones announced a return for the 2022 season. There are still personnel matters that need to be addressed. However, the addition of Ohio State transfer Darrion Henry-Young was an important piece of the puzzle. After being caught with just three functioning cornerbacks for more than half of the 2021 season, I still expect UK to aggressively be in the hunt for defensive backs in the transfer portal. 

Football state.