First Down Kentucky: This will surely be a horrible idea

First Down Kentucky is dedicated to providing you with daily updates about Wildcats football. While there is plenty to discuss on Monday, something is happening in the National Football League that will certainly play a factor while you watch the games on Sundays this fall.

NFL Media reports the competition committee has approved a rule change that will ban the hip-drop tackle. What’s a hip-drop tackle? That’s a phrase nobody heard of before last season. It all changed after a few injuries, most notably Ravens’ tight end Mark Andrews.

Calls to ban the hip-drop tackle were scoffed at throughout the fall. Current and former defensive players asked the question, “How is the defense supposed to tackle?” That question will continue to be asked now that the NFL has made it a penalty, more specifically banning the “swivel hip-drop tackle.”

Here’s the video the NFL just showed in a press conference of what are now banned swivel hip-drop tackles (with NFL executive Jeff Miller speaking in the background). pic.twitter.com/Y4H8h6pQkW

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 25, 2024

The reaction to the new change is exactly what you thought it would be. “Just fast forward to the belts with flags on them…,” J.J. Watt tweeted. “Breaking news: Tackling Banned,” Dolphins safety Jevon Holland wrote.

Surely, we all know where this is going. You’ll be watching a game on an NFL Sunday. A crucial stop will be made on third down, but a player is flagged for an illegal swivel hip-drop tackle. You’ll ask yourself, “How is that a penalty?” Then watch the opposing team march down the field for a game-winning score. This is going to be at the center of at least one NFL controversy this season and I’m not looking forward to it.

Dancing with the Kentucky Football Stars

For years the Lexington Rotary Club has hosted a fundraiser “Dancing with the Lexington Stars.” Now with NIL rules in play, UK athletes are allowed to enter the fold. Kentucky tight end Josh Kattus will put on his blue suede shoes and show off his dancing skills this spring. The event is Saturday, May 11 at The Carrick House. You can find more information on how to support Kattus and the event here.

I’m excited to announce that I will be competing in Dancing with the Stars Lexington! Vote for Mattie Lewis and I to help support the Rotary Club and Surgery on Sunday! We need your help BBN! @UKFootball #BBN https://t.co/plDLglKHQX pic.twitter.com/hwvGx9LGCJ

— Josh Kattus (@JKattus) March 23, 2024

Kentucky Offers Top Flight Receiver

Kentucky has entered the recruiting race for one of the most talented wide receivers in the 2026 class. Devin Carter, a rising junior, shared on social media that he received an offer from UK wide receivers coach Daikiel Shorts. The 6-foot pass-catcher from Georgia is the third-ranked wide receiver and No. 22 overall player in his class, according to the On3 Industry Ranking. Auburn, Georgia, Florida, and Alabama are among the many schools seeking out his services.

Kentucky Spring Practice Resumes Tomorrow

Bush Hamdan and the Kentucky offense will meet with the media on Tuesday morning to recap the last two practices. The Cats put on pads for the first time over the weekend. It produced a few highlights, including one from second-year cornerback Nasir Addison.

Pads on. Sound 🆙 pic.twitter.com/mVL4NepyaM

— Kentucky Football (@UKFootball) March 25, 2024

Georgia has a Couple of Problems

Kirby Smart’s Georgia football program is dominant, but they aren’t immune to problems. One should come as no surprise, but the latest development on the recruiting trail is shocking.

In the span of a few hours, USC landed two Top 100 talents from the Peach State. They secured a commitment from EDGE Isaiah Gibson and flipped five-star defensive lineman Justus Terry. Kirby doesn’t win ’em all, but losing two that quickly? I’m sure that’s going over well in the Georgia football recruiting offices.

Away from the field, the Georgia football program has developed a reputation. Their fast players like fast cars. Every offseason there are stories ranging from amusing to awful. Within a few months of transferring to Georgia, former Florida running back Trevor Etienne was pulled over by police and cited with four misdemeanors, including reckless driving and DUI. These guys are good at football, but man, they just can’t do the right thing behind the wheel.