Kentucky has 'supreme confidence' in JQ Hardaway

The starting cornerback battle opposite Maxwell Hairston was one many were watching closely during Kentucky’s preseason. Following spring practice, the program added Michigan transfer DJ Waller Jr. to compete for the starting spot. But it was a returning player who opened the season as a starter.

With Waller missing the first game and being listed as questionable for Week 2, former Cincinnati transfer JQ Hardaway earned his second career start in the 31-0 victory over Southern Miss. In the Week 1 contest, the junior recorded two tackles and his first career interception in 31 defensive snaps. Hardaway was clear guy for Kentucky at outside cornerback with Waller not available. The coaching staff believes in the former four-star recruit.

“I thought he did well. Again, there was a reason he started as many games as he did for us last year and we’ve got supreme confidence in him to go out and make plays and perform,” Kentucky defensive coordinator Brad White told KSR on Wednesday. “Obviously, in that moment, was a really big play for us.”

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In year one at Kentucky, Hardaway had an up and down season that included him being inserted and removed from the lineup quite often. The American Athletic Conference transfer had some issues in coverage and seemed to lack confidence. The junior played with some more swagger in Week 1 and now feels at ease in Kentucky’s scheme.

“I’ll say this camp felt like that,” JQ Hardaway told the media when asked for a moment when things started to click. “Towards the end of camp, I had to get some kinks out just coming back from my shoulder surgery. More and more reps, I get comfortable.”

Kentucky could get Waller back this week and there could be a rotation at CB2 with Jantzen Dunn also being an option, but Week 1 showed us that JQ Hardaway will have a big role in this defense.

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