Kentucky’s Defense: A Look Back at 2022 and What’s Ahead 

2022 was another defensive gem produced by coordinator Brad White. Stop me if you’ve heard this before. If you’ve followed my analysis of Kentucky football over the past four years, first of all thank you very much. I do appreciate it greatly. Secondly, you’ve likely heard or read my praise for the Kentucky defensive coordinator. There are different manners to measure success. One highly important measurable is sustainability. The Wildcat defensive play-caller has led the Cats’ defense into the upper echelon of the SEC since he assumed play-calling responsibilities. 

Kentucky finished 2022 ranked 11^th in the nation and 3^rd in the SEC in scoring defense after allowing just 19 points per game. The Cats’ pass defense ranks 7th in the country and 2nd in the SEC by giving up a lowly 171 yards per outing. 311 yards of total offense surrendered ranks 12^th in all of college football and 2^nd only to Georgia (297) in the SEC. UK was money on money downs as well with a 33% conversion ratio. I could go on, but I think you get the picture. Brad White is elite. 

Coaching and Player Development 

Brad White gets the attention and credit that he deserves. He also has a staff full of coaches that also deserve accolades. It must be noted that when White is praised he immediately deflects credit to his coaches and players. Anwar Stewart (Defensive Line), Frank Buffano (Safety/Nickel), Mike Stoops (Inside Linebackers), and Chris Collins (Cornerbacks) construct a collection of leaders that work well with each other and develop players at an extremely high level. Additionally, Mark Stoops provides over-watch on that side of the football and is considered a top defensive mind in college football. 

Before we get into 2022 specifics, I will again say that Kentucky is an elite player development program. This has been the focus of head coach Mark Stoops and results have been most obvious on the defensive side of the football. For example, 300-Tackle Club members and starting linebackers DeAndre Square and Jacquez Jones were lost to injury at various times throughout the season. For most programs, that could lead to disaster, or at least a significant drop off in production. Not at Kentucky. Not under Brad White. 

Enter Trevin Wallace and D’Eryk Jackson. How did the second-teamers do, you ask? Jackson was the team’s leading tackler with 67 and Wallace was close behind with 54. Starting safety Jalen Geiger and nickel Vito Tisdale were out for the season. Enter Zion Childress and Jordan Lovett. Childress produced dynamic plays and Lovett was UK’s third-leading tackler with 62 stops. See a pattern here? Jersey numbers and names change, but results have been consistent under Brad White and Mark Stoops. By now the UK defense has been dissected and analyzed in every imaginable way. So, let’s take a quick look back at position groups. 

Defensive Line

First, defensive line stats are somewhat misleading in Brad White’s scheme. UK’s front three are counted on to be role players more so than stars by occupying blockers in order for linebackers to run free and make tackles. The DE, NT, and DT are also asked to maintain rush lane integrity vs. the pass in order to keep the opposing quarterback in the pocket and for linebackers and at times a defensive back to get after the passer. The defensive Cats are extremely disciplined and rarely give up explosive plays. I think the term I’m looking for here is “Sound.” 

We have to start this category out with the Freshman All-American and All-SEC defensive tackle Deone Walker. The 6’6, 330-pound true freshman was dominant at times. But, the most encouraging aspect of his game was consistency in plays across the line of scrimmage. For what it’s worth, consistency and true freshmen are not terms that are normally mentioned in the same sentence. Walker finished the season with 40 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, 1 QB sack, and 5 QB hurries. That’s a bunch of plays from a first-year teenager. Normally, true freshmen flash, but rarely maintain that level for 13 games. Walker was exceptional from the season opener all the way through the Music City Bowl. Enjoy him while you can before he departs for the NFL. 

His fellow linemates were mainly persistent and efficient. 2022 was a year where starters rotated with a two and three-deep group of defenders with very little drop-off. Starting NT Justin Rogers entered the Portal. While I wish him the very best and am certain to see him in the NFL, NT depth is solid and the Cats should be fine at that position. DE Kahlil Saunders took a giant leap. NT Josiah Hayes is a block-eating machine with explosive traits. Octavius Oxendine was lost in the shuffle a bit with Walker’s emergence but is still very much a playmaker. Jamarius Dinkins also really came on strong toward the end of the season. 

Secondary

Kentucky led the SEC in pass defense in 2019 and 2020 but fell off to 8^th in 2021. The main factors that led to the decline were cornerback inconsistencies and a lack of depth at the position. 2022 was a different story. Carrington Valentine took the proverbial next step and declared for the Draft after recording 48 tackles, 1.5-TFLs, 1 QB sack, 1 INT, and 10 pass breakups. Keidron Smith (Ole Miss transfer) registered 46 stops, 2 INTs, and 5 PBUs and was a calming presence at the spot. Both played well and were healthy for the majority of the season. UK’s stat line was a reflection of their play on the field. 

Safety and Nickel positions suffered preseason and early season-ending injuries to starters, but as stated above, depth players stepped up and were fantastic. This includes redshirt freshman Jordan Lovett and junior Zion Childress. The latter was a Texas State transfer and racked up 34 tackles, 2 TFLs, 1 QB sack, and 3 PBUs. Veteran Tyrell Ajian provided experienced leadership and has been a consistent and at times explosive performer throughout his career. Andu Phillips played multiple positions and is an invaluable asset. He earned starts at nickel and corner in the Music City Bowl and will factor in 2023. True freshman Alex Afari was impressive and gained respected game experience. 

Linebackers 

The 300 Tackle Club is a coveted defensive threshold. The Cats had two linebackers reach that milestone in 2022. DeAndre Square and Jacquez Jones both earned that distinction and acted as coaches on the field.  As stated above, both sustained injuries which opened the door for sophomores D’Eryk Jackson and Trevin Wallace. Both of the youngsters are starter-ready for 2023. Martez Thrower is considered the third starter. 

Edge continued to be a position of strength. This has been a constant for Stoops in recent years. Veterans Jordan Wright and JJ Weaver have played a great deal of football for the Cats. Wright ranked third on the team with 62 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, 2 QB sacks, and 8 QB hurries. JJ Weaver registered 47 stops, 6 TFLs, and 3 sacks.  His decision to not enter the NFL Draft will greatly benefit the Cats in 23. True freshman Keaten Wade flashed and is next in line. Brad White’s defense places a great deal of responsibility and asks a great deal from the OLB’s positions. 

Looking Ahead: Portal Acquisitions

Mark Stoops’ approach to the Transfer Portal has been rewarding. 2023 is no different. Former 5-star and North Carolina defensive lineman Keeshawn Silver is the latest addition. His production at UNC didn’t develop, but explosive traits and tools are obvious. Ohio State and South Warren defensive back Jantzen Dunn inked with the Cats and brings positional diversity. Former Cincinnati cornerback JQ Hardaway could be a plug-and-play starter. Needs were met. 

What’s Next for 2023?  

Let’s look back before going forward. Kentucky’s finishes in the SEC’s total defense category during Brad White’s four-year tenure are 2019 – 4th, 2020 – 4th, 2021 – 4th, 2022 – 2nd. There are countless ways to measure defensive efficiency. I tend to lean on scoring, total, and 3rd down. I also prefer SEC rankings instead of national. I mean, you can probably understand why but if not, It Just Means More. Any way you dissect numbers, White is considered one of the top defensive coordinators in the SEC and the nation.  

So, what’s next for 2023 you say? More. Of. The. Same.