Depth, versatility will allow Kentucky to absorb loss of Josaih Hayes

Mark Stoops went on record to confirm that senior nose tackle Josaih Hayes will at least miss “the full year or close to it”. The same goes for redshirt senior Darrion Henry-Young and redshirt freshman Tavion Gadson. Despite the losses, Defensive coordinator Brad White feels good about what the Wildcats have in the trenches.

Expectations remain high for this defensive front despite losing three scholarship players before fall camp started.

“When you lose a player some other guys have to step up and that’s the reality of sport. That’s the reality. We’ve dealt with it every year here at some position or another. I feel really good,” White told KSR at media day on Friday. “If it was going to happen at a position, it’s probably the one to happen at. I think the experience that we have up there defensive line wise — the quality of players that we have — allows us to overcome that.”

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“We’ve got a bunch of guys that can play multiple spots across the front and I think that’s going to be good for us too defensively in terms of being able to be multiple.”

The party all starts with Deone Walker. Kentucky has used the All-SEC player all across the front and that will remain the case this season. In an open practice on Friday, Keeshawn Silver was at nose tackle and Tre’vonn Rybka also joined Walker in the starting lineup. In the past, Rybka has played some nose in subpackages for Kentucky when more pass rush is required. Octavious Oxendine and Kahlil Saunders were each running with the twos. Each has played traditional defensive tackle and 3-4 defensive end in Kentucky’s scheme.

The addition of junior college transfer Dennious Jackson gives Kentucky some more depth at nose tackle. An excellent recruiting haul has given defensive line coach Anwar Stewart two players who could contribute early. Expectations are high for top-250 recruits Brian Robinson and Jerod Smith II. Kentucky feels like their defensive line is in good shape and ready to be a team strength this fall.

“Do you want it to happen? No,” said White. “But is there a silver lining in there as well? I believe so.”