Blend of experience, youth will give Kentucky solid foundation at EDGE

Defensive coordinator Brad White is quickly emerging as one of the top defensive play-callers in college football. The former Indianapolis Colts assistant helped lead a top-10 defense, but White also serves as a very important position coach in Lexington. His position room got some big news on Sunday afternoon.

Louisville (Ky.) Moore product J.J. Weaver announced that he will be returning for his redshirt senior season in 2023. That is significant news for the Kentucky defense.

Thank you #BBN
This what’s best for me!! @UKFootball @UKCoachStoops @vincemarrow pic.twitter.com/xnZIVqbORd

— JJ Weaver (@jjtimeee) January 8, 2023

Kentucky will be without Jordan Wright and could not afford to lose Weaver. A potentially bad situation was avoided on Sunday. Now the Cats have a long-term plan for success at outside linebacker. Let’s dive into the current state of the position.

The Room

— J.J. Weaver (6-5, 242, RSr.): 1,297 career snaps, 120 tackles, 47 pressures, 24 tackles for loss, 5 pass breakups, 3 forced fumbles, 2 interceptions, 78.9 PFF grade in 2022

— Keaten Wade (6-5, 237, So.): 91 career snaps, 16 tackles, 4 pressures, 2.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, 1 pass breakup

— Tyreese Fearbry (6-5, 227, RFr.)

— Noah Matthews (6-5, 244, RFr.)

J.J. Weaver gives the front seven another experienced playmaker

We will talk about defensive lineman Deone Walker a ton this offseason. The sophomore should get some All-American buzz heading into 2023. At linebacker, Trevin Wallace is entering his junior season, and the former top-100 recruit flashed in November after being inserted into the starting lineup.

Now Kentucky will get a third experienced playmaker at a critical position.

For the third consecutive season, Weaver will be the starting Jack linebacker in Kentucky’s 3-4 scheme that aligns towards the weak side of the offensive formation. The defense calls for this hybrid defensive end/linebacker to be a force against the run, provide pass rush production, and be able to make some plays in zone coverage.

Weaver has been effective in this role in recent seasons. However, the former four-star recruit rushed back from an ACL injury in 2021 that lingered and suffered an elbow injury in Week 3 in 2022 that slowed down a strong start. No. 13 is looking for a fully healthy season and will be banking on that occurring in 2023.

The redshirt senior has been a solid run defender in his career as the veteran is still working to sharpen his pass rush. If some things come together this season, you can envision Weaver competing for All-SEC honors and solidifying his case as a no-doubt draft selection.

Kentucky a has succession plan with young blue-chip talent

J.J. Weaver is the only proven starter on the roster, but there is some very good young talent in the room. Thanks to a strong recruiting effort in the 2022 cycle, Brad White has a clear succession plan at outside linebacker.

Keaten Wade was a top-250 recruiting win out of Greater Nashville. The four-star recruit played 91 snaps as a true freshman in 2021 showing some playmaking potential with 2.5 tackles for loss. Wade should play a big role on the defense as a sophomore.

Tyreese Fearbry was a top-200 recruit in that same recruiting class as Kentucky beat out Penn State for the Pittsburgh native. The four-star prospect has some intriguing athletic traits and strong pass rushing potential.

Noah Matthews was a surprise late add in the 2022 class with great positional size. The Mid-Atlantic native could be a surprise contributor.

Kentucky has their leader in the room with Weaver returning, but there numerous young players that could emerge as the next start on the edge.

Expect some creativity

In 2021, Kentucky’s base defense included a hybrid medium position that served as a Sam/Nickel player. Davonte Robinson held that position down until obvious passing situations occurred where the Wildcats would need a traditional nickel look.

Don’t be surprised if that medium look returns in 2023.

Alex Afari Jr. (6-2, 203, So.) played 266 snaps in this medium role last season earning a 73.8 PFF grade while recording 21 tackles and three tackles for loss. The former top-250 recruit from Greater Cincinnati has a bright future, but he does not have a clear home. Kentucky has eight scholarship safeties on the roster, and the coaching staff must find snaps for Zion Childress, Jalen Geiger, Jordan Lovett, and K. That could leave Afari as an odd man out.

However, the sophomore is big for safety and showed this season he can effectively play in the box and be a quality run support player. Don’t be surprised to see Kentucky go back to a medium 3-3-5 look in 2023.