Spring Briefing: Kentucky is looking for improved play at safety

Preparations for the 2024 college football season are already underway at the Joe Craft Football Training Facility. Safeties coach Frank Buffano has been on staff at Kentucky ever since Mark Stoops was hired and is now entering his fifth season as a position coach. The Wildcats are looking for some improved play at safety in 2024.

What was set to be a position of strength for the program in 2023 turned out not to be the case. Kentucky had some notable struggles at safety and eventually had to turn to a true freshman to play major snaps during the meat of the SEC schedule. The Wildcats had some struggles in the back end and are looking for more consistent play in 2024.

In KSR’s Spring Briefing series, we will cover every position on Kentucky’s roster before spring practice begins. Next up is safety where the Wildcats are old and experienced.

Spring Rundown: Quarterback, Tailback, Wide Receiver, Tight End, Offensive Line, Defensive Line, EDGE, Linebacker, Cornerback

The Room

Zion Childress (6-0, 201, Super)

The former Texas State transfer has played over 1,000 snaps for Kentucky over the last two seasons and put together some good games down the stretch after an up-and-down start in 2023. Childress appears to be the leader of this positional unit and will be asked to play a big role in his super senior season.

Kristian Story (6-1, 211, Redshirt Senior)

Kentucky added the Alabama transfer late in the winter transfer portal window to give the defense another option at safety. The former four-star recruit got some rotation snaps with the Tide last season and will compete for a starting spot at Kentucky immediately.

Jordan Lovett (6-2, 195, Redshirt Junior)

The Radcliff (Ky.) North Hardin was a surprise quality contributor for Kentucky in 2022 but took a step back last season while battling injuries. Lovett has a wealth of experience (1,206 defensive snaps) and has already recorded five interceptions, but Kentucky needs more consistency from the in-state product.

.@Jordan_Lovett1 grabbing a big INT. pic.twitter.com/Yc9LqcqWtY

— Kentucky Football (@UKFootball) December 29, 2023

Alex Afari Jr. (6-2, 214, Junior)

A former four-star recruit out of Greater Cincinnati, Afari has been a two-year contributor at Kentucky’s hybrid Sam/Nickel position and played 500-plus snaps last season. The junior is a rock-solid tackler who will again play a key role as a box defender.

Ty Bryant (6-0, 187, Sophomore)

The legacy recruit out of Lexington (Ky.) Frederick Douglass was a surprise contributor in year one recording 40 tackles and playing 40-plus snaps in four SEC games. Bryant should open spring practice with the twos giving the position a high ceiling from a depth perspective.

Jaremiah Anglin Jr. (6-1, 185, Redshirt Freshman)

An injury took the Central Florida native out of the lineup last season as Anglin took a redshirt. The former top-500 recruit will be looking to carve out a role once football activities begin.

Avery Stuart (6-2, 186, Redshirt Freshman)

A four-star recruiting win out of Alabama, Stuart could not find a role last season despite an obvious need at the position. Now a redshirt freshman, the defensive back will be looking to make a bigger splash in year two.

Cam Dooley (6-2, 191, Freshman)

A later riser in the class of 2024, Dooley was a late addition in the December signing period after completing a flip from Missouri. The Alabama native needs some development but brings high-level physical traits to the secondary. Dooley will enroll over the summer.

Top Storyline: Can this position meet expectations?

Zion Childress and Jordan Lovett have both played good football in the SEC. There have been some low points, but when they are good, this is a good safety duo. Ty Bryant and Kristian Story are two quality alternative options. The depth is solid, and there is some intriguing young talent on the roster.

Safety needs to be a position that Kentucky can count on, but it simply was not in 2023. Will that change in 2024?

Kentucky needs improved play from 2023 and has the pieces in place. Will this group provide consistent quality play this season or will there be ups and downs again?

What to Watch: Can anyone provide true nickel help?

Andru Phillips will have a busy week in Indianapolis at the NFL Scouting Combine. Kentucky’s starting nickel over the last two seasons is in the midst of locking up a Day 2 pick. Phillips will leave behind a big hole.

Alex Afari Jr. can fill that nickel role on most downs, but against true spread teams, Kentucky will need someone else to provide help. Can anyone in the safety room provide that assistance? Zion Childress played some nickel at Texas State and could get a longer look in the slot this spring.

Bold Prediction: Kentucky will feel good about safety room entering the summer

Every position during spring practice will be evaluated. The Kentucky coaching staff will decide if transfer portal help is needed or not. Kentucky will likely leave spring feeling good about where the safety position stands.

Kentucky has a ton of experience, proven depth, and some intriguing young talent. Everything is in place for this position to make a positive jump forward in 2024.