2024 Kentucky Position Previews: EDGE

Kentucky’s fall camp is off and running. Before the Cats officially begin the 2024 season, KSR is taking a closer look at the roster and analyzing each position group. Personnel, storylines, questions, and one bold prediction will be included.

Now we pivot to the defense by analyzing what Kentucky has at the point of attack. Anwar Stewart is leading the best position group on the team in 2024.

Position Preview: Quarterback | Flipped QB room has unknown ceiling but should provide safe floor for offense (KSR+ column)

Position Preview: Running Back | Kentucky has earned benefit of the doubt at tailback but there is much to prove (KSR+ column)

Position Preview: Wide Receiver | Wide receiver play will determine Kentucky’s offensive ceiling (KSR+ column)

Position Preview: Tight End

Position Preview: Offensive Line | Big Blue Wall might not fully return in 2024 but could take a massive step in the right direction (KSR+ column)

Position Preview: Defensive Line | Defensive line veterans will determine Kentucky’s ceiling (KSR+ column)

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Expected Starter

J.J. Weaver (6-5, 255, Super)

The Louisville (Ky.) Moore product is now in year six with the Kentucky program and has accumulated 165 tackles, 32 tackles for loss, 16.5 sacks, 76 pressures, seven pass breakups, four forced fumbles, and two interceptions. Weaver has been strong against the run throughout his career, is a two-time team captain, and will play a big role for this defense at Jack linebacker.

Kentucky’s Outside Linebacker Room

Tyreese Fearbry (6-5, 242, RSo.)

The former top-250 recruit out of Pittsburgh flashed in a big way during the Gator Bowl, consistently winning as a bendy edge rusher. Fearbry can give this defense a much-needed skill set on third down and is one of the biggest x-factors on the roster.

Noah Matthews (6-5, 254, RSo.)

A surprise addition in the 2022 recruiting class, Matthews is now in year three in the Kentucky football program and owns the requisite size to play Jack linebacker in this 3-4 scheme. The only question is if more playing time will arrive. Matthews only played north of 15 snaps once in SEC play last year.

Caleb Redd (6-3, 232, Fr.)

The true freshman was a summer enrollee out of St. Louis who picked Kentucky over Kansas State. Redd totaled 40 sacks during his prep career and flashed good play strength on tape. Projects as a Jack linebacker in Kentucky’s scheme but could own some positional versatility.

Jacob Smith (6-4, 240, Fr.)

The Under Armour All-American missed spring practice with a shoulder injury but is now full go. Smith seems like a perfect fit to play Sam linebacker in Kentucky’s 3-4 scheme due to his ability to operate well in space and flashes power at the point of attack. Could see him becoming a multi-year starter, but might not have a big role this season.

Steven Soles Jr. (6-2, 225, Fr.)

The three-star recruit out of East Tennessee enrolled early and is currently playing Sam linebacker. Soles was a bit of a tweener out of high school with some size concerns. However, the tape showed an explosive first step, pass rush bend, and a hot motor. The tools are very intriguing despite the overall size concerns.

Big Question: Who plays after J.J. Weaver and Tyreese Fearbry?

We all know that J.J. Weaver will open the season as a starter and play a ton of snaps. We also know that Tyreese Fearbry will have a role and will be a key part of any Kentucky pass rush plan. But what about EDGE3?

That is a big unknown entering the season.

Kentucky has a way to supplement some of that depth by playing some cornerback and safety bodies at nickel, but the lack of EDGE depth is concerning if Weaver or Fearbry need to miss time with injury. Is Noah Matthews ready to contribute? Can Jacob Smith live up to his recruiting ranking as a true freshman?

The lack of proven depth in this room is concerning.

Top Storyline: Creating a consistent pass rush

The expectations are high for Kentucky’s defensive line, but this unit will also need production from its outside linebacker. J.J. Weaver and Tyreese Fearbry will each be asked to provide a consistent pass rush.

Weaver has struggled to consistently produce in this area throughout his career, but we know the potential Fearbry has as an edge rusher. The narrative around this position all year will be defined by how well Kentucky rushes the passer.

Can Fearbry raise the ceiling?

Bold Prediction: Kentucky gets 20 tackles for loss from the EDGE position

Kentucky has only produced 20-plus tackles for loss in a single season once (2020) since Josh Allen left campus. Despite the lack of depth, there’s a good chance that happens again in 2023.

J.J. Weaver has gone north of eight tackles for loss twice in his career, and we know the potential of Fearbry. This is a big bet that Fearbry has a breakthrough season, but enough true one-on-one scenarios should be created with the Kentucky defensive line getting a ton of attention. Fearbry has the talent to take advantage of those situations. That will mean a big year for this outside linebacker room.

In 2018 and 2020, when Kentucky eclipsed 20 tackles for loss from the EDGE position, the defense also forced 20-plus takeaways. A big year for the outside linebacker room equals a big year for the defense. That could be a game-changer in a season that could be filled with a ton of close games.