The X Factor on the Kentucky Defensive Line isn't who you think

Deone Walker is one of a kind. One man alone cannot create one of the best pass rushes in the SEC. His presence is providing an opportunity for other talented Kentucky defensive linemen. Two third-year players are ready to emerge as household names across the Big Blue Nation.

This fall Brad White will try to confuse opponents by lining up Walker in various spots. No matter how much they try, offensive lines are going to double team the big fella from Detroit. That makes it a three-on-three matchup between the offense and defense, giving Walker’s teammates an opportunity to shine.

“All the other guys understand he’s gonna make their jobs easier. And then hopefully they can perform well enough that they can’t just always double down and they’re gonna make his job easier,” White said.

“They all work together. That’s why playing defense is such a symbiotic relationship. It’s important that they all understand they’re not independent contractors. They’re all dependent on everybody else doing their job.”

Kentucky needs at least two pass rushers, so who are the other candidates to step up and fill the void?

Saunders, Dinkins has Pass Rushing Juice on the Kentucky Defensive Line

Kahlil Saunders and Jamarius Dinkins are each 6-foot-5, 280ish pound athletes that are entering their third year in the Kentucky football program. After flashing as redshirt freshman, defensive line coach Anwar Stewart has high expectations for the tandem.

“It’s his time,” he said of Dinkins. “Going into his third year, he’s a long, athletic kid; is blessed with that long limbs like you talked about. He’s working really hard, and he’s gonna be a force for guys in the middle. We want him to beat up on those centers and those guards and let those linebackers run free.”

Known by his teammates as “Spider” for his long arms, he has more explosiveness than your typical nose guard. Last fall he had nine tackles and a sack while easing his way into the rotation during the back half of the season. Similarly, Saunders looked the part of a big 3-technique defensive tackle, but showed enough wiggle to play out on the outside. Stewart believes the Huntsville native can be special for the Wildcats.

“I’ll be honest with you, I think Khalil is probably the X-Factor. I think he’s very special. He’s what the next level is looking for: He’s long, athletic, can run, a very athletic, talented kid. This is his time. He showed flashes last year, did a lot of good work for us and then he hurt his shoulder. But he’s back, he’s 100% and we’re really excited about him in the next couple of weeks.”

In spite of the injury, Saunders worked hard this offseason to show the BBN that he can live up to his position coach’s lofty expectations.

“I definitely feel like I have a big opportunity to do something special this year because of all the hard work that I’m putting in,” said Saunders. “I feel like it’s gonna show up.”

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