Three Breakout Kentucky Defensive Linemen for 2022

The Kentucky offensive line has a nickname and a loyal following in Lexington. The Big Blue Wall has deservingly earned accolades and is producing NFL players. While its defensive counterparts don’t have a catchy name, Coach Anwar Stewart is developing defensive linemen at a high level to include a pair of draft picks a year ago and two projected for 2022. The former Wildcat player is a rising star in the coaching industry. Stewart’s group was depleted by injuries throughout the season but maintained a physical front with depth that was on full display in the Citrus Bowl. 

Three defensive linemen injuries were significant this season. First was losing tackle Octavious Oxendine to a season-ending injury against LSU. UK was also without the services of Marquan McCall during a critical juncture in the 2021 schedule. The Wildcats allowed 17 points per outing with Bully. It surrendered 32 without the senior nose guard. Defensive end Josh Paschal finished the year ranked second in the SEC with 15.5 tackles for loss and is a fan-favorite leader. Unfortunately, Paschal was unable to play in the Citrus Bowl. The three starters spent limited time on the field together. However, UK’s total defense ranks in the Top 5 of the SEC for the third consecutive season. Players come and go. Standards remain. This is how a program is sustained. 

McCall and Paschal are off to the NFL. So, who’s next? Here are three defensive linemen that could be on the verge of a breakout season in 2022. 

Tre’Vonn Rybka

The defensive end filled in for Paschal in the Citrus Bowl. He recorded four tackles and a critical tackle for loss late in the game. Rybka is a 6-foot-4, 310-pound rising sophomore from Dickson, Tennessee. The four-star prospect picked UK over Oregon and redshirted his first season in Lexington. 

Rybka registered fifteen stops this season including one for loss and two quarterback hurries. With Paschal moving on to the professional ranks, Rybka is one of several potential starters at defensive end. His strengths are speed and a twitchy burst. Rybka’s 6-foot-4 frame matches the length that Mark Stoops values along the line of scrimmage. 

Octavious Oxendine

Oxendine’s season was cut short following an injury against LSU. The North Hardin product earned a starting job and was coming into his own by recording two quarterback sacks and three tackles in the Cat’s victory over the Tigers. He was named Co-SEC Defensive Lineman of the Week for his efforts. The former four-star prospect recorded fifteen tackles, 3.5 TFL’s, 2 sacks, and one QB hurry in six games. The 6-foot-1, 310-pounder will likely be the Wildcat’s starter at defensive tackle and will take on the havoc producing role that Josh Paschal filled for many seasons. 

Kahlil Saunders

Kentucky was able to maintain Saunders’ redshirt status after the Huntsville, Alabama product played in four games. He was active during limited action by registering two tackles, two tackles for loss, and one quarterback hurry. The 6-foot-5, 280-pound freshman possesses a rapid take-off and preferred length. He has a chance to develop into a forceful pass rusher. Saunders was a pleasant surprise and worked his way into the rotation. Holding onto his redshirt was important. The sky is the limit for this riser. 

What Does All This Mean?

Soon, Coach Anwar Stewart will have produced four NFL Draft choices in two seasons. Last year saw Phil Hoskins and Quinton Bohanna get selected. Marquan McCall and Josh Paschal will soon join the club. While the UK defensive line doesn’t grab the headlines like the Big Blue Wall, the Cats’ defensive front is talented and deep. There are multiple players that could have fit in the discussion of “breakout” players for 2022. There will be heated competition during spring practice and fall camp. That’s a good thing. 

The SEC is a line of scrimmage league. I’m fairly certain you’ve heard or read that before. Modern day Kentucky Football is whipping opponents up front and it’s been extremely fun to watch. Mark Stoops had a plan of being physical on the lines. His vision has come to fruition. There will be plenty of time to analyze the 2022 Wildcat defense. But, UK will deploy its “Next man up” mantra much like it did in the Citrus Bowl vs. Iowa. The next is exciting. 

Kentucky is now paying its three coordinators over a million dollars per year. This was a logical and necessary step in the upward trajectory of the program. But, don’t forget about defensive line coach Anwar Stewart. Stewart is establishing a new era of defensive line play and an annual tradition of producing pro’s. Football state.