Tomiwa Durojaiye could become pass rush specialist in 2023

Tomiwa Durojaiye is looking to carve out a role for himself in his second year with the Kentucky football program. As defensive coordinator Brad White starts to build a pass rush plan for the season as home could be found for Durojaiye.

The three-star recruit in the class of 2021 picked Kentucky over Georgia Tech, South Carolina, Vanderbilt, and West Virginia. As a senior at Middletown (Del.) High, Durojaiye recorded 58 tackles, 28.5 tackles for loss, and 10 sacks. Durojaiye was a havoc creator in the prep ranks with a playmaking skillset and that could allow the redshirt freshman to find a role in 2023.

“He’s put on the weight,” White said about Durojaiye on Thursday. “His twitch and his physicality down there is going to help us. He’s going to give us some twitch internally too from an interior pass rush on third downs.”

Kentucky’s defensive line is emerging as a team strength in 2023. Deone Walker could be a bonafide star at boundary tackle. Jamarius Dinkins, Josaih Hayes, and Keeshawn Silver are all apart of a healthy competition at nose. Veterans Octavious Oxendine, Tre’vonn Rybka, and will have clear defined roles. Former Ohio State transfer Darrion Henry-Young and redshirt junior Sam Anaele are looking to find playing time. Durojaiye is in a deep position room but his physical traits could get him on the field in year two.

Kentucky’s defense looked to be the real deal during spring practice and the front was a major reason why. Tomiwa Duojaiye is looking to become a contributor on the deepest positional unit on the team. Positioal versatility could be the ticket to get the Mid-Atlantic native on the field when the defense needs more athleticism in the front.