Tyrell Ajian will be rocking new jersey number for last ride at Kentucky

Kentucky needs a big year out of super senior Tyrell Ajian. The former top-200 recruit will be looking to create some mojo with a new jersey number.

After wearing No. 23 his first five years on campus, Ajian is entering the single-digit world in 2022 and will be rocking No. 6 this fall in what will be his sixth year in the program. The veteran will be a very important piece for Brad White’s defense.

The Mansfield (Ohio) Madison Comprehensive product has played in 49 games during his collegiate career with 23 starting assignments. Last season was one of his best years as the veteran tallied 46 tackles, four pass breakups, and one interception.

Ajian is now primed to step into a bigger leadership role this year.

Yusuf Corker is off preparing for the NFL Draft, and Kentucky will no longer have the safety blanket of a three-year starter that played every major defensive snap since 2019. Therefore, Kentucky needs to break in some new starters in the secondary, and the Wildcats need Ajian to turn into a cornerstone piece of the defense.

Throughout his career, Tyrell Ajian has shown some playmaking ability. The 190-pound safety has recorded an interception in four consecutive years, and those takeaways have come in big moments. As a redshirt freshman, his pick in 2018 helped swing the Mississippi State win in Kentucky’s favor. In 2020, his interception against Tennessee officially started the romp at Neyland Stadium. Last fall, his pick-six against Chattanooga officially ended the upset bid.

This week's @lgeku Power Play of the game is @_tyrellajian's pick 6!! pic.twitter.com/I1yXgRxQeW

— UK Sports Network (@UKSportsNetwork) September 22, 2021

Add in nine pass breakups, and Ajian has flashed strong coverage ability with some playmaking traits. That will be needed this fall.

Kentucky is currently looking for a starter at cornerback opposite Carrington Valentine and now needs a new starter at nickel as Vito Tisdale is out for the season. Meanwhile, Jalen Geiger is scheduled to step into a starting spot opposite Ajian at the other safety spot. Things are beginning to get thin for assistants Frank Buffano and Chris Collins.

The Wildcats need Ajian to be steady in his final ride and to provide consistent play throughout the year. Last fall, the veteran was pulled from the starting lineup after a disappointing performance against Tennessee before bouncing back strong to close the year. In the Citrus Bowl, Ajian helped produce a late third down tackle on Iowa’s Gavin Williams to force a punt that set up Kentucky’s game-winning drive.

The Wildcats are thin in the secondary, and the defense needs their super senior in the back end to be a steadying force. Tyrell Ajian is a good cover safety who can provide much-needed experience to what could be a young and volatile secondary.