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Vito Tisdale Dismissed from Kentucky Football Team

Nick Roushby:Nick Roush03/21/23

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Kentucky S Vito Tisdale
Vito Tisdale during Spring Practice in early March, via Jacob Noger | UK Athletics

Vito Tisdale‘s time at Kentucky has unceremoniously ended. Absent from Tuesday’s Kentucky football spring practice, this afternoon the school announced on Twitter that Vito Tisdale has been dismissed from the team.

Throughout his brief tenure at Kentucky, the former four-star recruit was a lightning rod for attention, both on and off the field.

A product of Bowling Green High School and the son of Nappy Roots’ ‘Big V,’ the BBN was elated when the big-hitter announced his commitment to Kentucky at the All-American Game on NBC. As a freshman in 2020 he provided an immediate impact, tallying 20 tackles in the Covid-plagued season. An explosive playmaker on special teams, his big hits put fans on their feet.

An offseason with big expectations was clouded with controversy. Vito Tisdale was the most notable player involved in an off-campus fight with a fraternity that resulted in charges for six Kentucky football players. He was ultimately cleared of any wrongdoing, but not until after he was suspended for preseason training camp and the first month of 2021 season. He returned to tally 21 tackles, including 1.5 for loss. His biggest hit, a wood-splitting thumper at the Citrus Bowl, ended up being his last.

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In the opening days of 2022 spring practice, Tisdale suffered a season-ending knee injury. He underwent surgery and was expected to be available to practice this week. Instead, his time at Kentucky is over.

Next Man Up for Kentucky

Kentucky appeared prepared to move on to life after Tisdale in Tuesday’s spring practice. Primarily a nickel, Andru Phillips was receiving first reps at that spot after logging significant snaps last season. Another talented former four-star athlete, Alex Afari, also took significant snaps from the medium sub-package. The more creative ways Kentucky can get Afari on the field, the better.

Following Tisdale’s injury last season, Kentucky sought reinforcements from the transfer portal. It took time for Zion Childress to find his feet, but he was impressive in the final few games of the 2022 season. Building on that momentum in spring practice, Kentucky has plenty of talented defensive backs prepared to ensure the defense does not take a step back after a top 25 finish last fall.

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2024-11-04