UK FB Defense News (Personnel, Schemes)

I know folks have been looking for some news on the defense after West and Meant's exits.

Mark Stoops talks defense, freshman (Video of Stoops interview, Jen Smith H-L)

August 22nd Practice Report - Jen Smith H-L

Regarding schemes:

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“We’re going to be three down and we’ll get in four-down fronts as well,” Stoops said after an open practice for the media on Monday morning. “We’ll do both. We’re quite multiple in what we do blitz-wise, coverage-wise and all that.”

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On personnel:

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So at times, sophomore linebacker Kobie Walker was starting in one position and backing up at another.

“It depends on the package and depends what we’re in, but yes he’s been very good for us,” Stoops said. “He’s very active, he’s very versatile.”

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It’s a similar story for De’Niro Laster, who moved from outside linebacker to inside linebacker behind Courtney Love last week.

“That’s the best position for him, but De’Niro is versatile,” Stoops added. “We’re trying to find the best spot for him, and I felt like inside was best for him.”

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In its base 3-4 defense, it appeared Kentucky’s starting defensive line is Matt Elam, Courtney Miggins and Alvonte Bell with Denzil Ware and Walker as outside linebacker. Courtney Love and Eli Brown were inside linebackers.

The backups at those spots in some situations were Adrian Middleton, Naquez Pringle and true freshman T.J. Carter. Laster and Nico Firios were in with that group as were Josh Allen and Walker.

“T.J. Carter is a guy that will play, that we’ll need to bring along and play,” Stoops confirmed, mentioning that middle linebacker Kash Daniel also is another true freshman that most likely will see this field this season for the defense.

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