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As we are in the heat of the summer, a lot of talk is about who has the best position cores are across the board in the football ranks.
Kentucky usually is not in a lot of those talks in recent years, however, the defensive line unit may surprise some people. With big name losses in other parts of the defense, the defensive line has stayed intact for the most part. Collins Ukwu has been mentioned in some 2013 NFL draft projections in the early rounds, and maybe even a potential first round pick.
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[FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000]But who else in the cupboard?
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[B][FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000]Donte Rumph- JuniorDefensive Tackle 6-3 308[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/B]
[FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000]Rumph, the second leading tackler among the defensive line unit has contributed to the defensive unit throughout his first two seasons at Kentucky. He is coming off an up-and-down sophomore season despite gaining 31 total tackles, as well as one sack and a tackle for loss.
What are the expectations for Rumph?
The rising junior should rise above what he contributed last season, and is capable of being a big presence at the defensive tackle position in the 4-3 defense. Rumph is one of the veterans that will still have to prove that he is capable of being a top contributer after the Wildcats signed a deep defensive line unit in the 2012 class.
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[B][FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000]Mister Cobble- Junior(Rs) Defensive Tackle 6-0 332[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/B]
[FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000]The surprise to the defensive line last season, had an impressive 33 total tackles for his redshirt sophomore season, and was able to gain one sack to go along with 3 tackles for losses.
What does Cobble have going for him?
Despite being only listed at six-foot, the rising junior does have an impressive amount of weight, although there will be tough competition this summer that might limit his playing time this fall. Cobble will need to continue to improve his athleticism, and be able to stop the run for the Wildcats interior defensive unit.
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[B][FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000]Collins Ukwu- Senior Defensive End 6-5 260 [/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/B]
[FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000]The rising senior is coming off an unhealthy junior season, missing three games due to an injury late in the year. Despite the injury problems, the Wildcat defensive end is hoping for a strong year to end his UK career.
Tallying 28 tackles a season ago, Ukwu will be relied on as a top pass rusher for the defense this season. With a lot lacking in that department, Ukwu will have to live up to his hype for this season. The Tennessee native is one of the veterans on a defense that will be mostly young this season. Ukwu not only will have to do his job on the field, but being an off the field presence will also be important.
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[B][FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000]Taylor Wyndham-SeniorDefensive End 6-4 243 [/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/B]
[FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000]Another returning starter for the Wildcats, Wyndham will be another key part in anchoring the veteran defensive line unit. The rising senior had a down junior season only taking part in 14 total tackles over the course of the season, and one tackle for a loss.
Wyndham will be pushed for playing time as the rising junior Mike Douglas had two more tackles in three less games. Yet, I think Wyndham has proven himself, and has the capability to make an impact this season.
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[FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000][I]Who’s coming? [/I]
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[FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000]After signing four defensive linemen this February, the Wildcats are hopeful that they will have a lot of depth for in the future. While some think they will redshirt, I think a few of them will be able to get on the field early, and make an immediate impact in the SEC. Thomas Chapman has the body size at 6-4 280 pounds to be able to hold his weight at the defensive tackle position in the 4-3, however, learning the scheme and needing to be more athletic might hold him back.
Another incoming freshman is the younger brother of Morgan Newton, Langston, whose strength was shown not only in football, but in track as well. The younger Newton also has an impressive 4.6 40 yard dash at 6-5 240pounds.
Being able to stop the run and developing a solid pass rush will be key for this veteran defensive line unit to be successful. [/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]
