Jon Sumrall says not to worry about inside linebacker play next year at Kentucky

Trevin Wallace, right, could develop into a specia player at Kentucky. (Vicky Graff Photo)

Former Kentucky linebackers coach Jon Sumrall knows having Jacquez Jones and DeAndre Square both return to UK for another season certainly bolsters the Cats’ defense. However, Sumrall — now the head coach at Troy University — says not to forget about the young talent Kentucky has at linebacker, too.

“Trevin (Wallace) has the physical tools to be as good as anybody I have ever coached,” said Sumrall.

Now remember Sumrall is not one to be overly lavish in his praise of any player. He’s also coached some terrific players.

“He’s really smart and is a quality young man who is just really raw as a linebacker,” Sumrall said. “He played everything in high school. He was all over the field. His future is pretty bright and he can be really special the next few years.”

Wallace had 32 tackles in 12 games.

D’Eryk Jackson tore his Achilles tendon in spring practice after playing in nine games as a true freshman in 2020. He recovered quicker than expected and had 13 solo tackles, five assists, one interception and one quarterback hurry in four games.

“He was going to start and tore his Achilles tendon the 11th practice in the spring,” Sumrall said.”He comes way back ahead of schedule at mid-season. We had three or four games left and he was available, so he played.

“We changed his position because we felt the best opportunity for him to play was a backup to Square. The Louisville game, he led us in tackles. We were getting ready for the (Citrus) bowl game and then Jacquez was injured and Trevin was not available. It was almost a game-time decision with Trevin, but D’Eryk started for Jacquez.

“The kid is just that versatile. He loves to ball and he’s only going to get better.”

Another true freshman, Martez Thrower, had six tackles in seven games despite having a “nagging” hamstring injury most of the season.

“During training camp he made a bunch of plays. One thing he’s going to do is find the football,” Sumrall said. “He’s very talented. He just needs a little more time.”

Same with Michigan State transfer Luke Fulton.

“Kentucky’s inside linebacker room is as good as any I have been around,” Sumrall said. “There are a lot of really, really good players stacked up there.”