Kentucky seems to be depth friendly at linebacker

JJ Weaver, left, could be a potential breakout star at linebacker for UK this year. (UK Athletics Photo)

Former Kentucky all-Southeastern Conference defensive back Van Hiles believes UK has a “win-win situation” at linebacker this season.

Two inside linebackers — DeAndre Square and Jacquez Jones — returned for a fifth year and so did outside linebackers Jordan Wright. Another outside linebacker, J.J. Weaver, also returns and could be a breakout star along with Wright.

“It’s really nice to have Square and Jones back. They are both great leaders,” Hiles said.

Kentucky also has younger linebackers Tevin Wallace, Martez Thrower and D’Eryk Jackson ready for bigger roles.

“If the coaches feel Wallace, Jackson and Thrower are better than Jones and Square, then the older guys are going to move aside and the young guys will get more run,” Hiles said. “Wallace is one of those track guys I like who can really run. Jackson is a thumper and you can never have too many thumpers. We are depth friendly at inside linebacker and that is a great thing for any team.”

For Hiles, the bigger question is who will play behind Wright and Weaver on the outside.

“Are they going to move Wallace out there so you can get your best linebackers on the field so teams will not attack a weak point,” Hiles said.  “It’s great to have a deep linebacker crew to where you can move guys around if that is what you need.”

“It’s better to be depth friendly in the front seven than anywhere else on defense. Obviously Mark Stoops knows and understands that and he’s built his defense that way.”