Talented playmaker Kobi Albert starting his UK career on defense

Kobi Albert says if he’s needed on offense, he can make plays for the Cats there, too. (Twitter Photo)

How good are Kentucky’s freshmen receivers?

Perhaps the best way to judge is that Kobi Albert, a top 500 national player who UK coach Mark Stoops compared to former UK star Lynn Bowden on signing day, is not even playing receiver. Instead, he’s on defense at safety.

“There might still be some packages where I will be playing offense, but for the most part it will be defense,” said Albert. “It was kind of up in the air before I signed. Once I signed he (Stoops) said I would be starting out on defense but as the season goes on there might be some plays they need me on offense. Whenever I do, he is expecting me to be ready.”

Albert originally committed to Auburn after attending a Kentucky camp but then UK assistant coach Jon Sumrall kept pursuing him. Albert made an official visit to UK just before signing day and then the four-star standout flipped his commitment.

Albert said he’s willing to play wherever Stoops needs him and believes he “can definitely play” at safety as a true freshman.

“It is definitely kind of different with me only playing DB for a year or two. I have to get used to it and they are trying to get me up to date so I can be a key factor this year,” he said.

“It is kind of crazy because some of the stuff we did last year in high school was the same kind of concepts we have here.”

The 5-11, 185-pound Albert, who could also return kicks, is a gifted athlete who does not lack confidence. He considers himself a playmaker any time he’s on the field.

“I don’t want to toot my horn but I just make plays when I get the ball or I am on the field,” Albert said.

He’s always done that. As a 5-6 eighth grader, he could dunk a basketball with either hand.

“It was pretty easy. I was short, but I could dunk,” he said. “I am not going to say I am a great basketball player. I know my strong suit is football but I can play a little basketball, too.”

So are the freshmen receivers better than him and that’s why he is on defense?

“I wouldn’t say better. They are my brothers,” he said.

So are you as good as them? “Most definitely,” Albert said.

Is there anyone in that freshman group he cannot cover? In my head, no. Nobody can beat me,” he said. “You just have to believe that.”