Keaten Wade had three tackles and broke up a pass in his collegiate debut. (Vicky Graff Photo)
While it was easy to notice the instant contributions of freshmen receivers Barion Brown and Dane Key in Kentucky’s win over Miami, don’t overlook what a few true freshmen did on the defensive side, too.
Start with defensive lineman Deone Walker, who could make a “big” difference for the UK defense this season. He got into the game early and made his 300-pound presence known.
He had three solo tackles — a lot for a defensive tackle — along with one assist.
“I feel like people knew I was big, and was athletic, but I don’t think they knew I was like this,” Walker said after the game. “I feel like I came out and showed myself tonight. My favorite play wasn’t even when I got a tackle or anything. We were just in a break stunt and made the QB scramble.”
Walker said he appreciated the crowd energy as he tries to “get into the groove of college football” at Kentucky.
“I feel like once I let it, the game will slow down for me,” Walker said.
Outside linebacker Keaten Wade is a high four-star prospect and top 200 player in the 2022 recruiting class. He got his chance and made the most of it with three tackles, including two solo stops. Even more impressive was the pass play he broke up in his first collegiate game.
Defensive back Alex Afari had one of Kentucky’s three quarterback sacks along with veteran linebackers Jacquez Jones and J.J. Weaver. He also has six tackles in his collegiate debut, including a tackle for loss along with his quarterback sack.
“Alex Afari just sticks his nose in there,” former UK all-SEC running back Anthony White said. “My concern is that he has no regard for his body and I am not sure how long he can last playing that reckless. This kid is from another planet. He is amazing.”
4 Responses
I for one was really impressed with the Freshmen on both sides of the ball. Barring injuries those 5 plus the Soph that caught the TD bodes well for UK’s future. I do believe we might have trouble bringing in receivers in the near future because because Brown, Key and Magwood looked GREAT. If you look at the TD Magwood caught, 1st he faked the jock strap off of the defender then he adjusted his body in stride to catch a pass that was behind him(He looks like the perfect slot receiver to me). I doubt we will be taking a transfer at the receiver spot at the end of this season!
We all saw what Walker brings to the table. So glad guys stay for 3 years in FB! !
KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK CATS
GO BLUE OR GO HOME! ! !
And I think we have a lot more good freshmen to see this season
We are so close to becoming a National power. But the truth is we are still UK FB in most national media’s eyes. Even on the SEC network. They showed Vandy, SC and UT highlights on the recap show before showing a ranked UK team’s. We are still the Rodney Dangerfield of college football. We now reload in most positions. We don’t sneak up on anyone and to overlook us can equal a L. But or highlights take a back seat to Vandy. No respect!
Well maybe a win Saturday helps change that