Could the Kentucky Defense be “insane” This Season?

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Kentucky’s offense has a lot of potential weapons that has UK fans excited about the upcoming season.

The arrival of quarterback Devin Leary and running back Ray Davis via the transfer portal filled huge needs for UK and the expected continued playmaking from sophomore receivers Barion Brown and Dane Key give UK potential stars.

Throw in the return of offensive coordinator Liam Coen and there’s plenty of reasons to be optimistic about the soaring potential this team has.

However, former all-SEC/NFL defensive back Van Hiles says not to forget about the defense as being a major reason Kentucky could have a special season.

“This defense is going to be insane if they do what I think they will do,” said Hiles on WLAP Sunday Morning Sports Talk.

Hiles is basing his belief on what he thinks will be one of UK’s best defensive fronts.

“This is the first time that the front three will be so good that we do not have to get exotic with schemes and twists like we did last year,” Hiles said. “We can run a lot of standard base stuff up front.”

Hiles explained that schemes and twists can create big plays by the defense but can also lead to huge plays for the offense if the right play is called to expose holes left by the twists/schemes.

“With the speed we will have at linebacker and with three safeties that are really elite, I think this defense is going to be stellar with the way the line is going to be able to control things,” Hiles said.