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He’s not received a lot of preseason hype but redshirt sophomore defensive lineman Jamarius Dinkins could be a very important player for Kentucky this season.
Dinkins had nine tackles in nine games last year, including three tackles against Tennessee and his first tackle for loss against Louisville.
Dinkins was a three-star prospect out of Columbus, Ohio, and a top 35 strong side defensive end nationally in his recruiting class.
Former Kentucky quarterback Freddie Maggard is a high school/college football analyst for Kentucky Sports Radio/On3 and is a Dinkins fan.
“I really like his size. He does not have a bunch of numbers (statistics) but if he can get a push up front with his big frame that can take double teams off Deone (Walker) and J.J. (Weaver),” Maggard said.
“Dinkins is a player I am really focused on. If he has NIL shirts to be bought, I will buy them all. He is 6-6, 300 pounds. Kentucky needs a third pass rusher. I love Kahlil Saunders too and really think (defensive line coach) Anwar Stewart can rotate 10 or 11 guys this year.”
Stewart, a former Kentucky linebacker, has big expectations for Dinkins.
“Going into his third year, he’s a long, athletic kid. He is blessed with those long limbs that you like,” Stewart said. “He’s working really hard, and he’s gonna be a force for guys in the middle.
“We want him to beat up on those centers and those guards and let those linebackers run free.”
