Alex Afari, left, at SEC Media Days. (UK Athletics Photo)
The first time Alex Afari joined us on WLAP Sunday Morning Sports Talk as a high school senior after he verbally committed to play at Kentucky, co-host Anthony White asked the high school defensive back if he had thought about playing linebacker at Kentucky.
That didn’t seem likely but White, a former UK all-SEC running back, was right. After starting his career at a hybrid nickel/safety as a freshman and as a junior in 2024 became a starter at linebacker. He had 62 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, 1.5 quarterback sacks and eight quarterback pressures in 434 snaps.
Now the Cincinnati native, who is up to 230 pounds, is moving to inside linebacker for the 2025 season.
“He’s a guy that’s proven himself, and he is one of those guys that has been a great leader. Just had a great summer, as far as physically taking it to another level,” Kentucky head coach Mark Stoops said on Monday. “Last year was a great I would say, I was just so pleasantly pleased with him a year ago, making that transition, moving inside, and how well he played a year ago. I expect him to take another step.”
So does defensive coordinator Brad White who is counting on him to help anchor the defense. Daveren Rayner, who redshirted last season so he could come back this year, is expected to be the other starter at inside linebacker with Landyn Watson, Grant Godfrey and Antwan Smith expected to provide needed depth. However, don’t be shocked to see Afari as the defensive leader and his head coach certainly believes in him.
“Alex was one of our better players all last year,” Stoops said.
