Defensive coordinator Brad White still believes his sophomore players could be special. (Vicky Graff Photo)
Kentucky defensive coordinator Brad White believes he has a group of second-year players that can all be difference makers.
“I said when we signed them that I thought last year’s class had a chance to be one of most impactful defensive classes to come through this program and that’s still the case,” White said. “They are each going to have an impactful role in pieces.”
However, White plans to use his “pieces” a bit differently this season.
“We got a whole bunch of pieces that could make a really cool puzzle. In years past we had to count on six to eight guys and play them 75 percent of the snaps,” White said. “That is not what this group will be. You get 30 to 40 percent of the snaps and you go all out and then somebody else plays.
“This has to be a collective defense. Twenty-plus guys are going to have to play on any given day. This is not a defense where we will play 13 or 14 guys.”
The defense also will not rely on one leader. Instead, White says it will be “collective leadership” this season.
“There are some really strong influencers in that locker room but in practice a new voice is talking every time. If you have a singular voice and that voice is not in the huddle, who do you lean on?” White said.
White said even his best leaders are leaning on each other.
“If a guy is having a down day, the rest really to lift him up,” the UK defensive coordinator said.
One Response
I think our defense will be very stingy this year. Way more chaos. Way more sacks. Ways more ints. The offense should be pretty balanced but I don't think Stoops wants to say to much about that. Yes Calzada just needs to play smart football. Limit turnovers, move the chains and score points on as many possessions as possible. I'm pumped for football to start. 18 days away. It's a countdown until kickoff. Worst part about it. I probably have to work during the game. Mandatory OT for me.