South Dakota transfer Mi’Quise Humphrey-Grace is one big reason coach Mark Stoops feels good about UK’s defensive line. (Vicky Graff Photo)
A year ago Kentucky was counting on defensive linemen Tavion Gadson and Josaih Hayes to be major contributors during the 2024 season. Instead, both were injured before the season started.
Gadson, a sophomore, missed the first eight games after suffering a left knee injury in April of 2024 that required surgery for posterolateral corner reconstruction, a bicep femoris repair, and a fibular collateral ligament repair. He played two games before a hamstring injury forced him to miss the final two games of 2024.
Hayes, a senior, missed the first nine games last season after suffering a torn Achilles tendon in his left foot in March. He played in the final three games and had nine tackles. Hayes has played in 45 games at Kentucky and has 57 tackles, including seven tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, three pass breakups, a forced fumble and a quarterback hurry.
Both Gadson and Hayes are on the Comeback Player of the Year Award Watch List and Kentucky certainly could benefit if both have outstanding years.
Kentucky’s defensive line will have a new look with a bigger emphasis on speed over size.
“We aren’t going to drastically change anything. But with these types of body types, it gives us the ability to do other things,” coach Mark Stoops said.
Not only does defensive line coach Anwar Stewart have Gadson and Hayes healthy, but Washington State transfer David Gusta could be a huge playmaker. He had 21 tackles in 12 games last year including three tackles for loss, one sack and three pass deflections.
Stoops noted at Media Day that Gusta bench pressed 225 pounds 38 times but he is also “twitchy and disruptive” on the inside.
Another transfer, South Dakota’s Mi’Quise Humphrey-Grace, also is being counted on for immediate help. He started 14 games last season.
