Shiyazh Pete (73) believes UK's defensive linemen will get to the quarterback this season. (UK Athletics Photo)
If Kentucky offensive tackle Shiyazh Pete is right, Kentucky’s pass rush is going to be a lot better this year.
Kentucky often had trouble putting consistent pressure on the passer last season when it went 4-8.
Pete recently noted that transfer Kam Olds, transfer Mi’Quise Humphrey-Grace and returner Steven Soles have all given him problems at times in practice.
“Those three really have been a trifecta, the people that give me the most trouble. They’re really good pass-rushers. I gotta give them credit for what they can do,” Pete said.”
Soles showed flashes last year of what he could do and he worked to gain weight during the offseason to allow him to withstand SEC play better.
Humphrey-Grace is a player that has impressed offensive guard Josh Braun as well as Pete.
“He strains throughout the entire play up until the whistle and always goes all out. He’s really working hard to get to the quarterback every play. He plays it like it’s the fourth quarter, that kind of mentality, even in practice. I respect that,” Pete said.
Braun also pointed out that David Gusta, another transfer, and Josaih Hayes, who missed most of last season due to injuries, have been impressive.
“I am anxious to see how other teams are going to try and handle them,” Braun said.
Pete noted that Olds “uses his hands” better than anyone and that makes him difficult to always block.
Kentucky only had 24 sacks in 2024. Pete thinks that number will be surpassed this season.
“These guys are really good. They are going to get to the quarterback,” Pete said.
7 Responses
What creates sacks is a great defense. Rarely is a revamped anything great upon the revamp.
Good one, The Professor. And, you are correct.
Hard to get sacks when you seldom rush the passer and play back because you are afraid of the BIG play!!
Stoops is terrified of the BIG play, yet he probably gives up as many as anyone because he plays a bend don't break defense most of the time.
Stoop's doesn't have to prepare his post game interview with "well, we didn't get the outcome we wanted, but I will have to look at the film and then we will have to get back to work" It is a well worn script.
UK has had success with transfers on defense, Jacquez Jones, Keidron Smith, Keshawn Silver, Lonnie Johnson etc.
When you bend but done break your not rushing enough players on the quarterback. Sometimes we only have 3 down lineman rushing in against 5-6 offensive lineman including the tight end. I like a 4-3 traditional defense 2 defense ends who can get at it and 3 linebackers.
I think UK can improve quite a bit over the 24 sacks from 2024. Grace, Gusta, Soles, Olds, and Josiah Hayes will hopefully increase the sack total by 50-60% in 2025 !