DJ Waller and UK coach Mark Stoops. (Vicky Graff Photo)
Not only was cornerback DJ Waller counting on having a big season for Kentucky this year but defensive coordinator Brad White and his staff were also counting on him as a potential lockdown defensive player.
Waller, a Michigan transfer last season, started UK’s opening game against Toledo but played only 28 snaps before injuring his hamstring. He missed the next two games and coach Mark Stoops was hoping he would play against South Carolina but he was not able to go.
Stoops made it sound like that Waller will not play again this week at Georgia.
“It’s one of those injuries with a hamstring that’s touchy. It’s very frustrating for him. He’s worked very hard,” Stoops said Monday. “You heard us talking a lot about him in the camp and throughout the summer. He worked really hard, and continues to work hard. It’s frustrating for him.
“For guys that have never been through that before, you try to educate them and help them and talk through it about how you feel like you’re okay, but then the minute you’ve got to go after somebody and open it up, it’s just a different deal. We’ll continue to gauge that.”
Waller played in 10 games his freshman season when Michigan won the national title before transferring to UK for the 2024 season. However, injuries have limited his play at UK as he got in only seven of UK’s 12 games last season.
Georgia has a deep and talented group of receivers who could provide major problems for UK, especially with Waller out again.
2 Responses
I looked at the injury report for Kentucky at Georgia and surprise surprise. We have 11 guys out. Yes 4 of which haven't even played a snap. Georgia after just playing Alabama and getting everyone's most physical game has 4 guys hurt that our out. We have 11 with much less depth
They have 4 with much more depth. My prediction is Georgia 45 Kentucky 10.
I worry you could be right Mr. Know It all