Lexington native Jamarrion "Chops" Harkless could be the run stopper UK needs in the middle of the defensive line. (UK Athletics Photo)
By LARRY VAUGHT
For way too many seasons the Kentucky football team just did not pass the “look” test against Southeastern Conference opponents.
Often it was obvious in pregame warmups that UK’s opponent was bigger, stronger and deeper. The Cats could just not match the overall bodies they were going to play against way too many games.
That’s why it peaked my interest when defensive coordinator Jay Bateman talked about nose tackle Jamarrion “Chops” Harkless, a Frederick Douglass High School product who transferred from Purdue to UK this season.
“Chops, when you say nose guard, that is what it is supposed to look like,” said Bateman about the 6-foot-3, 345-pound Harkless.
Harkless was recruited to Purdue by Jeff Brohm who left for Louisville before Harkless played his first game. Coach Ryan Walters won five games in two years before being replaced by Barry Odom, who won only two games last year and helped lead to Harkless returning to Lexington. He was recruited by former UK coach Mark Stoops and his staff but at the time just wanted to get away from his comfort zone in Lexington.
Harkless has bigger expectations than just making a bowl game, too.
“We’re trying to take Kentucky where Kentucky’s never been. With the guys we got in, the talent, I think we can do that for sure,” he said.
He’s had to adjust to hard coaching from defensive line coach Anwar Stewart.
“I’ve always had old-style, laid-back type of D-line coaches. He brings that energy as soon as he steps in, and he’s probably roasting somebody,” Harkless said. “It’s amazing having a D-line coach like that. It makes you want to pour your energy out, too.”
If he pours his energy out, he could be a major defensive stopper against SEC running attacks.
“Being back home and being able to do something like that would be a feeling — I don’t know. That would be crazy,” he said.
However, it would be a good crazy compared to what he has been through the last few seasons with wins few and far between.
One Response
Harkless is going to have a breakout season. I believe he's a little shorter than 6'3 probably more like 6'1 or 6'2 he's built like a cannon ball on the line. I think he's going to put the SEC on notice that he's going to be a problem for next couple of years. With Harkless, Gadson, Humphrey Grace, J. Williams, Kalen Edwards I really like the d line. You can throw Ahmad Breaux in that mix as well. I also like the 2 transfers from South Alabama. Taylor and Wiseman. We have depth and experience on the d line and that's always a good thing.
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