Josh Paschal plays with a motor that Anthony White wishes UK's defensive linemen had. (SEC Photo)
Today we continue with a look at how former Kentucky all-SEC running back Anthony White grades the Cats position by position after a 2-4 start going into this week’s game with Vanderbilt.
The defensive line and linebackers are on White’s grading sheet today.
Defensive line: C-minus.
White said he’s sure some coaches are not being allowed to step outside the box with thinking and being pressured to “coach a certain way” no matter what. He also said if outside linebackers Josh Paschal, Jordan Wright and J.J. Weaver were considered defensive ends he would raise the unit’s grade because of the motor the trio plays with each game.
“The interior line does not have a lot of motor. The majority of the six games we have played they have allowed the opposing offensive line to move the line of scrimmage too often and that’s not in our favor,” White said. ”
Why has Kentucky not used its four highly-rated freshmen defensive linemen more if the starters are not playing with a high motor?
“Safety reasons. If you are not prepared, it becomes a health (injury) issue,” White said. “If the preparation is not there you are not going to put these guys into dangerous situations.”
Linebackers: B-minus.
Now if Paschal, Wright and Weaver are considered as linebackers, White would raise the grade to B because of their energy.
“Our linebackers could be a little more aggressive,” White said. “I think overall they have done a better than average job. They are not as aggressive as I would like but sometimes that is because the defensive line is being pushed into their path. Probably this is one of the most consistently productive groups on the team.”
Coming Thursday: White grades the secondary.
