Big Blue Primers is 4thandBlue’s inaugural Kentucky Wildcat Football position-by-position preview. In today’s edition we bring you a look at the wet blankets to a wide receiver’s dreams of glory, the defensive backs. Stay tuned for plenty of breakdown and analysis from both spring practice and last season as we look ahead to this year.
The Coach
Chris Thurmond: Just weeks before the start of spring practice Coach Rich Brooks made an excellent hire to fill the void left by the departure of secondary coach David Lockwood. Coach Thurmond has spent his 33-year coaching career at both the high school and collegiate level and has taken charge of secondaries at Big 12 powerhouse Oklahoma as well as SEC historical giant Alabama. He came to UK from the University of Houston where he served as recruiting coordinator and secondary coach. As was apparent throughout spring practice Coach Thurmond brought a personable and patient approach with him to the Wildcats. Never truly handing out a tongue-lashing he is quick to compliment and even quicker to explain and educate. I was amazed at the rapport he seemingly has developed with the entire secondary over the course of the few weeks he had been on the job. He is well liked and his Texas/Deep South contacts will likely pay dividends on the recruit trail. Thurmond has coached several future NFL players throughout his coaching career, he knows what it takes to succeed at the highest level, and he brings that experience with him as he coaches Kentucky’s most talented secondary in years.
The Crew
Free Safety (FS)
The Star: Marcus McClinton
A highly touted recruit who arrived on campus alongside Wesley Woodyard 4 years ago, he has had a respectable career despite a list of several significant injuries including a freak patella tendon tear and a broken scapula. Recorded 32 tackles and 1 interception last year while only playing in 8 games due to injury. Has been plagued by poor tackling form and needs to improve that facet of his game. Over the course of his career he has shown the ability to create turnovers having intercepted 6 passes and forced 7 fumbles in his 3 season career. If he stays healthy (for once) and continues to make plays he has the experience and ability to have a 2nd or 3rd team All-SEC type season.
The Supporting Cast:
“Doing what he does best”
Calvin Harrison
An athletic combo safety out of South Carolina, Harrison had a promising season last year recording 41 tackles and one interception initially as a sub for both safety positions while later replacing McClinton as a part-time starter due to injury. Has shown good ability in coverage and decent tackling skills. Due to having a benign fibrous tumor removed from his leg and the ensuing tendon damage he was severely limited this spring and is only now gradually returning to full speed, potentially a redshirt situation but at this point lets hope not. Will likely see a slightly limited role this year unless injury forces a change of plans, but should be in prime position to compete for a starting position next year.
Taiedo Smith
An athletic redshirt, he is very raw and could stand to gain a few more pounds of muscle before becoming a regular. Might potentially contribute as a returner this year, as his speed is above average even in the very athletic secondary. Has bounced between corner and safety during his redshirt year and it remains to be seen where his speed will be utilized by the staff. Spring ball made it obvious that more time in the weightroom is required.
The New Guy: Winston Guy
The super fast and super talented true freshman safety out of Lexington Catholic might have a slim chance of seeing the field this year if he is just “that good” or if depth becomes an issue. The sky is the limit if he applies himself and is very likely a redshirt candidate as he is prepared to be a future starter and potential star at the safety spot in coming seasons.
Strong Saftey (SS):
The Star: Ashton Cobb
An bullish safety with a nasty mean streak, Cobb blows up almost every player he gets his hands on. He arrived at UK as a highly regarded prospect out of Pennsylvania in 2006 and has been a key contributor as a reserve and starter in his 2 seasons as a Wildcat. Packs 205lbs on a stout 6ft frame he is well built to deliver punishing blows similar to the very fair (despite what Vandy fans tell you) but infamous hit on Jared Hawkins in the Vanderbilt game last season. Finished 2007 with 42 tackles and 2 interceptions. Should have plenty of play-making opportunities this year, especially if a strong pass defense allows him to play aggressively across the field and utilize his excellent closing speed.
The Supporting Cast:
Greg Wilson
Another redshirt freshman out of Georgia he definately applied himself in the weightroom this past year in an effort to see the field, added alot of muscle and bulk to his rangy 6′2 frame. Looked like a real player throughout the spring, played well in coverage and was definitely above average in pursuit and attacking the ball carrier. In a past Kentucky team with less talent he might have started this year but he will have plenty of time to get his feet wet backing up Ashton Cobb. Nevertheless I expect him to make a couple of very athletic plays before the year is out.
Matt Lentz (I was tired last night peoples, sorry for the omission):
This 6′3 210lb former quarterback also played defensively in high school, he demonstrated good instincts and solid tackling while learning the safety spot in the spring. A hand injury and deep QB depth chart prompted his position change but he seems to enjoy his new role and has added some muscle over the summer months. While he won’t be starting this year the potential exist for him to contribute going forward. Recently added a mohawk to give himself more of a “hard” look better suited for his position. A hard hitter and intelligent football player he has the abilities that will serve him well at his new positional home.
Cornerback
The Stars:
Trevard Lindley
This All-SEC junior has done nothing but make plays in the two years he has seen the field for the ‘Cats. I think we all remember the rediculous interception against Clemson, the program changer against UGA, the gamesaver against LSU, and the heads up fumble return against Arkansas just to name a few of Lindley’s highlights that have directly impacted or changed Kentucky’s football fortunes. Finished the year with 66 tackles, 3 interceptions, and a unworldly 12 pass breakups. Lindley’s greatest strength is the fact the he is simply good at EVERYTHING. He shuts down receivers, he doesn’t miss tackles, and he is always disruptive when in on a play. All indications are pointing to a banner year for Trevard on his way to a potential early exit into the NFL, perhaps winning a national award or two along the way.
David Jones
With the declared ineligibility of Paul Warford for 2008 any doubts about Jones starting alongside Lindley at corner have officially been put to rest. His career has been underwhelming thus far due to an ill-fated switch to wide reciever as a sophomore and a massive set back due to a ruptured appendix last fall. However he made a respectable return in the bowl game and showcased some of the speed and athleticism that have some scouts mentioning him as a legitimate NFL prospect despite few actual statistics to his name. A strong spring only served to reinforce the coaching staff’s confidence in David and it appears that he has somewhat remade his body over the past few months as he looked absolutely jacked in his media day photos. Where Lindley brings finesse and elite skill to the position, Jones plays corner with a more head-down approach utilizing his pure speed and strength to jam receivers at the line as well as make them pay for attempting to make a catch. His excellent footspeed should allow him plenty of room to recover from mistakes.
The Supporting Cast:
Randall Burden
Simply put Burden was the most improved defensive player of the course of spring practice. With much thanks to the coaching of Chris Thurmond, Burden transformed from a lost looking rookie who was getting beaten consistently by walkons into a serviceable young corner who was putting his natural athletic gifts to good use. He has solidified his position as a primary backup to the 2 main men and has a chance to make a significant contribution this year. He is a long, fast, but somewhat thin prospect who should begin to excel in coverage but still has to prove that he is a capable tackler and ballhawk in order to deserve playing time.
Shomari Moore
He’s not the biggest or the fastest but the “Super Knat” is perhaps Kentucky’s most dependable role player. A big hearted athlete who has often played bigger and better than his size and talent level would suggest, he is a great experienced veteran to have in the game in nickel and dime packages. Was great in spots last year and finished up with 20 tackles, 1 interception, and 2 pass breakups. Expect more of the same this year with perhaps a game changing play or two that typically comes from a veteran on a talented team.
Ahmad Grigsby
A well regarded JUCO player Grigsby’s injury luck has not been the best during his time at Kentucky. Redshirted in 2006 due to a broken wrist, he had an underwhelming 7 tackle campaign in spot duty before being sidelined by a life-threatening blood clot near the end of the 2007 season. Was very out of shape in the spring having not been medically cleared to condition beforehand and thus struggled to distinguish himself. Regardless of the past, his JUCO accolades make it clear that he knows how to play the position and it is not a big stretch to expect a decent performance from him as a lightly-used reserve in his final year at Kentucky.
Robert McAtee
This athletic but undersized senior walkon seemed to draw scorn and praise from the coaches on every alternating play this spring. It is apparent that he has the speed to at least be effective at the D-I level but his coverage skills and decision making often leave much to be desired. Managed to prevent Mario Urrutia from outright winning the game for Louisville last fall when a rash of injuries forced him into action. He got torched throughout the game but the big game experience should prove invaluable if he is called up again this season.
Daryl Faulkner
Smallish walkon who knows the system but will likely will only see blowout minutes.
The New Guy, and Golden Boy:
Cartier Rice
Very likely the next shining star of the Kentucky secondary this 5′10, 175lb prospect out of powerhouse Byrnes in South Carolina, Rice has all the trappings of a player who will make an impact early and often in his college career. If you want to know what makes me so excited about him perhaps it is that fact that he enjoys making plays like this in a state all-star game. He will be a bit on the lighter side initially but should be able to compensate with his elite level athleticism. This guy has made it his business to shut down opposing team’s best receiver every week while helping his team to 3 consecutive state titles. Look for him to find his way onto the field as a freshman and slowly develop into Kentucky’s #1 corner over the next 2 or 3 years. Keep it mind that it is winning players like Rice who are going to gradually cement the progress of the Kentucky football program under Rich Brooks & Co. as we look to stake a claim to our place amongst the SEC’s perinneal powers.
The Final Word: Kentucky should look to enjoy an unprecedented level of talent and depth in the secondary this year. A combination of several high profile commitments and many more uncovered diamonds in the rough (of which Lindley is most notable) discovered by the coaches has blessed the Wildcats with a high-profile, playmaking secondary that will likely serve as a very effective last line for an improved defense in Coordinator Steve Brown’s second year. With anywhere between 2 to 4 future NFL players on the field together at the same time throughout the season UK might finally be able to stake a claim to a completely SEC-caliber secondary. Contrary to the doubts of many pre-season publications and misinformed Cardinal fans, if the linebackers and defensive line can mostly live up to expectations and prevent gaping runs opposing offenses will be in serious trouble as UK’s deep and talented secondary will be able to deny the pass and make some big time plays throughout the year.
4th and Blue Power Rating: 8, “Lockdown”
Monday’s Primer: Running Backs
Tags: Ashton Cobb, Burden, Calvin Harrison, Cartier Rice, David Jones, Faulkner, Greg Wilson, Grigsby, Marcus McClinton, Matt Lentz, McAtee, Paul Warford, Taiedo Smith, Trevard Lindley
You forgot Matt Lentz (FIXED). He is the likely backup to Ashton Cobb at SS.
(Amir: Thanks Alpha, how could I forget the guy who stood out so well in the spring)