Can Stoops Make Kentucky Wildcats Competitive in SEC?

Defense

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The defense returns plenty of starters and contributors after giving up 31 points per game last year, but it had to face offensive powers Missouri, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi State, and South Carolina. Even out of the conference, it had to face Louisville and Teddy Bridgewater and a Western Kentucky team lead by offensive genius Bobby Petrino. Because there are not so many offensive juggernauts on the schedule this year, and some of the teams that the Wildcats do have to face again will be rebuilding their offense, including Louisville, the defense should have an easier time.

Bud Dupree and Za’Darius Smith, who combined for 120 tackles, 13 sacks and 16 tackles for loss in 2013, are back for the senior seasons at defensive end. Mike Douglas will step in for his senior season at defensive tackle, and he provides enough size at 6’4 and 293 pounds to do damage. The other position at tackle will probably be filled by one of the five defensive tackles in Stoops’s last two recruiting classes, including 4-star Cory Johnson in this year’s class. 

Khalid Henderson is the only returning starter at linebacker, and he had 51 tackles last year, 1 sack, and an interception. He’ll take on

Nov 23, 2013; Athens, GA, USA; Kentucky Wildcats linebacker Khalid Henderson (22) intercepts a tipped pass in the first half against the Georgia Bulldogs at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports

more of a lead role, and Josh Forrest and Miles Simpson have enough experience to also step in at the position. The 2014 class also brought in four 3-star linebackers to add depth, so this unit should be okay.

In the secondary, Blake McClain, Eric Dixon, Fred Tiller, and Nate Willis all saw significant action last year and are back. Also, junior college transfer A.J. Stamps and J.D. Harmon, who is back on the team after missing last year due to academic performance, should make an immediate impact. There have been 10 defensive backs added to the unit in the past two years, and this year is headlined by Rivals 4-stars Mike Edwards and Kendall Randolph. They could both step in if needed.

Overall, recruiting and returning talent is enough to make the unit a little bit better this year, and Stoops is continuing to slowly built the team by adding depth and more talent, but the Wildcats defense will still struggle some this year. However, it doesn’t have to be great, just decent, if the offense can find a quarterback.