Jordan Wright, left, and JJ Weaver are two linebackers who could enable UK to get more pressure on the quarterback this year. (Jeff Houchin Photo)
Putting more pressure on the quarterback has been a point of emphasis for defensive coordinator Brad White and his Kentucky players since last season ended. Kentucky had 14 sacks in its 5-6 season in 2020 and lost nose guard Quinton Bohanna and linebacker Jamin Davis, two of the team’s best playmakers, to the NFL.
White said after Thursday’s practice it was hard to tell in preseason camp if the Cats would get to the quarterback more because players go against the same offensive players daily and pick up tendencies.
“I like what (linebacker) Jordan Wright is doing as a rusher. Josh Paschal is having a good camp,” White said. “But to say we have this thing flipped immediately and will get three plus sacks a game, I can’t say that.”
He said he has to find different angles for players to attack the quarterback and create one-on-one matchups that his players must win to pressure the quarterback.
“I am not crazy optimistic we are going to have 30 some sacks (during the season) but we have the pieces in place to be successful,” the UK defensive coordinator said. “It takes all 11 (players). I know the front gets the brunt of that criticism but everybody has got to do their job, including the coaching staff.”
What about UK’s depth? Shouldn’t the increased depth UK has maybe help put more late-game pressure on opposing quarterbacks?
“At certain spots, I feel better than others (about the depth) and it is that way at any program across the country. I feel okay,” White said. “It’s not like we can lose anybody at any position and we will be fine. Some guys play at a higher level than others and we need to try and keep those guys healthy.
“I do feel good about the next guys up being dialed in and getting better. They need to keep getting better to play SEC football. I like the energy of this group. They attack meetings, they take good notes. Only one or two practices have I felt a little bit of a lull.”
