Yusuf Corker had 151 tackles and four interceptions the last two seasons. (UK Athletics Photo)
Safety Yusuf Corker has played in 37 straight games, including 24 straight starts, for Kentucky — a big reason he made several preseason all-Southeastern Conference teams. He was second on the team in tackles last season with 77 in 11 games and also had 2.5 tackles for loss, two interceptions, two pass breakups and one forced fumble. He had a career-high 18 tackles against Missouri but also made eight against national champion Alabama.
In 2019, he led the team with 74 tackles, including a then career-high 11 against Georgia. He also had seven tackles against Virginia Tech in the Belk Bowl win.
So there’s no doubt that Corker is a proven playmaker. Now Kentucky defensive coordinator Brad White just wants him to do even more in his final season at Kentucky.
“It comes down to go be great,” White said. “He has been really, really … right on the cusp of being a great, great player.
“I don’t think we have really talked about him (during preseason practice) and he is one people need not forget. He has been Mr. Reliable for us over the last two years and makes a ton of plays. He makes all the checks.
“Now go make difference-making, game-changing plays. I have got to put him in position to make those plays.”
White is counting on Corker to anchor Kentucky’s defensive secondary. The Cats have put secondary players into the NFL the last several years and White wants Corker to show scouts he’s ready to make the same move next season.
“It has been awesome that he has been incredibly solid and reliable but now we need to attach greatness to it,” White said. “If he plays at that level, our defense can be really good.”
