Kentucky Wildcats Football: Projecting the freshmen part IV
By Kyle
(Daron and Zack Blaylock)
With spring practices closed to the public, I’ve been taking a look at the 2012 signing class and what type of chances each player has to see the field in their first year on campus. So far, we’ve previewed the skill positions (HERE), the offensive line (HERE), and the defensive front seven (HERE). Today, we’re going to run through the safety and safety/linebacker hybrid players in the class. The complexity of the Kentucky defense makes it a little harder to guage these guys because they all have the potential to play different positions, and therefore they can have varying effects on the depth chart. It’s important to remember that almost every player listed here could eventually be developed as a true linebacker if they fill out more.
Daron Blaylock – DB – 6’1 / 215 – Marietta, GA
Of everyone signed in the 2012 class, Daron Blaylock might be one of the most intriguing players. He has potential as a safety, as a safety/linebacker hybrid, or even as an inside or outside linebacker. The most difficult task facing the Kentucky staff might actually be figuring out where exactly to play Daron. The team’s lack of depth at safety might lead to Daron starting there and a position change could be in his future if he continues to grow. Normally, Blaylock would just about be lock for a redshirt season as the training staff develops his body, but this year might be different. As mentioned above, a lack of depth at safety could be coupled with Daron’s ability to be a special teams standout and the two factors could put him on the field as a true freshman. When all is said and done, he will probably end up playing the hybrid position where his blend of speed and size are an ideal fit. Current depth at that position should lead to a redshirt season for Daron.
Chances of playing in 2012: 20%
Josh Harris – DB – 6’0 / 191 – Maysville, KY
It’s easy to forget about Harris. He committed to Kentucky over a year ago and most fans have probably forgotten how highly touted he was when he first pledged to the Wildcats. An unfortunate injury ended his senior year prematurely and Harris spent the majority of the 2011 playing season watching from the sidelines. Undoubtedly the most versatile player in the class, scout listed Harris as a RB, rivals as a DB, 24/7 had him as an ATH, and ESPN listed him as a LB. The early indications from the staff are that Harris will at least begin his career in Lexington as a Safety. Limited depth at safety could lead to Harris seeing the field as a true freshman, but a redshirt year would help him more than anyone. The opportunity to further recover from his injury and settle into his role in Kentucky’s defensive scheme should make redshirting Harris a no-brainer. He could easily end up as a safety, a safety/linebacker hybrid, or even an inside linebacker.
Chances of playing in 2012: 10%
Zack Blaylock – DB – 6’0 / 188 – Marietta, GA
While Daron’s future position is still up in the air, his twin brother Zack is a safety all the way. Kentucky was able to snare the twins early and hold off multiple schools until the very end. Zack is the type of head-hunting safety that Rick Minter’s defense can use to support the run as well as patrolling the center of the field. Blaylock’s off-the-charts leaping ability and speed will allow him to be in the mix at safety very early and could even eventually lead to senior Martavius Neloms being moved back to corner back. If he can come in and prove his worth on special teams as well as providing a capable reserve behind sophomores Ashely Lowery and Glenn Faulkner, Blaylock’s chances of playing in the 2012 season are very good. Remember that every player signed as a defensive back in the 2011 class played as a true freshman. Blaylock could bulk up and move to linebacker eventually, but he looks like a true safety prospect all the way right now.
Chances of playing in 2012: 70%
Sterling Wright – DB – 5’11 / 201 – Miami, FL
Wright is an interesting player. He was relatively off the radar until signing day, and he was the last player to ink with Kentucky. Limited depth in the defensive backfield is probably what lead to his offer being extended and he should be able to come in and help out in nickel and dime situations right away. Because he was in prep school last year, Wright should be better prepared to contribute as a true freshman and his ability to play on special teams will only help his cause. All that considered, Wright’s offer sheet was pretty light and he wasn’t highly sought by other programs. He may need some additional time to get ready to play. While the team website lists Wright as a defensive back, his body and ability lends to him being utilized as a safety. If Wright can come into camp and prove his worth as a backup at either safety position, it would make the staff’s decisions to redshirt other players much easier.
Chances of playing in 2012: 65%
Kory Brown – DB – 6’0 / 208 – Moncks Corner, SC
Brown was the team’s only junior college addition this season and he was a good one to sign. He will have three years of eligibility remaining at Kentucky and was able to enroll in January and go through spring practices. Brown is currently listed at third on the depth chart at the safety/linebacker hybrid position behind projected starter Miles Simpson and redshirt freshman Josh Forrest. This is where things will get interesting for Brown. If Forrest continues to grow and get stronger, he could be an ideal player to backup Alvin Dupree at the linebacker/end hybrid position. Justin Henderson’s decision to leave the team left the backup job vacant and Tim Patterson also left despite being a decent candidate to slide over. Their departures could mean a move for Forrest and a bump up to second string for Brown. Regardless of where he is listed on the depth chart on defense, Brown is a big hitter and should be a top special teams performer from day one.
Chances of playing in 2012: 90%
That’s it for today. I’ll be back on Sunday to preview the cornerbacks and athletes.