by Kyle
One of the annual problems UK has run into has been lack of depth or talent on the defensive line. The staff clearly saw an area for improvement and made the entire unit an area of focus from day one. Several of the new additions to this particular unit will have an early opportunity to contribute and some will receive a red-shirt opportunity to build up strength and allow the game to slow down for them. Expect the Defensive Line to be an area of focus in the next few classes as well. Without any further ado, let’s meet some more new Wildcats.
TIM McADOO – MURFREESBORO, TN
6’1 310
There was a lot of speculation that McAdoo would back out of his commitment to Kentucky, but as signing day came and went, he remained a part of the 2010 class. McAdoo was mentioned as a potential Offensive Line prospect during Joker’s press conference, but he also has potential at Defensive Tackle. Almost a mirror image of Myron Pryor as a freshman, McAdoo has a low center of gravity that will make clogging running lanes much easier. A need for depth at Defensive Tackle on Kentucky’s current roster might allow McAdoo to see the field earlier.
BRICE LAUGHLIN – SUMMERVILLE, SC
6’3 280
Stopping the running game was an Achilles heel for the Wildcats this past fall. Laughlin comes in as a physical Defensive Lineman that shows the ability to hold up against the run as well as provide a pass rush from either the interior Defensive Line or from an outside Defensive End position. Laughlin’s future is probably at Defensive Tackle, but he will probably begin his career outside. With some time working with new coach David Turner, Laughlin could very well end up being the steal of the class.
DONTE RUMPH – ST. MATTHEWS, SC
6’2 265
Rumph is part of Kentucky’s signing day haul for the third straight year. After originally signing with Kentucky as a member of the 2008 class, academic problems prevented him from enrolling that year. After a year in prep school, things didn’t work out again in 2009, and now he joins the 2010 class. Rumph has potential to play at End or Tackle on the Defensive Line and his ability to push the line of scrimmage into the backfield will help against rushing or passing plays. As long as his academics are now in order, Rumph should have one of the biggest impacts of this freshman class.
NERMIN DELIC – DALTON, GA
6’5 260
Delic was listed as a TE prospect by several recruiting services, but UK obviously feels like he will be a Defensive Lineman, and his video shows he has great ability on the defensive side of the ball. He will probably start at Defensive End, but there’s some potential for him to eventually fill out into a Defensive Tackle if he works in the Strength and Conditioning program hard enough. He has a great motor and plays through the whistle on every play.
JUSTIN HENDERSON – BAMBERG, SC
6’3 230
Henderson got a leg up on his classmates by enrolling in January. The extra months of conditioning and his ability to attend spring practice should make him an early favorite to see the field as a true freshman. Justin’s stock began to really peaked in practices heading up to the Shrine Game. Kentucky held onto Henderson despite him receiving offers and intense last attempts from Penn. State, Texas A&M, Michigan State, and Colorado late in the recruiting process. After enrolling in January, Henderson will count towards the 2009 recruiting class. He will line up ate Defensive End.
MIKE EVANS-DOUGLAS – CLEARWATER, FL
6’4 225
After visiting way back in September, Evans-Douglas’ name fell of the radar of most Kentucky football fans. Most sites where reporting that he was being pursued by bigger schools and it was a foregone conclusion to most UK fans that Evans-Douglas would end up at a school in his home state of Florida. Surprising almost everyone, he committed to Kentucky in December just before the Music City Bowl. Evans- Douglas will provide Kentucky with a pass-rushing defensive end with Wide Receiver speed. He’s been clocked as fast as 4.6 seconds in the forty-yard dash.
ALVIN DAVIS – JESUP, GA
6’4 230
Davis was a relative unknown when he committed to Kentucky this past fall. The speedy defensive End from Georgia had very few offers, and Had not really been on anyone’s radar as far as Kentucky’s involvement in his recruiting. He brings the same type of pass-rushing defensive end abilities that Mike Evans-Douglas does, and the two of them could give Quarterbacks headaches on passing downs. As long as they can both add weight and strength without sacrificing speed, Kentucky should have a fantastic core group of defensive pass-rushers for the future.
Hey everyone, My name’s Kyle and I’ll be bringing you your football fix here on Wildcat Blue Blog. I’ll cover the current team, player news, coaching news, recruiting, upcoming games, and anything else pertaining to Kentucky football. I’ve been a follower of the football program for years and am very excited to help out here at Wildcat Blue Blog. If there is ever something football related you’d like me to cover here, send me an email to ukkylet@gmail.com. I look forward to bringing some football news, knowledge, and insight to this site.
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