Kentucky has struggled to stop the run in past seasons, and one area that has been addressed is the defensive tackle position. New coach David Turner will take the spring practice sessions to whip his returning players into shape. UK desperately needs their tackles to fill running lanes and demand double teams on rushing plays. There also needs to be an expanded emphasis on an interior pass rush after losing standout senior Corey Peters to graduation. While the returning group lacks the playing experience that past teams have had, the cupboard is by no means bare and Kentucky has several candidates ready to make a name for themselves this spring.
The player returning with the most experience is senior Ricky Lumpkin. He’s experienced a handful of injuries during his tenure at Kentucky, but after a fairly healthy 2009 season, he should head into spring as a favorite to start at one of the two defensive tackle spots. Lumpkin brings significantly more height to the position than any of the defensive tackles UK has had recently and should have an easier time getting his hands up in passing lanes. He has big shoes to fill in taking over the spotlight at the position DeWayne Robertson, Myron Pryor, and Corey Peters have manned in recent years. Lumpkin has every physical tool necessary to be as dominant as his predecessors and this spring will be his opportunity to shine. Expect him to leave the spring session as the starter at one of the defensive tackle spots.
Shane McCord has his work cut out for him for his senior year. After playing in the defensive tackle rotation the past two years, he’ll have the opportunity to step up and grab the starting job opposite Ricky Lumpkin. McCord is leaner than the defensive tackles UK has had in past years, but brings a little more natural speed and agility than fans are used to. His main focus should be anchoring down and holding his ground against bigger offensive linemen on running plays. If he can prove to be a capable run stuffer, he’ll definitely see the field. A good spring practice could go a long way towards securing a starting spot for McCord.
Many fans were excited by Mark Crawford’s early enrollment last winter and going through last years spring practices undoubtedly gave him an upper hand in seeing playing time. Crawford will look to extend his time on the field this spring and is one of the main contenders to take over for departed standout Corey Peters. He’s the heaviest defensive tackle on the team, so he should provide Kentucky another capable run stopper, but will also need to create a push up the middle of the field and collapse the pocket on passing plays. He should still remain a heavy part of the rotation at defensive tackle, and a good spring could vault him to the top of the depth chart. Expect to see Crawford on the field quite a bit regardless of whether he’s a starter or not.
It will remain to be seen how redshirting helped Mister Cobble’s progression as a player, but his high school resume speaks for itself. While racking up a ridiculous 25 tackles for a loss, Cobble was a two time first team all-state selection, won back to back class AAA championships, and was a finalist for Kentucky’s Mr. Football award as a lineman. Cobble will have every opportunity to contribute this upcoming season and his performance during spring practices should help him solidify his status as a top reserve in the defensive tackle rotation. A great spring practice could send him into the fall camp as a contender for one of the starting spots.
One of the players Kentucky fans often forget about, Myron Walker will head into spring ready to take the field. After redshirting his freshman year, Walker should contribute at defensive tackle primarily although Kentucky’s website lists him more generally as a defensive lineman. With only three tackles on the roster with game experience, expect Walker to see the field quite a bit this spring as the depth chart shakes out. A good spring practice should be extremely important to him as he tries to put himself in front of some of the stars in the incoming freshman class. When the dust settles, expect Walker to be a key reserve in the rotation heading into the season.
One other possible addition to the defensive tackles is currently listed as an end in junior Chandler Burden. He’s a little heavy for the defensive end position at 6’4 296, and his speed and experience would be extremely beneficial to a relatively thin defensive tackle group. Expect to see him tried out at tackle this spring although an official position move would be more likely during the fall camp.
Kentucky will bring in several highly touted defensive tackle prospects this fall when the freshman class arrives. Barring academic troubles, the most likely player to see the field is Donte Rumph. Rumph is a part of an incoming recruiting class for the third time this year and his presence along the defensive line would be a welcomed addition. He may end up at tackle or possible end. Incoming freshman Tim McAdoo also figures to see the field if he can qualify academically, and avoid a move to the offensive line. Of the rest of the incoming class, Brice Laughlin, Nermin Delic, and Tyler Robinson also have a chance to end up at defensive tackle, although all could end up as defensive ends, tight ends, or offensive linemen as well. Laughlin is the only player of the three who is likely to contribute early if placed at defensive tackle.
While losing standout Corey Peters will hurt, UK heads into the spring practices with several defensive tackles ready to step up and shine. The addition of several freshmen to the position should help to motivate the returning players to elevate their game. Expect stellar spring performances from the upperclassmen.
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