Kentucky Wildcats Football Position Preview: Defensive Line
By Jason Marcum
Oct 20, 2012; Lexington, KY, USA; Kentucky Wildcats linebacker Alvin Dupree (2) tackles Georgia Bulldogs running back Todd Gurley (3) during second half at Commonwealth Stadium. Georgia defeated Kentucky 29-24. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports
DE Alvin “Bud” Dupree
Dupree is one of, if not the most talented player on this UK defense. He ended up playing end as a freshman, then spent last season at linebacker.
As a true freshman in 2011, he notched just 21 tackles but it was his constant pressure on opposing QBs that got Wildcat fans excited that last year. Over the past games, he became a fixture in opponents’ backfields as he notched 2.5 sacks in that span and was consistently disrupting the offense.
In 2012, he started all 12 games at LB while getting 91 total tackles, which was 10th in the SEC. That included 12.5 tackles-for-loss and 6.5 sacks, and he’ll be looking to increase that sack total significantly in 2013. As disastrous as 2012 was for UK, Dupree was a constant bright spot, and ended the year on a high note as he notched 10 tackles at Tennessee, including a career-high three tackles-for-loss.
During spring ball on defense, Dupree has consistently gotten the majority of 1st team reps at DE, so that’s where he’ll most likely play in 2013, but knowing Stoops and how versatile he likes to be, I could see him playing Dupree at LB on passing downs if he wants an extra pass-rusher on the field.
I fully expect Dupree to be an All-SEC performer and notch double-digit sacks, and even make NFL scouts take notice of his abilities.