Nov 24, 2012; Knoxville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson (84) catches a pass against Kentucky Wildcats defensive back Cody Quinn (16) during the game at Neyland Stadium. Tennessee won by a score of 37 to 17. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports
As the WBN continues to preview each football position group, we turn our gaze to one of the thinnest groups that Kentucky will field this fall: the defensive backs.
It’s a position where nearly every job is up for grabs and every player has a chance to start if they can impress the new coaching staff. Due to some poor recruiting balance and to some attrition, defensive back is not only thin but also very young and inexperienced. Just look at last Fall, when Kentucky started three different true freshmen at corner and two of them at safety at various times.
Depth Chart:
CB: Cody Quinn Jaleel Hytchye Eric Simmons
CB: Nate Willis Fred Tiller Blake McClain
FS: Daron Blaylock Eric Dixon Josh Harris
SS: Ashely Lowery Glenn Faulkner Zach Blaylock
Cornerbacks:
- Cody Quinn- Quinn was thrown to wolves last season as a true freshmen and predictably struggled at times. But when all was said and done he held up pretty well given the circumstances. Reports say that he has impressed in camp this year and likely has the inside track to one of the starting jobs.
- Nate Willis: Willis was one of the top JUCO corners in the country when he signed with Kentucky. One of the reasons that he was more heavily recruited was the questions about his ability to qualify. At the time this was written, Willis was still waiting to be cleared. If he gets to plays and doesn’t show up too late, he should start.
- Fred Tiller- Tiller is another freshman who played significant snaps last season. He displayed excellent athleticism and toughness but is a bit on the raw side. If Willis were not to make the grade, Tiller may be first in line to start opposite Quinn this season.
- Jaleel Hytchye- The freshman from Cincinnati has drawn rave reviews since camp started. The original plan was to try to redshirt Hytchye in order for him to put some weight on his slight frame, but he has likely played his way onto the field. The loss of JD Harmon likely pushes him onto the field as well.
- Eric Simmons- Simmons has been around for a while and still hasn’t done much to climb the depth chart, despite the lack of bodies and/or experience there. He certainly has improved his body under the new staff but isn’t on the level as some of the other players at his position right now.
- Blake McClain- McClain was recruited to play safety but he was a cornerback in high school and the roster lists him as “defensive back” which is code for “not sure which position he will play”.McClain will hopefully be allowed to redshirt this season to prepare himself and to hopefully figure out what he will grow into. The numbers may not allow it.
Safeties:
- Ashely Lowery- Of course everyone knows the story about Lowery’s car accident this Summer and his miraculous recovery. He had a great Spring and has started camp of right, seizing a starting job to this point. There is still the matter of a possible suspension for Lowery stemming from the accident, so he may not keep the job long.
- Daron Blaylock- The less-heralded of the Blaylock twins in high school, Daron played a lot as a freshman and has impressed the new staff. He has ran with the 1s or 2s consistently since arriving in Lexington. Right now he is expected to start at one of the safety spots, even though his future may be at linebacker.
- Glenn Faulkner- Faulkner is the former 4* Army All American who has been dogged by bad luck since he signed with the Cats a few years ago. Starting off with a clean slate, Faulkner has risen into the two-deep and could end up starting if Lowery misses any time. Finally healthy, he seems to be struggling a bit with assignments and playing naturally.
- Eric Dixon- Dixon played corner for his first two years and could play there a bit because of the numbers crunch, but he has always been a bit of a tweener and has grown into more of a safety at this point. Safeties coach Bradley Dale Peveto has consistently praised Dixon when asked about his guys.
- Zach Blaylock- Twin brother of Daron, Zach was one of the more highly-regarded players in their signing class. He had several offers that his brother didn’t. So there is talent to work with here. So far in camp he is running with the third team, but don’t forget that he is just a true sophomore.
- Josh Harris- There was some speculation that Harris might have been asked to move along following Spring practice but chose to stay at his favorite school. Sources say those rumors aren’t true but Harris does have a lot of talent between him and playing time. Just a redshirt freshman, he still has all of the potential in the world and could grow into a linebacker similar to Miles Simpson.
- Marcus McWilson- McWilson is one of the top freshmen in this incoming class but missed summer workouts so he is behind in terms of conditioning and knowing the playbook. He has a ton of talent and it sounds like the coaches are already looking for ways to get him on the field, even if they have to simplify things for him. Right now he is being worked into the nickel package and playing a little nickel linebacker as well. Despite not being on the depth chart, expect him to play early often this season.