SEC Post Signing Day Position Rankings: Kentucky Front Seven
A top notch defense in the SEC is a must-have for competing in the gauntlet of the schedule. Kentucky Football and their front seven look to have an improved season in 2017.
Mark Stoops’ defense at Kentucky has been better than in the past in certain positions. The secondary could be considered the focal point of the defense. The next best position group would be the outside linebacker group. Led by Jordan Jones, Denzil Ware, and Josh Allen, there is a lot to be excited about for the defensive front seven.
Kentucky’s Front Seven Ranked Seventh
Alabama has yet again taken the top spot in these position rankings by ESPN. Edward Aschoff ranked the Tide’s front seven as the top ranked in the conference. Kentucky fills in the top ten at number seven on his list. The top ten includes 2. LSU, 3. Auburn, 4. Georgia, 5. Florida, 6. Texas A&M, 7. Kentucky, 8. Mississippi St., 9. South Carolina, and 10. Ole Miss.
One of Kentucky’s biggest defensive weaknesses is along the defensive line. Recruiting the defensive line in the SEC is a tough task. The south is littered with tremendous talent. For Kentucky to compete, Stoops and Marrow will need to upgrade their efforts in recruiting elite athletes to play in the trenches.
Incoming Talent
One of Kentucky’s top recruits is Maryland product, Joshua Paschal. The Strongside defensive end is ranked as the No. 11 recruit in the country at his position according to 247sports. Paschal is the younger brother of former Kentucky linebacker, Travaughn Paschal. In a huge recruiting win, Vince Marrow beat out the big dogs for this prospect. The likes of Notre Dame, Alabama, Clemson, Penn State and Ohio State were hard after Paschal.
Kentucky Fans can look for Paschal to play the role of former defensive end, Bud Dupree. A player of Joshua’s caliber comes around every once in a while and looks to improve the depth along this depleted defensive line.
The excitement around this young man is commonplace around the Kentucky Football community. Cats fans can expect to see Joshua Paschal early and often coming off of the edge and in the quarterback’s face…a lot.
247Sports Director of Recruiting @SWiltfong247 called Joshua Paschal one of the most athletic defensive lineman in the 2017 class.
— TheCatsPause247 (@TheCatsPause247) February 1, 2017
Stoops says he sees Joshua Paschal 'in a role much like Bud Dupree'
— Mark Story (@markcstory) February 1, 2017
Defense Needs a Big Year
Kentucky’s rushing attack kept them in a lot of games last year. The Defense needs to see more production in 2017 to keep the ball rolling for Stoops and company. Courtney Love, the Cats middle linebacker and team captain had a somewhat quiet year. Love’s backup, Kash Daniel looks to get more action after a freshman season loaded with special teams experience. A lot of game tape could find Love not being able to shed blocks and missing tackles.
Matt Elam has not shown much of anything in terms of production. Naquez Pringle took over the starting Nose Tackle position just a few games into the season. Adrian Middleton looks to have a breakout year in 2017 after a productive freshman season.
Next: Kentucky's Secondary Looks Toward a Productive Season
Junior College transfer Alvonte Bell also looks to anchor the three technique slot on the line. A lot of other young defensive lineman will look to make a splash but fans can keep an eye on TJ Carter. The 6-foot-4 Georgia native saw some extended snaps toward the end of last season and caught the eye of some coaches. Hopefully, with the hiring of Derrick LeBlanc as the defensive line coach, a new wave of teaching can overtake this defensive line.