UK football: Kash Daniel could cash in with Jordan Jones out
By Drew Koch
Linebacker Jordan Jones will be absent from UK football practice until at least August with a shoulder injury. This could be a great opportunity for Kash Daniel and others.
It was reported yesterday via the Courier Journal that UK football’s inside linebacker Jordan Jones would miss practice until sometime in August with a shoulder injury. Jones was Kentucky’s leading tackler in 2016 and is expected to help be a leader on the defense this season. While injuries are never a good thing, Wildcat fans can rest easy knowing Jones will be back for the season. The injury also gives Kash Daniel and other UK players an opportunity to step up in Jones’ absence.
Daniel, the 6’1″ junior from Paintsville, Kentucky, played in all 13 games for the Wildcats last season. However, most of Daniel’s snaps came on special teams. He totaled 7 tackles in 2017 and 19 in 2016. Daniel is expected to start alongside Jones on the interior of UK’s defense this season.
Kash Daniel, replacing Courtney Love, will no doubt see an increased role during Kentucky’s spring practice. Eli Brown transferred to Western Kentucky and Jamin Davis is out with a knee injury. Who else will benefit from Jones’ absence?
Freshman linebacker DeAndre Sqaure
The most likely UK football player to fill in alongside Daniel at inside linebacker in Kentucky’s 3-4 defense is freshman DeAndre Square. Square is a 3-star recruit according to 247Sports. Given that Brown, Daniel, Davis and Jones were all on UK’s roster and healthy when Square was brought on board, it’s logical to think that Square may have redshirted this season.
Now, that’s still a possibility with Jones likely to return before the season. However, the fact that Brown left the UK football program makes Square a real option for the Cats this season. While he may not see a ton of snaps at inside linebacker, it’s quite possible that Square could take over Daniel’s role on special teams.
It’s never good when one of your best players goes down with injury. However, being that it occurred in the off-season, the probability is high that Jones returns before the season starts. His absence could be huge for several young Wildcats.