Kentucky Football: Who will replace Davonte Robinson?

Tyrell Ajian

Personally (and this is based off very little football intelligence), Ajian is the guy I’d love to see absorb the vacant Robinson snaps. I’m not a coach speak linguist or film room aficionado when it comes to analyzing college football. I know that. So, I’m going to try and be deliberate and honest when discussing backup safeties that 1.) I know very little about, and 2.) That I simply haven’t seen play very much.

Last season, Ajian (whose name I refuse to pronounce), understandably was an agent of the bench. As a redshirt freshman on a team loaded with four future NFL playmakers in the defensive backfield, snaps were always going to be few and far between. However, when the opportunity presented itself and Tyrell’s cleats braced Kroger Field, he left a strong impression. I can’t recall whether he was great in one-on-one coverage or hit the right gaps on run stoppage, but he was fast, man. Linearly, that dude can fly.

The first time I really noticed Ajian was when he zipped through open space on a chaotic play during the Mississippi State game and snagged an interception.  With ferocious speed, Ajian pierced the throw mid-air and sprinted the other way. And he was just faster than everyone else. He looked like a punt returner zooming past a herd of lineman; he was that much faster.

Here’s the play:

With ridiculous speed, a former 4-star recruiting rate, and bountiful youth (just a sophomore), I believe Ajian will develop into one of the premier defensive backs in the conference by the time his career ends in Lexington. I like him as the replacement A LOT.