Why would the Wildcats redshirt their highest-rated defender, Daveren Rayner?

Coach Mark Stoops mentioned in his Monday press conference today that they are considering redshirting linebacker Daveren Rayner. This is a surprising development, as Rayner is currently rated as the best Kentucky defender by PFF, with a score of 85.1. It is also a shock as he's a fifth-year senior already, using his free COVID year to play this season. He has never used a redshirt, so it is technically available, but why would Kentucky consider this option?

When asked about Rayner, he said that the reason for redshirting him would be so he can "get his strength and body weight up to what he's capable of...he's played in three, and he will have an opportunity to play in at least one more prior to the bowl game." As he mused on the subject, he went on to say, "Surely, it would be great to have him back a year from now, but we are in the business of trying to win every game we can right now, so we will try to balance that and see where it goes."

The first thought is that maybe he's dealing with something, has an injury, and they want to rest him, but Stoops said that wasn't the case; it's not injury-related. So, his explanation of "strength and body weight" must be considered since that's the only one offered.

As a linebacker, he certainly is not the biggest body; in the picture above and most of the images you see of Rayner, he is built like a defensive back. He is listed as 6'2" and 217lbs on the Kentucky website, which is slightly undersized for modern linebackers, at least according to the listed height and weight. Here's the thing: Trevin Wallace, the standout linebacker for the Wildcats who was drafted last season by the Carolina Panthers, was listed on the Kentucky website as 6'2" and 220lbs. If Rayner is only three pounds lighter, it doesn't seem like he would need a redshirt year. However, Wallace is currently listed as 244lbs by the Panthers.

Rayner is the third lightest linebacker on Kentucky's website, with only freshman Antwan Smith (205) and sophomore Carson Wright (210) listed as lighter than him. Stoops would like to see a weight of 230+, and along with that muscle mass comes extra strength.

Another theory may need to be expressed, considering that Rayner has been playing great so far this year. Maybe Rayner himself was asking what it would take to get to the next level and asked to spend another year in the weight room and in the film room to get there.

Finally, Stoops hinted that part of the reason, or I wonder if it could be most of the reason, is the idea of having a great veteran linebacker on the roster for next season, knowing they will have a senior playing in the position. Right now, Stoops has (according to his depth chart) two seniors and a junior as the starting linebackers. Having Rayner back would go a long way to having a veteran in the middle of that defense.

We will see if Stoops ends up redshirting him or if the desire to win games pressures the coaching staff to put Rayner on the field. As the current highest-rated defensive player for Kentucky, it's certainly a baffling decision. These reasons may help, but it seems as if they need him to play now.