Don't Forget Cedrick Dort Jr.

In the fifth installment of our “Don’t’ Forget” series we take a look at senior cornerback Cedrick Dort Jr. Offseason focus was on 2020 starting cornerbacks Kelvin Joseph and Brandin Echols’ Draft selections as well as the departure of transfers Jamari Brown (Purdue) and M.J. Devonshire (Pitt). While replacing four cornerbacks will be a challenge, the Big Blue Nation should remember that Dort Jr. started twelve games in 2019. That season produced the SEC’s top ranked pass defense after allowing just 168 yards through the air per game.

Kentucky enjoyed a successful 2021 NFL Draft. Five defensive Wildcats were selected in the seven round process. Replacing inside linebacker Jamin Davis was a pressing issue prior to the signing of former Ole Miss leading tackler Jacquez Jones. With an answer at mike linebacker, the attention now focuses on replacing two NFL cornerbacks in Kelvin Joseph and Brandin Echols. Early projections have Carrington Valentine, Andru Phillips, Quandre Mosely, and Cedrick Dort Jr. at the top of the depth chart.

Valentine displayed tremendous potential as a true freshman and earned the start in the Gator Bowl. Senior Quandre Mosely is former safety that provides the secondary with a versatile skill set. Andru Phillips is a legacy Wildcat that has impressed the coaching staff during his short stay in Lexington. However, veteran Cedrick Dort Jr. is accustomed with defending SEC pass catchers. His return to the starting rotation could provide an inexperienced group of cornerbacks with a veteran presence.

Cedrick Dort Jr. is a 5’11, 182-pound senior cornerback from Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. He was ranked as a 3-star prospect by all recruiting services and chose UK over the likes of Wisconsin, Virginia Tech, Minnesota, and Colorado. Dort Jr. did not allow a touchdown catch as a senior at Dwyer High School. Recruited by former offensive coordinator Eddie Gran, Dort Jr. played in nine games as a true freshman prior to redshirting during UK’s 10-3 season in 2018.

Dort Jr. played and started twelve games for the Cats in 2019. He earned Honorable Mention All SEC honors after totaling 16 tackles, 5 pass breakups, and one forced fumble. 2020 saw the cornerback play in ten contests with one start against South Carolina. He registered 10 tackles and 2 pass breakups last season. In all, Dort Jr. has played in 31 career games with 13 starts.

What Does All This Mean?

Attrition is a part of football. Gone are pro’s Kelvin Joseph and Brandin Echols. Same with outgoing transfers M.J. Devonshire and Jamari Brown. Former cornerbacks coach Steve Clinkscale is now at Michigan. Enter Chris Collins. There’s a whole lot of new when analyzing the UK corner situation. A steady and reliable veteran in Dort Jr. might be what the Cats need in 2021.

Kentucky is a player development program that has led the SEC in pass defense in the past two consecutive seasons. Whether its Carrington Valentine, Andru Phillips, Quandre Mosely, or Cedrick Dort Jr. at corner, a veteran corps of safety and nickel defenders who have combined for 44 career starts will provide a strong back third of the defense.

Cedrick Dort Jr. is a former full-time starter that is projected to top the Wildcat depth chart in 2021. The SEC Academic Honor Roll defensive back is a steady performer and is built similarly to Brandin Echols. In the modern day transfer portal era, Dort Jr. stayed the course at UK and earned a degree in Community and Leadership Development in December.

Will the Cats lead the SEC in pass defense for the third consecutive season? We’ll see. Coordinator Brad White has certainly earned his keep. The Wildcats have also finished in the SEC’s top-five in total defense in 2019 and 2020. Cedrick Dort Jr. is a valued piece of the puzzle and will provide experience at the cornerback position.