J.J. Weaver is excited for super senior season at Kentucky

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Vince Marrow On Kentucky's National Signing Day

Last week after Kentucky officially added both class of 2024 high school signees and transfer additions to their roster, the Wildcats got some surprising news. Redshirt senior EDGE J.J. Weaver announced that he will be returning for his sixth season in Lexington. That was not expected after the Louisville (Ky.) Moore product took home the Howard Schnellenberger Award in the Governor’s Cup.

J.J. Weaver changed the game pic.twitter.com/lU4IBKOzon
— Kentucky Football (@UKFootball) November 26, 2023

The former four-star recruit in the class of 2019 has logged 160 tackles, 30.5 tackles for loss, 15 sacks, seven pass breakups, five forced fumbles, and two interceptions during his collegiate career. Weaver is a three-year starter that Kentucky will look to bring leadership in the Gator Bowl against Clemson and in 2024.

The 2023 season was tough on the in-state product. Weaver told the media on Thursday at EverBank Stadium that he was dealing with a lot mentally throughout the season but the option to return for a sixth year made a ton of sense.

“I think it was a great opportunity for me just to come back for my last season and be a great leader,” Weaver said. “Lead the guys on and off the field.”

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Weaver was pondering his draft decision for a long time. The outside linebacker took his time and did not make a final decision until a sit down conversation with his mother after the win over Louisville on rivalry weekend. Now all focus will go towards preparing for one more run with Kentucky football in 2024. But first, the Wildcats will get a crack at top-25 Clemson. Weaver believes you will see a different Kentucky team on the field at EverBank Stadium.

“It’s big. We need this win for sure. I’m excited for it. I know the guys are excited for it. We just going to play different than we did last year,” Weaver said about the Gator Bowl. “Last year we had a lot of opt-outs. This year we got everybody. I’m excited for it.”

J.J. Weaver is all-in on the Gator Bowl and with Kentucky football in 2024.