Accurate Historical Comp for Kentucky's JJ Weaver: Dean Wells

JJ Weaver looks different than he did last season. He just does. I’ve seen the outside linebacker a couple of times during spring practice. His weight, strength, and confidence gains are evident and translate well onto the football field. Weaver decided against declaring for the NFL Draft following his junior season. He is entering his senior campaign at Kentucky. His future is in the National Football League. So, it’s time and natural to start making historical comparisons to the current-day star. 

Before the comps and a trip back in time, let’s get into what Weaver has accomplished in Lexington. The team captain has played in 35 games including 16 starts. He’s totaled 135 tackles, including 23.5 for loss, 9.5 QB sacks, 10 QB hurries, 2 interceptions, 3 forced fumbles, and 3 fumble recoveries. Production is high and so is his pure athletic ability which is normally synonymous with the OLB position, especially at Kentucky. 

Projections for 2023 include a potential run at All-SEC honors and jumping up UK record books. Weaver will also be counted on to lead Brad White’s defense and be a boisterous presence in the locker room and practice field. 

JJ Weaver’s Historical Comp: Dean Wells 

One of my favorite roles at Kentucky Sports Radio is to relate yesteryear to the modern-day, or vice versa. In doing so, I often write or talk about current Wildcats and compare them to historical players within the Kentucky program. After much thought, the obvious comp for JJ Weaver, based on what I’ve seen at Kentucky over the years, is Dean Wells. 

Both are from Louisville. Weaver attended Moore Traditional and Wells graduated from Holy Cross. They play the same position, outside linebacker/defensive end, and both are highly productive edge defenders. Weaver and Wells are also team captains and leaders that do it right off the field. 

The Seattle Seahawks selected UK OLB Dean Wells with the 85th pick in the 1993 NFL Draft. He went on to play ten seasons in the League with the Seahawks, Panthers, and Patriots. Wells accrued 497 career tackles during his professional career. 

For those that don’t remember or are too young to recall Wells’ UK career, he was an athletic freak. Deano was also dominant on the intramural basketball courts and was often seen dunking all over the gym. I digress, sorry. Back to football.

Wells measured 6’4″, 239 pounds which are similar to Weaver’s current measurements. The OLB ran a 4.61-40 and sported a 39-inch vertical at the NFL Combine. A four-year starter, his UK career was notable and ranks as one of the best at his position in school history. Wells finished his stay in Lexington ranked 6^th all-time with 17 career QB sacks. His 10 QB sacks in 1992 rank 4^th all-time in terms of sacks in a season.

Wells still holds the Kentucky record with five QB sacks registered in a single game against Indiana in 1992. Five. That’s quite a day. He often used his 39-inch vertical to block punts and field goals.

What Does All This Mean? 

Dean Wells and JJ Weaver are both great dudes that I admire and respect. That’s the first and most important comp I want to start with before getting into football stuff. Both are high-effort players from Louisville, signed with UK, and played the same position. Weaver is a little taller than Dean. Wells’ Combine numbers are a good goal for Weaver to try to mimic. Wells was a more polished pass rusher at this stage, but I’m anxious to see Weaver’s improvement in that category in 2023. Both are/were explosive playmakers. Weaver’s 9.5 career QB sacks are 7.5 behind Wells’ career total. That is an accomplishable mark for the current Wildcat OLB to achieve. 

In all, I see several similarities between the two players. Wells’ success and professional career longevity are goals for Weaver to work towards. Kentucky has been fortunate at the outside linebacker position throughout history, the pinnacle being Josh Allen and many others who have enjoyed success in college and the NFL. Dean Wells is a name that I hope the Big Blue Nation can recall and honor for his accomplishments on and off the field. 

I don’t take Dean Wells comparisons lightly. I hold my friend and teammate in that high of an accord as a football player and man. But, JJ Weaver is similar to Wells in so many ways both on and off the field. That’s quite the compliment for JJ and one that has accompanying high expectations for the Wildcats’ team captain. Weaver can make a great deal of money with a fruitful senior season. The Kentucky playmaker has a chance to depart UK ranked as one of the most productive defensive players in program history.