Kendrick Gilbert is impressing veterans in Kentucky defensive line room

Kendrick Gilbert was a strong four-star recruiting win for the Kentucky football program in the 2024 high school cycle. The Indianapolis (Ind.) Cathedral product flipped from Purdue to Kentucky and signed with the Wildcats in February. The second-year player is now making a push for playing time.

Gilbert — who also took official visits to Iowa and LSU during the recruiting process — was running with the second unit at nose tackle during open practices last week and has made a positive impression on some veterans in the defensive line room at the Joe Craft Football Training Facility.

“He’s been putting that work in. Kendrick Gilbert is a whole different person, man. He’s coming to work every day doing his thing,” redshirt junior Keeshawn Silver told the media on Thursday. “He’s doing what he’s gotta do.”

The timing is great for Kentucky. During spring practice, Kentucky lost super senior Josaih Hayes for the season. The same thing happened with redshirt freshman Tavion Gadson. The interior defensive line depth in Anwar Stewart‘s position room took a big hit. Kentucky will need someone to step up after the position also losing Jamarius Dinkins to Purdue via the transfer portal.

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Kentucky defensive coordinator Brad White feels good about the depth on the defensive line, but sooner or later, some young players need to step up. Kendrick Gilbert appears to be seizing an opportunity after playing only two games in his first season on campus. The Army All-American could become a surprise contributor and key part of the defensive line room’s future.

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