Defensive Line is a Position Group to Watch in Spring Practice

Anwar Stewart has the most thankless job on Mark Stoops’ coaching staff. He’s charged with developing and motivating defensive linemen to unselfishly operate within the overarching scope of Brad White’s 3-4 scheme. The organic three down linemen (DE, NT, DT) are oftentimes called upon to eat up blockers in order to free up linebackers to make tackles or to occupy an offensive tackle or guard so pre-designated defenders can rush the passer. They’re also instructed to bat down the football at the line of scrimmage if they can’t get home to the quarterback. Kentucky defensive linemen haven’t traditionally put up enormous numbers on the stat sheet. But, there have been exceptions. 

6’6, 340-pound true sophomore Deone Walker emerged as a star during his rookie year. The True Freshman All-American and All-SEC performer recorded 40 tackles including 4.5 for loss, 5 QB hurries, 2 pass breakups, and forced a fumble in 2022. Expectations are sky-high for the Cass Tech alum. Walker deserves a solely dedicated post so we’ll get to him a little later in this series.  

2022 saw Stewart rotate multiple defensive linemen at all three spots. His room is deep, talented, and poised to be a potential team strength in 2023. We will take a deeper look at the two-deep going into spring practice in this series. There will be a few names highlighted from the somewhat nameless position group. First up are a couple of defenders that will play larger roles in 2023.  

Redshirt Sophomore DE Kahlil Saunders 

Mark Stoops has traditionally recruited long, rangy, athletic defensive ends. Kahlil Saunders certainly fits that bill by measuring 6’5, 295 pounds. The Huntsville, Alabama product was a 3-star prospect from Grissom High School who recorded 80 tackles, 14 TFL, 8 QB sacks, and 17 QB hurries as a senior. Some would describe Saunders as a hidden gem on National Signing Day. UK has been fantastic in identifying and signing similar prospects that are in the 3-star range and developing them into solid SEC starters. 

I’ve been really high on Saunders since his redshirt season. He played exceptionally well at the end of the 2021 season against New Mexico State and Louisville. He was sorely missed in the Citrus Bowl win over Iowa. Saunders couldn’t participate in the bowl which would have been his fifth game. At that time, bowls counted against the four-game limit to retain a redshirt. The defensive end played in 11 games in 2022 and recorded 13 tackles, 1 TFL, and a QB sack. He didn’t play in the season’s final two contests against Louisville or Iowa due to injury. Saunders’ best outing was against top-ranked Georgia when he registered five stops. 

Kahlil Saunders is a defensive player to monitor during spring practice and fall camp. There is something about his game that jumps at me both in person and on tape. His length and wing span stick out, but I also appreciate the motor with which he plays the game of football. I expect a jump in TFLs and QB hurries/sacks in 2023. 

Senior Nose Tackle Josiah Hayes 

Anwar Stewart has coached two nose tackles that are now playing in the NFL: Quinton Bohanna (Cowboys) and Marquan McCall (Panthers). The Portal took away Justin Rogers, but Kentucky should be just fine at that spot. Senior Josiah Hayes takes over the unpopular role after posting 8 tackles and a pass breakup in 2022. The NT position is normally one of rotation. There will be additional players to take snaps in the middle of the defense. One is Jamarius Dinkins, more on him next week. Hayes has played a great deal of football and brings experience to the table as a starter.  

Hayes is from Horn Lake, Mississippi. The 6’3, 320-pound veteran has played in 29 career games and has multiple starts. Production from the NT position is rarely high. Its function is to eat up the center and guards so LBs can run free. Hayes has proven to be efficient in that assignment. 

What Does All This Mean? 

Kentucky’s defensive line is traditionally constructed with role players whose job is not intended to light up the stat sheet. As mentioned above, there are exceptions like Deone Walker and others. Kahlil Saunders, in my opinion, has what it takes to be a solid defensive end who may jump in his sophomore season. Saunders has the desired length, twitch, and reach that Stoops and White desire from the position. He has at times flashed while rushing the passer and making plays across the line of scrimmage. 

Nose tackle Josiah Hayes is not a name that is likely familiar within the BBN unless you really study the depth chart. Thus is the life of a 3-4 nose tackle. However, Hayes will have the vital responsibility of clogging up the middle of the line of scrimmage and eating up blockers so offensive linemen can’t get their paws on the Wildcats’ linebackers. With Justin Rogers now at Auburn, Hayes’ obligations and number of snaps should see a substantial increase. 

Coach Anwar Stewart has a thankless job. He excels in demonstrating to his players the responsibility of making sacrifices for the betterment of the team. He’s done a fantastic job. Stewart was rewarded by signing a contract extension that keeps him in Lexington through 2024. 

It’s reported that Kentucky will host open practices at varying times throughout the spring due to not having a spring game. I’m with the majority of fans in wanting to watch Devin Leary throw the football and see those exciting pass-catchers make plays directed by Liam Coen. But, if you get a chance, go watch the defensive line put in work. Stewart is a crafty, highly vocal, and intense teacher that gets the most out of his position group which includes defensive tackle, nose tackle, and defensive end. This series will continue over the course of a week or so. Next up I’ll try to describe the uniqueness and impact of Kentucky’s All-American candidate, Deone Walker.