Alex Afari Stuffed the Stat Sheet in a Win over Toledo

Alex Afari celebrates a big play against Toledo, via Jordan Prather-Imagn Images

If you were in the stands for Kentucky’s season opener against Toledo, you probably heard this a lot: “Alex Afari on the tackle.” No. 6 was all over the field all of the time. Even though you heard the linebacker’s name often, you were probably as surprised as Mark Stoops when he saw the box score.

“I knew he had a great day. I didn’t know he had that many tackles, but I know he was around the football,” said the Kentucky head coach.

Afari had 13 total tackles, more than twice as many as any other Wildcat. The Cincinnati native arrived on campus as a defensive back and transitioned to linebacker last fall. Some, including myself, questioned if he had the size to play inside linebacker. Mark Stoops expected this from Afari.

“He’s been very, very steady, a very good player, great young man, and a great leader. I’m happy for Alex. That’s the way he’s been playing,” said Stoops.

Get the Daily On3 Newsletter in your inbox every morning

By clicking "Subscribe to Newsletter", I agree to On3's Privacy Notice, Terms, and use of my personal information described therein.

It’s not just that Afari was scraping along the line of scrimmage to get to the ball. He met Chip Trayanum in the hole and stuffed runs. When Tucker Gleason bought time by scrambling, Afari didn’t give him time to make a decision. Two of his 13 tackles were for loss, including a sack. He looked like the complete player that Kentucky needs in the middle of Brad White’s defense.

“I thought Alex did a really nice job,” said the Kentucky defensive coordinator. “He played smart, he pulled his pin when he needed to, he tackled, was physical. He did a nice job in the pass game, reading route concepts. I thought he had a really nice game.”

More Kentucky News and Views on the KSR YouTube Channel

Kentucky Sports Radio has expanded its coverage of the Wildcats in the most ridiculous manner possible on our YouTube Channel. Here you will be able to find interviews with coaches and players, as well as commentary from the KSR crew. From Rapid Reactions following big events to our lengthy lineup of live shows, subscribe to the KSR YouTube Channel to stay up to date on everything happening around the Big Blue Nation.