Octavious Oxendine is the Key to Unlocking the Talented Defensive Line's Potential

On3 imageby:Nick Roush08/18/22

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The Kentucky defensive line is loaded with talent. Arguably the deepest position group on Mark Stoops’ 2022 roster, one player holds the keys to unlocking its full potential, Octavious Oxendine.

When the Kentucky depth chart is released ahead of the season opener against Miami (Oh.), you’ll see a ton of former blue chip prospects on the defensive line. This week Anwar Stewart said he’s rotating in six to eight players in the trenches. The average star rating of that group is 4.0. Only two players were not four-star talents coming out of high school, Kahlil Saunders (3-star) and Justin Rogers (5-star). Primarily comprised of players from the 2020 recruiting class, Oxendine’s versatility will allow the defensive line to put its best three on the field at the same time.

Oxendine Draws Josh Paschal Comparisons in Camp

Oxendine, a North Hardin product, was playing the best football of his career when he suffered a season-ending knee injury against LSU. During his rehabilitation process Ox changed up his diet and it’s showing on the scale. He reported to 2022 fall camp 37 pounds lighter than the year prior.

“He’s playing really fast,” said defensive line coach Anwar Stewart. “Shoot, when he gets on the edge pass rush wise he’s a very strong kid, athletic, very twitchy. It’s a lot like Josh Paschal. At the end of the day you want to have a field end guy like that: that’s very twitchy, explosive and physical.”

Paschal gained weight and changed positions, sliding from outside linebacker to defensive end after packing on some pounds. Ox is doing the opposite, losing weight to play more on the edge as a defensive end, rather than defensive tackle.

Oxendine Fills Leadership Void

Josh Paschal was the heart and soul of the Kentucky defense. Without his presence on the defensive line, somebody had to step up. The outspoken Octavious Oxendine took it upon his broad shoulders.

“He’s that guy when we were practicing early in the morning at 5:30 am sending out texts. ‘Guys, you up?’ That type of thing. That’s what you gotta have,” said Stewart.

In addition to the physical demands of returning from injury, becoming a vocal leader is mentally tasking. A gradual process, defensive coordinator Brad White has seen Oxendine take baby-steps in the right direction everyday through fall camp.

“People don’t realize the energy that takes to lead from out in front and bring the juice everyday to uplift teammates. He’s understanding the weight of that,” said White. “I think a lot of people don’t realize the weight of leadership and there is a draining factor in that. You tag that onto coming back from injury, fall camp, back-to-back days, keep stacking days and days and days: He’s done a great job.

“Everyday he comes back. He looks like he’s jumped in a swimming pool. He’s covered in sweat, draining the tank so to speak. Really proud of him and obviously we need him to do big things for us.”

The phrase “draining the tank” is one Mark Stoops often used to describe Paschal. Coincidence? I think not.

What Does This All Mean?

From an Xs and Os standpoint, Oxendine’s offseason weight loss allows Kentucky’s coaches to play bigger in the interior. Justin Rogers and Josaih Hayes are each listed as noseguards and they might be two of the best three defensive line on the roster. By kicking Ox outside, it allows White to play both guys at the same time, with Hayes cross-training as a 3-technique defensive tackle. This move also gives Deone Walker, the true freshman stealing the show at camp, more opportunities to see the field this fall.

The schematic opportunities are tangible. They probably aren’t as important as the intangibles Ox is providing. The inexperienced group must mature without live game reps. As he raises the bar for himself, others must rise to the occasion. The byproduct is almost exclusively seen in practice, creating consistency on a daily basis. Every defensive lineman has flashed at various points in their career. Putting a consistent product on the field this fall is the final, and most important, infinity stone for Brad White’s defensive gauntlet.

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2024-03-28