Positional Preview: Linebackers and Hybrids

Returning Players and 2010 Stats

Danny Trevathan (Sr.) 144 Tackles, 16 TFL, 3 Sacks, 4 FC

Ronnie Sneed (Sr.) 61 Tackles, 5 TFL, 1.5 Sacks, 1 PBU

Winston Guy (Sr.) 106 Tackles, 4 TFL, 3 INT, 2 PBU

Ridge Wilson (Jr.) 30 Tackles, 3 TFL, 1.5 Sacks, 1 PBU

Avery Williamson (So.) 10 Tackles, 1 PBU

Trey Edwards (So.)

Tyler Brause (R-Fr.) Redshirted

Justin Henderson (R-Fr.) Redshirted

Malcolm McDuffen (R-Fr.) Redshirted

Miles Simpson (R-Fr.) Redshirted

Newcomers and notes

Alvin “Bud” Dupree (Fr.)

Farrington Huguenin (Fr.) Grayshirt

Jabari Johnson (Fr.) Grayshirt

Tim Patterson (Fr.) Grayshirt

Demarius Rancifer (Fr.)

Players lost:

Jacob Dufrene (Graduation)

Antonio Thomas (Graduation)

Qua Huzzie (Transfer)

Jewell Ratliff (Dismissed)

Overview

This may be one of the most difficult positional breakdowns to write due to Rick Minter’s new defense. The best way to breakdown this preview is to understand the positions. The Cats will field a “Hybrid” player that will sometimes act line a defensive end and often act like an outside linebacker. The defense will still field the three main linebacker positions (Weak, Middle and Strong).

There will also be times UK will run a 4-2-5 scheme. Essentially subbing more secondary players for linebackers. However, guys like Winston Guy, won’t leave the field. Rick Minter has made these changes because he wants a flexible defense that can quickly change schemes to create confusion for opposing quarterbacks.

No matter what defense the Cats are in, you can bet Danny Trevathan will always be on the field. The SEC’s leading tackler from 2010 returns for his senior campaign and ready for another huge year. Can he really record more than 144 tackles? Trevathan added weight this off-season and should be more durable. His back-up will be Malcolm McDuffen. The redshirt freshman has already started receiving praise from the staff. Joker Phillips believes he can become the next star linebacker at UK.

The Cats also return Ronnie Sneed at middle linebacker. Sneed has taken on a leadership role on defense. Like Trevathan, Sneed worked hard in the off-season to get bigger and stronger. His back up will be Avery Williamson. Based on feedback, these two have competed really well and Williamson will see a lot of action this fall. Walk-on Trey Edwards is the 3^rd team MLB currently.

Winston Guy moved from free safety to strong side linebacker. This move has Rick Minter’s fingerprints all over it. The idea was to move speed closer to the line of scrimmage. Guy should really excel in the new defensive scheme and create havoc in space. His back ups will be Miles Simpson and Tyler Brause. Both guys came to UK as offensive players and made the transition during a redshirt season last year.

The hybrid position is unique and it takes a special athlete to play the position. Ridge Wilson appears to be the starter with Justin Henderson backing him up. Wilson is fast, long and will do wonders in this role. Henderson had a very solid spring after redshirting last season. He will continue to push Wilson and has a very high football IQ. True Freshman Bud Dupree appears to be in the mix as well. Dupree may be one of the most athletic players on the roster. He came to UK as a tight end, but has excelled on defense too.

It appears Tim Patterson, Jabari Johnson, Demarius Rancifer and Farrington Huguenin will all redshirt this season. Patterson could potentially move to the hybrid position, but worked behind McDuffen in the spring. Johnson is a middle linebacker, but has battled injuries all camp. Rancifer will likely develop as a weak side linebacker and Huguenin is learning the hybrid position. Each of these guys has a huge upside, but the staff isn’t going to waste a year of eligibility for a few meaningless snaps.

As I said after the defensive line write-up, look for a new attitude on defense. Rick Minter has really emphasized turnovers in practice. It’s no secret Danny Trevathan is a beast, but the Cats have several guys mentioned above capable of earning All-SEC honors after the season. Essentially this unit returns everyone with a year of experience and a year under Rock Oliver. If this unit has a great year, the Cats will have a great season. Only eight more days!

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