Positional Preview: Secondary

Returning Players and 2010 Stats

Anthony Mosely (Sr.) 34 Tackles, 1 TFL, 1 INT, 5 PBU, 1 FR

Randall Burden (Sr.) 36 Tackles, 3.5 TFL, 1 INT, 6 PBU

Taiedo Smith (Sr.) 5 Tackles

Mychal Bailey (Sr.) 58 Tackles, 1 TFL, 2 INT, 1 PBU

Martavius Neloms (Jr.) 40 Tackles, 5.5 TFL, 2 PBU, 1 FF

Mikie Benton (Jr.) played in 8 games

Cartier Rice (Jr.) 9 Tackles, 0.5 TFL, 1 PBU

Christian Hudnell (So.) 1 Tackle

Dale Trimble (R-Fr.) Redshirted

Eric Simmons (R-Fr.) Redshirted

Newcomers

Eric Dixon (Fr.)

Daylen Hall (Fr.)

Ashely Lowery (Fr.)

Glen Faulkner (Fr.)

Players lost:

Jerrell Priester (Transfer)

Josh Gibbs (Quit)

Overview

The Secondary appears to be a strong point for UK football this season. While the Cats haven’t figured out who is the next Trevard Lindley, they return a ton of experience. The secondary was also shuffled around as part of Rick Minter’s new style. The staff moved Winston Guy from safety to linebacker and Martavius Neloms from cornerback to safety. All in all this was done to put more playmakers on the field.

The Cats return Randall Burden and Anthony Mosley at cornerback. The two seniors are poised for a huge year. Burden played well in UK’s bowl game and will be a lock-down corner. Mosley, who had the game winning interception against South Carolina, may be the fastest guy on the team. Based on feedback, he has become one of the vocal leaders as well. Look for these two to have huge seasons.

The Cats return one experienced back-up in Cartier Rice. The knock on Rice has always been his size. However, he is fast and has great technique. Still, it’s tough for him as the SEC has some monster receivers. Rice will likely be the main back up followed by Dale Trimble or Eric Simmons. These two players signed with UK in 2010 and showed a lot of promise on the Scout Team. Trimble was named Scout Team Player of the Week on several occasions last year. Simmons is one of the faster players on the team. Christian Hudnell will add depth, but mainly see action on special teams.

The Cats signed Daylen Hall and Eric Dixon in February. Both players have looked really good in camp. Most feel Dixon is a lock to play this fall and Hall is borderline. Steve Brown recently said none of the freshmen in the secondary are locks for a redshirt. Even if both guys don’t see a lot of action at cornerback, they could help a lot on special teams. If anything, Hall just needs to play against Louisville as seems to get the best of Devante Parker.

As mentioned above, the staff moved Martavius Neloms to safety. He along with Taiedo Smith will see the bulk of action early in the season. Mychal Bailey returns for his senior campaign, but hasn’t quite gotten himself out of Joker’s doghouse. Mikie Benton will also add depth to the secondary and have a role on special teams. The Cats lost Josh Gibbs, who decided to quit, when he found himself behind two true freshmen in camp. Both Glen Faulkner and Ashely Lowery are very impressive athletes. You may remember Lowery from his ESPN highlight called the “Lowery leap.” Faulkner was the No 1 recruit from Illinois and named a U.S. Army All-American. Lowery is ahead of Faulkner because he arrived in June. Faulkner arrived late and missed part of camp due to a death in the family. I expect both to play. Some feel Faulkner may redshirt, but Joker Phillips feels talent will overcome experience.

All in all, UK’s secondary should be the strength of the team. The Cats will start upperclassmen at each position and some young guys will gain valuable experience. While many people have been critical of Steve Brown, he is a great secondary coach. The real key will be forcing turnovers. UK struggled to put pressure on the quarterback last season, which made it hard for the secondary. Things are different heading into the 2011 season and fans should expect big things from this unit.

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