Scheme Could Ease the Loss of Vito Tisdale

Vito Tisdale is a versatile defender that brings the “Juice” as one of the defense’s best eleven that Mark Stoops prefers to have on the field at the same time, regardless of position. Tisdale’s attitude and competitiveness translates to multiple positions. The news of his injury is deflating. But, the next man up philosophy is commonly applicable in the game of football. 

There is no replacing Tisdale. No other player on the roster equals his positional diversity. Mark Stoops said this about the former Bowling Green Purple, “I don’t know if anyone had that type of versatility: play nickel, play safety or play corner. We don’t have anybody that can do that,” Stoops said Thursday. “Vito was very active and he was very sudden. He had a lot of pop in everything that he did. But the instincts are in there as well. We just gotta have other guys step up.”

Finding the “Next” is a difficult proposition. Scheme will play a role in the decision. UK went away from its 3-4 traditional roots in 2021 and frequently deployed five defensive backs. In that particular defensive alignment, one name being mentioned is Joel Williams. The former 4-star recruit from Baton Rouge, Louisiana has played in sixteen games and recorded five career tackles. A 6’1, 205-pound defensive back, Williams will compete to fill the void left by Tisdale’s departure in the secondary. Williams is extremely talented, but has yet to consistently produce. 

Another possibility in dealing with Tisdale’s injury is for Brad White to utilize both edge linebackers in what’s considered to be the Cat’s “Base” 3-4 defense. This scheme allows two of the more dynamic playmakers to be on the field at the same time. Outside linebackers Jordan Wright and JJ Weaver played the same position a year ago when both were healthy. Obviously, opposing offensive attacks will dictate when the Wildcats can align with both linebackers. Having both in the lineup brings on a plethora of blitz packages that can be instituted. 

Super-senior Jordan Wright has played in 42 career games with twelve starts. He’s accumulated 106 tackles, 15.5 for loss, and 7.5 sacks. Wright has been consistent in the explosive play department. His return for an additional season was a boost for the Wildcat defense. JJ Weaver is a 6’5, 245-pound linebacker from Louisville. Weaver totaled 34 tackles, 10 TFLs, and a team-high six quarterback sacks in 2021. He suffered a torn ACL in his right knee at Florida and missed the final two games of the 2020 season. Wright’s star is rising. 

A third option is for Stoops to dip into the Transfer Portal. Nick Roush shared on Thursday that Taj Dodson underwent offseason surgery and not available for spring practice. There is a need for immediate contributors in the Cats’ secondary.

What Does All This Mean? 

There are down and distances, as well as an opponent’s scheme, that will dictate when Brad White can field two outside linebackers or go with an extra defensive back in a nickel/medium package. One problem with going with the base scheme is that there are only two, experienced scholarship OLB’s (Wright and Weaver) participating in spring drills. Experimenting with others at the position is certainly taking place. Trevin Wallace and Tomiwa Durojaiye are a couple to watch. Nickel Joel Williams must develop into a trustworthy defender. His progress, along with cornerback Dru Phillips, is incredibly important this spring. The tandem must gain experience and solidify their spot in the two-deep over the next ten practices. Losing Tisdale hurts. Bad.