Who is going to replace Dupree and Smith?

by:Kindsey Bernhard04/16/15

kindseybernhard

  [caption id="attachment_177399" align="alignnone" width="530"]DupreeSmith2_cw Chet White, UK Athletics[/caption] After losing Bud Dupree and Za'Darius Smith to graduation, Kentucky is looking to replace two of its best pass rushers from last season. Dupree ended his senior season leading the SEC in career sacks. Smith added a threat to the other side of the line and the two combined for 12 of the teams. Jason Hatcher During Hatcher's freshman and sophomore seasons, he recorded 3.5 sacks and 8.5 tackles for a loss. At 6-foot-3 and 248 points, Hatcher's quickness off the line makes him one of Kentucky's most threatening pass rushers for 2015. Jabari Johnson The retuning senior is looking to make an impact at the defensive end position. Johnson was moved from linebacker to defensive end during Spring ball before his junior season. Johnson has yet to record a sack, but with a season under his belt at his new position, look for Johnson to be a force in 2015. MIZZOU KENTUCKY 20141101 SLK 0497F Denzil Ware  Ware could be the replacement that Kentucky is looking for this upcoming season. After redshirting during his freshman year, the four-star prospect is looking to make a huge impact in his Kentucky football debut. During his redshirt season, Ware went from 220 to 250 pounds, adding a lot of power to his 6-foot-2 frame. This season will be a learning experience as Ware plays in the SEC for the first time against dual-threat quarterbacks. However, Ware could be the key pass rusher this defense is looking for. Farrington Huguenin Huguenin is a player that many people might not know about. The senior played recorded a total of 18 tackles in 2014, but has yet to record a tackle for a loss as a Wildcat. Huguenin, Johnson and Ware will need to step it up big time in order for Kentucky to put pressure on the fast-moving offense of the SEC. Kentucky's defensive tackles can also make a huge impact in the pass rush this season. Seniors Melvin Lewis and C.J. Johnson returns as veterans, while Regie Meant and Matt Elam return looking to make a mark in their sophomore season. C.J 'Poop" Johnson as we know him, recorded 2.5 tackles for a loss of 18 yards this past season, but will be bigger factor in 2015. These four guys with be a force to be reckoned with in the middle of the Kentucky defense. Replacing Dupree and Smith will be no easy task, but I think we have the right guys that will step up and make big plays come August.  

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