In this edition of Cats Illustrated's "Take Two" feature, staff writers Justin Rowland and Jeff Drummond offer their predictions on who may emerge as Kentucky's breakout player on the defensive side of the ball in 2024. Brad White's unit has several players with star potential entering the season. Who has a chance to join them?
JUSTIN ROWLAND:
Tyrese Fearbry, Outside Linebacker/Edge - Fearbry flashed some potential last year and I think he has the chance for a really good season in 2024. Everybody will be talking about the three other starting linebackers -- Jamon Dumas Johnson, D'Eryk Jackson, and JJ Weaver -- but Fearbry is a long, twitchy player with some burst once he gets around the ball, and it looks like he's poised to contribute more than he has in the past. When Fearbry came in a couple of years ago my understanding was he was a high-upside player that would take a little time in the S&C program and in development. He seems to be right on track, having had a redshirt season and his introduction to SEC action in 2023. He made it on the field every single game last year and is in line to play a ton. There's opportunity and some talent here.
JEFF DRUMMOND:
Kahlil Saunders, Defensive Line - The amount of attention that will be commanded by preseason All-American Deone Walker means a golden opportunity exists for the Wildcats’ other D-Linemen to step up and player a bigger role in 2024. Saunders, who has always been lauded by defensive coordinator Brad White as having high NFL potential with a long, athletic 6-foot-5, 285-pound frame, should be ready to be that guy after playing in all 13 games as a sophomore. Look for him to expand significantly on the 18 tackles, 3.5 TFL, and 1.5 sacks he recorded last season. Pass rush could be a big key to the unit taking a step up from its 2023 performance, when the Cats saw their SEC rankings slide to seventh in total defense, eighth in scoring defense and 11th in pass defense.
