Love embracing leadership role
HOOVER, Ala. -- Can a player be the leader of the defense without ever playing a snap? That’s likely not the case for most programs, but middle linebacker Courtney Love appears to be that guy for Kentucky.
Love transferred to Kentucky in December 2014 after spending his first two seasons at Nebraska. Kentucky tried to get Love suited up for the 2015 season but the hardship waiver the school applied for was denied by the NCAA.
That decision meant Love would spend his 2015 season playing on the practice squad. Despite not playing, Love said he was still pleased with how last season turned out.
“I wouldn’t change anything,” Love said. “My road here, starting off in Nebraska to coming here and sitting out last season. I feel like it made me a better person, made me a better player, helped me lead my team better and it helped me see things in a different perspective.”
Love represented Kentucky at SEC Media Days on Wednesday even though he’s never suited up for the Wildcats. Even though it seems strange on the surface, Love’s character made him an easy choice according to Kentucky head coach Mark Stoops.
“He wouldn’t be here if he wasn’t a mature, strong football player,” Stoops said. “He’s an incredible person and a great leader, so he’s exactly what you want in the foundation of your defense, even though he has very little experience here.”
It meant a lot to Love that he was asked to represent Kentucky’s program without ever playing a game.
“It says a lot,” Love said. “Just because I haven’t played here yet. I haven’t done anything on the field. I think it’s very rewarding. It shows the hard work that I’ve put in on and off the field. I’m excited and honored to be here.”
Love will be counted on at the middle linebacker spot as Kentucky tries to rebuild its front seven. Linebackers Josh Forrest, Khalid Henderson and Ryan Flannigan are gone, which leaves a void in the front seven. Love played while at Nebraska, but only a few other linebackers have experience on Kentucky’s roster.
Jordan Jones, Josh Allen, Eli Brown and Minnesota transfer De’Niro Laster are expected to be contributors this year. Jones and Brown in particular still need to bulk up according to Stoops.
“Both of those guys are electric,” Stoops said. “They can really, really run. They have very good instincts. But they do need to put on some weight. That’s critical.”
While the physical gains still need to come, Love is learning to embrace the role as the leader on the defense. The biggest thing he’s learned so far? Being patient with his teammates.
“I was actually reading this blog from one of my teachers and it read about how your role when you become a leader, you want to hold people to all these high standards,” Love said. “You can’t really hold everybody to those high standards all the time. You have to work with and go different levels with everybody. Bump their heads sometimes and experience things. To be a good leader, you have to be a good follower.”