A position change in the early stages of fall camp at Kentucky has served as a hint that the staff is very pleased with its outside linebackers.

UK head coach Mark Stoops confirmed after Saturday's scrimmage that redshirt freshman Jaylin Bannerman is getting a look at tight end now after initially playing the "Jack" hybrid linebacker/end position.

As it turns out, that had less to do with how Bannerman was performing than what his peers were showing.

"We feel like we've got a lot of depth there at 'Sam' and 'Jack,' Stoops said. "... (Josh Allen and Denzil Ware) have been really good. We did some two-minute (drills) this week, and in predictable pass situations, they've been very good, very tough to block."

The junior veterans are listed No. 1 on the depth chart entering the 2017 season, but unlike the previous two years, there appears to be some depth developing behind them.

Junior Jordan Bonner (6-5, 222) is pushing Allen at the 'Sam' spot, while redshirt freshman Jamar "Boogie" Watson (6-3, 240) has consistently drawn praise from the staff for the reps he's getting behind the proven Ware at 'Jack.'

A newcomer was also cited on Saturday. Freshman Jordan Wright (6-5, 250), who was rated the No. 25 weakside defensive end in the nation by Rivals and held offers from programs like Alabama, Florida State and Oklahoma coming out of Fort Lauderdale (Fla.) Dillard High School, was praised by UK defensive coordinator Matt House for getting pressure on the quarterback in his first major scrimmage.

"He's done a great job and just continues to come along," House said.

Another freshman, four-star signee Joshua Paschal (6-3, 260), is one of the most physically gifted players UK has signed in recent memory. He was held out of Saturday's scrimmage with a minor ailment, but has drawn consistent praise from the staff through 10 practices.

All of those positive reports could mean a lot to a UK defense that ranked 11th in the SEC in sacks last season, recording only 21 in 13 games. Twelve and a half of those came from Allen and Ware. They've set a goal of 12 apiece for 2017.

Having quality depth could mean fresher legs late in games and later into the season.

"We definitely have some guys to work with," Stoops said. "There's no doubt. We feel good about that position."