Round Table: Which defensive player is ready to step up in a big way?
Jordan Jones had a breakout sophomore season for Kentucky. Safety Mike Edwards has long been established as one of the team's best players. Denzil Ware is a preseason second team all-SEC choice.
Does the defense have another player who's ready to break out and bump his production from modest to good, or from good to great?
The CatsIllustrated.com staff discusses.
RELATED: Round table discussion on possible offensive breakout candidate
T.J. Walker, Basketball Recruiting Analyst: This answer may be cheap but I'm going Chris Westry. The defensive back had a bit of a sophomore slump after being labeled the bright spot of the defense after his freshman season. I expect Westry to bounce back in a major way in 2017.
Kentucky's defensive backs may have more talent than ever before but Westy still has the highest ceiling. It's a must to have a lock down corner in the SEC and Westry will do that for the Cats this season. He was picked on a bit last year and made several mistakes but he's a year smarter and knows exactly what offenses are going to throw his way. I'm excited to watch his progress this year.
Derek Terry, Beat Writer: I'm going to go with Jordan Griffin. He won't start early in the year -- and might not all season -- but he's going to receive substantially more playing time than last year. Coaches and players alike have long praised his work ethic and commitment to getting better. Fans will see that hard work this season.
Justin Rowland, Publisher: The defense already has a good amount of star power so that makes it less likely that another player emerges, in addition to Jones, Edwards or Ware, to put up huge numbers (because you have to figure those guys are going to get their counting stats). But there are a number of candidates to see a big rise. I'm going to go with Darius West at safety.
Admittedly, and sadly, it's a little tough to bank on someone who has struggled to stay on the field like West has, but he's got the talent, he's penciled into a starting spot, and hopes seem to be high for what he's capable of this year. West is going to be surrounded by talent in the secondary so he's set up for success, and as a guy who can come into the box and boost the secondary's speed he could put up solid numbers if he stays on the field.