5 Kentucky 2028 Defenders Showing Growth

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We're taking a look at the 2028 defensive class and a group of recruits who are rising and developing right on track.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2179453"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69f0f6efd0b2c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Frederick is a good athlete with length coming off the edge and brings an exciting presence as a pass rusher. He has good twitch and can squeeze through gaps, taking advantage of slower offensive linemen. He shows the ability to bend and consistently create disruption in the backfield, whether it's TFLs or pressure on the quarterback. He builds momentum well and plays with an attacking mindset. He had a solid freshman year and then virtually doubled his production in year two, finishing with 67 tackles, 17 TFLs, 9 sacks, 20 hurries, and 2 forced fumbles. The production and traits point to a high ceiling, and he has the tools to emerge as one of the top players in his class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2190423"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69f0f6efd0ba8"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Kuzma is a physical player who isn't afraid of contact and consistently plays downhill. He shows the ability to create pressure and make plays in the backfield, whether it's shooting gaps or working through traffic. He's also comfortable dropping into coverage and has the range to move sideline to sideline. He finished with 47 tackles, 10.5 TFLs, 1 sack, 1 interception, and 2 PBUs. I like where he's at right now and think he can keep building and take another step forward.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2190425"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69f0f6efd0bfc"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Whitledge shows good vision and range and does a nice job patrolling the backend. He can cover sideline to sideline and has the speed to fly downhill and wrap up in the run game. He plays disciplined, stays in his lanes, and doesn't try to do too much, which helps him consistently be in the right spot. He's reliable against the run and also shows good ball skills in coverage. He finished with 44 tackles, 1.5 TFLs, 1 interception, 3 PBUs, and 1 forced fumble. He intrigues me as someone who could continue to develop and quietly be a fantastic signing down the road.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2178685"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69f0f6efd0c4d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Rector is a versatile athlete who saw work on both sides of the ball and put together a productive year two on defense. He shows good range and instincts with the ball in the air and isn't someone who gets beaten over the top. He can make solo tackles in the open field and plays with good control in space. He finished with 40 tackles, 2 TFLs, and 1 sack. I think he's set up to take a big step in year three as he continues to grow into his role.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2190444"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69f0f6efd0cab"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Heisler is a speedy defensive back with good range and the ability to cover a lot of ground. He can play man coverage and also patrol the backend effectively, showing comfort in multiple roles. He's willing to take chances on the ball and trusts his instincts, which can lead to plays being made. He moves well in space and has the speed to recover when needed. He finished year two with 28 tackles and 2 TFLs. There's some upside here as he continues to develop, especially if he can refine his decision-making and turn those chances into more consistent production.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->