Rating:

5.0 (1 vote)

Is the defense ready?

So much of the offseason and fall camp has been focused on the offense. Who will the quarterback be? How much can Randall Cobb do? Will the freshman running backs contribute?

But not as much attention has been paid to the defense and that might be where the most help is needed.

So far, defensive coordinator Steve Brown is pleased.

"They've been moving around pretty good. They've been playing with a lot of enthusiasm," said Brown.

Kentucky hasn't really been able to stop the run for a long time, but last year jumps out at you. Sure, they faced running backs like Heisman winner Mark Ingram and first-round draft pick C.J. Spiller, but the numbers were bad.

If they get better this year remains to be seen, but Brown is optimistic.

"I hope to be better. I pray that we're better. We're working hard to be better," said Brown.

"Obviously we've got to do a better job of stopping the run and we're working towards that. We're trying to get guys to really play with great technique and doing a better job of tackling and not have any of those explosion plays where guys are missing tackles and guys are taking it to the house."

Brown didn't want to name names because he said the list would be too long, but did say several freshman would be contributing this year and in the future.

"We got some guys across the board that will be good players down the road and the list is pretty long."

Brown will be relying on linebacker Danny Trevathan to help keep his unit in check. Trevathan is an excellent player but hasn't always been known as a guy who will stand up and speak his mind. Brown says he's not looking for that.

"He doesn't have to be vocal for me, he just needs to be a leader by example and he's doing that."

We'll all see just how far this young defense has come on Saturday at 3:30.