Kentucky football is 7-1 as they are enjoying their much needed bye week as a top ten team in the country. We reviewed the offensive and defensive performance from the win over Vanderbilt. We just gave our offensive spotlights from the win and now we will do the same for the defensive side. Kentucky now controls their own destiny in the month of November.
Mi'Quise Humphrey-Grace
Mi'Quise Humphrey-Grace has been the most consistent player on the defense all season. Humphrey-Grace continues to make massive plays and he gets consistent pressure on the quarterback. Humphrey-Grace had another sack and two tackles for loss against Vanderbilt. He also forced a fumble on quarterback Jared Curtis, he continues to create havoc that lead to turnovers for the Cats.
Ty Bryant
Ty Bryant is
having another All-SEC type of season and he forms a dominant safety duo with Jordan Castell. Bryant got his fourth interception of the season as he jumped a late throw from Jared Curtis that was a massive momentum swing in this game. Bryant has six tackles and a pass breakup as well. Bryant continues to be the leader of this defense and the safeties have to continue their dominant play down this final stretch.
Jamarrion Harkless
Jamarrion "Chops" Harkless continues to make strides at defensive tackle, as we have seen him make huge plays late against LSU and Vanderbilt. Harkless overpowered a guard to get a sack on Jared Curtis in this game. Harkless has unbelievable power when he gets his hands on offensive lineman for a bull rush. He got a tackle for loss in this one as well, and his emergence makes this defensive line a force to be reckoned with.
Aaron Gates
Aaron Gates has played his best two games for the Wildcats in the last two weeks, in my opinion. Gates had another pass breakup in this game as he did against Oklahoma. Gates got free on an overload pressure look that led to a sack. Gates is vital for this defense as his backup Jaden Smith is dealing with an injury, and the nickel spot is a critical position as you have to be able to tackle well, blitz off the edge and cover slot receivers.
This article originally appeared on UK Wildcats Wire: Kentucky defensive spotlights in win over Vanderbilt
