Former Arizona head coach and Oklahoma defensive coordinator Mike Stoops is entering his first season at Kentucky, and the veteran coach is inheriting a veteran room. The Wildcats have two proven starters who have a chance to develop into NFL Draft picks.
Super seniors Jacquez Jones (31 starts) and DeAndre Square (35 starts) returned for their extra year of eligibility giving defensive coordinator Brad White two rock-solid pieces in the middle of his defense. Both Jones and Square made big plays for the Wildcats last season, but each went through some wear and tear going through the rigors of an SEC schedule.