By Nick Craddock

When looking at this year’s linebacker corps, many fans of Big Blue Nation already know senior middle linebacker and defensive leader Micah Johnson. However, most fans are probably unfamiliar with the speed demon.

Although not an official nickname — yet — the speed demon is none other than sophomore Danny Trevathan, who has been lauded by the UK coaching staff to have a breakout year in his first season starting at weakside linebacker.

“Danny Trevathan is a big-time player, pure and simple,” said UK head coach Rich Brooks. “He’s as good as any four-star guy that you can talk to me about at linebacker.”

Trevathan managed to see playing time as a true freshman featured primarily on special teams last season. Trevathan then went on to display the potency of his speed in a solid performance in the Blue/White Spring Game registering 11 tackles while even returning a few punts.

Like many of UK’s recent stars at linebacker, Trevathan was not heavily recruited out of high school. Despite late scholarship offers from other schools, Trevathan chose to sign with UK.

“I describe myself as a sleeper,” said Trevathan, who played numerous positions in high school on both sides of the ball before settling in at linebacker for the Cats.

UK’s talented crop of linebackers in recent seasons, including the likes of current NFL players Wesley Woodyard, Braxton Kelly and Johnny Williams, leaves Trevathan with quite the legacy to live up to.

To prepare for his new role as a starter, Trevathan is focusing on getting himself physically and mentally ready for the season. He’s also been spending plenty of time with linebackers coach Chuck Smith.

“We had a big graduation, losing Braxton and Johnny,” Smith said. “It’s hard to replace game experience, but these new guys have got athleticism, heart and drive.”

Trevathan will not be the only player adjusting to a starting linebacker role come kickoff time. Senior linebacker Sam Maxwell, who served as a backup for three seasons, will get the nod at strongside linebacker but has the ability to play either side.

“The coaches think I’m a good player,” Maxwell said. “I want to be a great player.”

Maxwell also hopes to offer tutelage to younger linebackers much like the way former UK linebacker Joe Schuler mentored Maxwell when he was a freshman.

Johnson, who spurned the NFL to return for his senior season, will anchor the linebackers in the middle and looks to improve his game just as he has in each of his seasons at UK.

“I want to be the best linebacker in the country, personally,” Johnson said. “As a team, nine to 10 wins. Nothing less.”

Trevathan said Johnson and Maxwell, both close friends with Trevathan, should provide a steadying influence for Trevathan to maximize his potential.

“(Trevathan) will have major impact on this team if he stays healthy,” Brooks said. “He’s very fast. He’s very instinctive. He’s a very special talent to see so now we will just have to go out and see what he can do.”