Wyndham hits weights to make move from linebacker to end

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Not too many high school linebackers try to make the transition to the defensive line, especially in the rugged Southeastern Conference. Redshirt freshman Taylor Wyndham tried, and before breaking into a starting role in the last three games, he found out just how difficult the transition was.

Wyndham was listed at 210 pounds when he arrived at UK in 2008, about 70 pounds lighter than either Jeremy Jarmon or Ventrell Jenkins, last year’s starters at defensive end.

After Jarmon left the program following a failed drug test in the spring, Wyndham was considered to be one of three players who would make up the defensive end rotation, along with redshirt freshman Collins Ukwu and sophomore Chandler Burden.

Kentucky defensive end Taylor Wyndham tackles Mississippi State running back Anthony Dixon during Saturday's game at Commonwealth Stadium. Photo by Zach Brake | Staff

But Wyndham fell off the map in fall camp as junior college transfer DeQuin Evans seized a starting spot and Burden and Ukwu separated themselves. Wyndham continued to struggle with his weight after he had his tonsils removed and he dropped to about 215 pounds — the size of a large safety in the SEC.

“I was upset I lost so much weight,” Wyndham said. “You have to be big to play defensive end.”

Wyndham said he now weighs 242 pounds. As his strength came back, so has his game. He started the season as the odd man out in the defensive end rotation, but made the most of his chances and garnered more playing time every week before finally becoming one of UK’s best options at the position.
He earned a start in UK’s win over Auburn after forcing a critical fumble in the South Carolina game, and hasn’t looked back since.

Big plays have become commonplace for Wyndham, who made a sack of Florida quarterback Tim Tebow that ESPN appeared to run on a loop for two weeks. Since breaking into the starting lineup, Wyndham has focused on playing the run and has tried to work more on playing every down rather than seeking out big plays.

“I try to focus on being consistent,” Wyndham said. “The big plays will come, and I just try and make the tackles. I make a secure tackle and if I can get a strip or anything than it’s more than just a regular play.”

Teammates already look to Wyndham for big plays. It’s something he’ll have to get used to, as there’s still plenty of time left for him to make his mark at UK.

“He’s only a redshirt freshman,” junior defensive tackle Ricky Lumpkin said. “He’s only going to get bigger. He’s lifting three times a week and it shows. I can see it on film. In the last four weeks, we’re going to need him to come up and make big plays like he’s been doing.”

But there’s still one big play Wyndham hasn’t made that he’ll be gunning for as long as he keeps ahold of his starting spot.

“I’m hoping for an interception,” Wyndham said. “That’d be nice.”