Report Card: Defensive line proved to be UK’s most consistent aspect
Kentucky senior Alvin Dupree celebrates a big tackle during the first half of the Kentucky vs. University of Louisiana at Monroe football game at Commonwealth Stadium in Lexington, Ky., on Saturday, October 11, 2014. Photo by Jonathan Krueger
December 9, 2014
By Annie Dunbar
UK’s defensive line was the brightest and most consistent spot for the Cats throughout the 2014 season.
The line was led by senior defensive ends Bud Dupree and Za’Darius Smith, and senior defensive tackle Michael Evans-Douglas.
Dupree, who was voted onto the Associated Press All-SEC first team, led the defensive line with 45 solo tackles and 29 assisted for a total of 74 tackles on the season. He had the most tackles out of all the defensive lineman in the Southeastern Conference. Dupree was UK’s most effective weapon off the edge, tallying 12.5 sacks on the season for 62 yards. The Georgia native is projected to be an NFL first round draft pick.
Za’Darius Smith was close behind Dupree with 26 solo tackles and 35 assisted, tallying 61 tackles on the season. Smith also added 7.5 sacks for 44 yards to his resume. He is predicted to be a mid-round pick in the upcoming draft.
The defensive line as a whole had 27 sacks on the season for 173 yards.
Michael Evans-Douglas, a Florida native, had 20 solo tackles and 13 assisted for a total of 33 on the season.
The Cats’ defensive line also made their presence known on the offensive side, scoring twice. Dupree had an interception for a pick-six against South Carolina and Evans-Douglas snagged a fumble and returned it for a touchdown against in-state rival Louisville.
Dupree, Smith and Evans-Douglas sparked the defensive line throughout the season and their presence will be missed heading into the 2015 season.
UK will return three starters from the line: sophomores Jason Hatcher, Jabari Johnson and Melvin Lewis.
Lewis, who started every game, had 37 tackles on the season. Hatcher played in 11 games this season and started six. He totaled 28 tackles on the season. Johnson made an appearance in all 12 games, starting in two and totaling 20 tackles this season.
The Cats will also return juniors Cory Johnson and Farrington Huguenin, and freshman Matt Elam.
Even though Johnson didn’t start a game, he played in all 12. Johnson totaled 20 tackles on the season. Huguenin also didn’t start a game but played in all 12. He tallied 18 tackles on the season. Elam also saw action in all 12 games and notched seven tackles.
Overall, the defensive line was one of the most improved and notable aspects of the game for the Cats. The line receives a B+ for the 2014 season.
