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Tennessee football vs. Kentucky: Five key Wildcats to watch for against Vols

By Caleb Calhoun

Oct 1, 2022; Oxford, Mississippi, USA; Kentucky Wildcats quarterback Will Levis (7) hands the ball off to running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. (24) during the second quarter against the Mississippi Rebels at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 1, 2022; Oxford, Mississippi, USA; Kentucky Wildcats quarterback Will Levis (7) hands the ball off to running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. (24) during the second quarter against the Mississippi Rebels at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 17, 2022; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Kentucky Wildcats linebacker Jordan Wright (15) celebrates during the game against the Youngstown State Penguins at Kroger Field. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 17, 2022; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Kentucky Wildcats linebacker Jordan Wright (15) celebrates during the game against the Youngstown State Penguins at Kroger Field. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-USA TODAY Sports /

Pick Analysis. Senior (GR). 4. Scouting Report. Linebacker. Jordan Wright. player. 833

6’5″ 231 pounds

Although Kentucky isn’t the best at getting to the quarterback, they are great at containment and making big plays in the process. A huge part of that is Jordan Wright, who made a big move when he decided to return for a sixth year of eligibility and was named team captain. He’s one of UK’s biggest playmakers.

For the year, Wright has a sack, an interception, three pass deflections, a forced fumble, and a team-leading seven tackles for a loss. Meanwhile, he has 33 total tackles, 21 of which were solo. He didn’t play last year for much of the season, but he was another player who had a huge impact in Kentucky’s win over Tennessee football in 2020.

That year, Wright had three total tackles and a sack against the Vols. It’s the only time he played significantly against them, but it also showed the damage he can do. This year, UT will want to establish the run even more against Kentucky, so accounting for Wright will be huge.

More importantly, if the Vols are going to establish the pass, Hendon Hooker’s mobility is a part of that. Wright could make that difficult, so they have to make sure they account for him at all times. Otherwise, the root of their big plays could be weeded out.

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