A week after it was announced that defensive tackle Regie Meant was taking a leave of absence from the team due to personal reasons and in all likelihood would not return, Mark Stoops revealed today that sophomore safety Darius West will miss the season because he injured his patellar tendon. He was a projected starter.
From Jen Smith of the Lexington Herold-Leader:
That spot likely will be filled by seniors Marcus McWilson and Blake McClain, who also sees time at the nickel back spot. There’s also some flexibility with safety Mike Edwards, too.
"It’s extremely tough for the kid, you really feel for him," defensive coordinator D.J. Eliot said of West.
West is a member of what is thought to be the best defensive backfield in the SEC, along with Chirs Westry, Mike Edwards, and Derrick Baity.
The good news is that Blake McClain and Marcus McWilson are veterans who have both seen a lot of playing time during their careers. McClain was played in 35 games and started in 22. Last season he 31 tackles and broke up five passes. McWilson started 10 games last season and was fourth on the team with 66 tackles.
Mikel Horton sustained an ankle injury and Blake Bone is nursing a hamstring injury, according to Jen Smith.