Kentucky Football: D.J. Eliot Talks Youngsters, Position Battles and Injury Updates

Kentucky Wildcats Defensive Coordinator D.J. Eliot spoke with the press yesterday evening after practice and talked about the next crop of standout players on defense and the challenge of playing C.J. Johnson and Regie Meant.

He sounded pleased with the team’s effort, especially since practice was in full pads, and physicality was encouraged.

Since this is an off week, the staff was able to give snaps at the end of practice to members of the scout team. Eliot said he was impressed with UK’s young linebackers, two in particular.

"I think that Courtney Love is a good player and he is doing some good things. I think Eli Brown has a bright future at linebacker. Those two guys stick out to me", said Eliot.

Coach Eliot provided an update on injured linebacker/defensive end Denzil Ware, who was seen wearing a walking boot this week, and said that "he is getting some work in."

With the return of Meant from injury. the UK staff faces the issue of how to balance playing time between him and breakout star C.J. Johnson, but Eliot does not think that will be an issue and plans to play both.

"I anticipate both playing our three technique but in different packages. One may play the nose", said Eliot.