:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/69142809/uk_helmet.0.jpg)
The Kentucky Wildcats wrapped up spring football today with their final team scrimmage.
By all accounts, Kentucky managed to get through spring ball without many injuries, but they did suffer a significant one recently.
On Saturday, head coach Mark Stoops revealed that sophomore linebacker D’Eryk Jackson likely suffered a season-ending injury last week. It was apparently a non-contact injury sustained during warmups.
Stoops says LB D'Eryk Jackson probably suffered a season-ending injury last week. Disappointing because he was having a really good spring. Lower-body injury, happened in pre-scrimmage warmups. Non-contact.
— Jeff Drummond (@JDrumUK) April 17, 2021
Heading into the 2021 season, linebacker is easily one of the biggest question marks, and this only makes things worse since Jackson was expected to compete for a starting spot, likely as Jamin Davis’ replacement at middle linebacker.
Because he has never been a starter I don't think the casual fan will see it this way but losing D'Eryk Jackson for the season is probably an even bigger loss than Davonte Robinson two years ago because of the depth chart.
— Justin Rowland (@RowlandRIVALS) April 17, 2021
Because of this loss, don’t be surprised if Kentucky looks for another linebacker to add via the transfer portal. This position is just too thin to feel confident about it heading into the 2021 season.
This also means incoming five-star linebacker Trevin Wallace is very likely to have a major role as a true freshman.