By Keith Taylor
Special to NKyTribune
Josh Forrest likes to plan ahead and believes proper planning prevents poor performance.
The University of Kentucky senior, a linebacker who converted from wide receiver, was well prepared last season and became one of the most recognizable and reliable names on the team’s defensive unit.
Forrest led the Wildcats in tackles last season with 110 stops and tallied double figures in five games, including 20 in a 50-16 loss at Tennessee. The senior Paducah Tighman product ranked third in the Southeastern Conference in tackles per game.
He thinks the Wildcats’ defensive unit will be even better this season.
“I think we will be better this year, just because of the experience and the speed that we have,” Forrest said of the team’s defense. “I think we’re going to be better this year. We’re moving fast and bringing some of the young guys around.”
Forrest has no doubt that an improved Kentucky offense will keep the defensive unit well rested this season by keeping off the field more. Moving the ball efficiently has been a consistent theme for the offense during fall workouts.
“They move fast,” Forrest said. “Sometimes they have to slow it down for us. They play smart and they play together. I think they are going to do some good things this year. It will gas the (opposing) defense. They might call two plays in one. It really makes us think and helps us prepare for uptempo teams.”
Forrest added the offense has what it takes to stay on the field longer and sustain longer drives downfield.
“They have some experience and young guys who can help keep us off the field, like we need to be,” Forrest said. “They talk about that a lot and say they are going to take care of us this year. They really talk a lot about that, especially Patrick (Towles). Just to know we’re not going to be out there three and out and three and out helps.”
Although the defense heads into the season with high hopes, the linebacker corps has taken a hit with injuries in camp and forced two newcomers — Josh Allen and Eli Brown — into immediate action. Forrest said both players haven’t disappointed the team’s coaching staff.
“They are still learning and we’re having to communicate a little bit more,” Forrest said. “They are coming along really well. Eli is good and he’s fast. Sometimes he makes mistakes but he gives it 100 percent I like Eli a lot. He brings speed and depth and we need depth at will (linebacker).”
Forrest has developed a bond with Allen and Brown, and became more acquainted with Allen, whom he nicknamed “Junior” because the pair share the same first name.
“Josh Allen is my bro,” Forrest said. “He’s going to be good. He works a lot with (defensive coordinator D.J.) Eliot and he puts the extra time in to be the best.”
Forrest also is a fan of the 3-4 defensive scheme and hasn’t had a problem making the adjustment from a 4-3 look on defense.
“Some of the big guys keep the offensive line off me,” he said. “It gives us a chance to play fast and not worry about being blocked by some of the bigger guys.”
In addition to building on his stellar performances from last season, Forrest also wants to become more involved as a team leader.
“I’m trying to help the younger guys a lot,” he said. “Between breaks in practice or walking down the hallway, I will ask (Eli) what his coverage is and the plays. Just to make sure he knows without thinking about it.”
Keith Taylor is a columnist and senior sports reporter for KyForward.com.