Josh Forrest, Senior, 6'3", 240 lbs.
Congratulations Josh Forrest!
Josh Forrest started playing for UK as a wide receiver in 2011 as a Freshman. Then, he was moved to the hybrid linebacker/safety position midway through the season.
In 2012, as a Redshirt Freshman, he Played in nine games, missing three because of injury. He had a total of 13 tackles, with a career high of four at Arkansas and at Missouri.
2013, his Sophomore year became a turning point for Forrest. He played in all 12 games, seeing time at linebacker and on special teams. He ended the season with 16 tackles, 0.5 tackles for loss. He had a heart stopping interception in a game vs. Florida and returned it 39 yards! He blocked two kicks, had a field goal vs. Louisville and a punt vs. Alabama State. The blocked punt set up a touchdown vs. ASU. His season's best three tackles were vs. South Carolina, Alabama and Vanderbilt. A very impressive season!
2014 was Forrest's real breakout year with 29 career tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss and zero sacks. Forrest had five double-figure tackle games on the year, including a career-high 20 against Tennessee -- the first time a UK player had 20 or more tackles since 2012 -- and an impressive 15 tackles in UK's comeback win over South Carolina. Against Louisiana-Monroe, Forrest grabbed an interception and returned it for a touchdown!
All of his hard work has not gone unnoticed. UK senior linebacker Josh Forrest has been named one of 80 players to the Chuck Bednarik Award list, which annually honors college football's Defensive Player of the Year.
Forrest led UK in tackles last year with 110, adding eight tackles for loss, one sack, two interceptions, two pass breakups, two quarterback hurries and one forced fumble. The native of Paducah was also second in the SEC in solo tackles.
And this year, since Bud Dupree has gone to the Pittsburgh Steelers, Forrest is being called on to step into his position and lead UK's Defense. When asked by WLEX 18, if he could do it, Forrest said, "Yes sir, I think I can."
UK was short linebackers, and they decided to move the 215 pound wide receiver to linebacker.
"I had my doubts, but I kept my head down and kept on working," he said.
You can be fast, but if you don't know where to go and how to get there quickly, speed is waisted. That was Josh Forrest. The emphasis is on the 'was.' Forrest believes you can't be dumb and play linebacker. "Definitely not, you can't, says the UK senior. " Sometimes it shows. Sometimes you get players out there that are athletic, but can't do two things at once so."
When you are a 215 pound linebacker, wanting to get off a block of a 310 pound offensive lineman, when you are light and weak for your position, is not something most want to do. Now 240 pounds, Forrest has the strength to hit and react fast.
Josh Forrest has an excellent style and knowledge of the game. He should have no problem stepping into this Defense Leadership role. In my humble opinion, I forsee that this transition for Forrest will be a smooth one for him and for the team.
In fact, with the amazing recruits that have signed this year, and the players that we already have, I believe we may have a better Defense than we did last year.
I believe that we will have a better Offense too. Patrick Towles, of course, is going to be named QB again, Towles takes his career very seriously. And it shows. Each year, you can see how he has matured in the off-season. How he has taken serious time to tweek his game, fixing what was wrong, and concentrating on what was right, to make it even better. Add to that, the amazing Offensive recruites that have signed for this season, the players that we already have ... oh yeah!!
It's going to be a better Kentucky Football team all around!
This upcoming season is going to be one to remember people, get ready!
All of the BBN is ready for this season to start. We #CantWait!