At least two Kentucky defenders confirmed on Saturday that they’re among the collection of players who have sought feedback from the NFL about their potential early entry into the draft.
Junior defensive back Mike Edwards and outside linebacker Josh Allen both said they had been mulling the jump to the next level, but haven’t made any decisions yet.
“I’ll see what the draft status is,” said Edwards, who led the Cats in tackles during the regular season with 90, including four for a loss and a sack. “I’m worried about the bowl game right now, but if the time comes, and I’m going to go as a high draft pick, then that’s what I’m going to do.”
Edwards also has team highs in interceptions (four) and pass breakups (six) this season.
Allen, who started as an unknown two-star player but has become more visible this season, said he “hasn’t declared anything.
The plan is to “take my time, wait until after the bowl game and sit down with my family and go over everything,” said Allen, who is fourth on the team in tackles with 58, including a team-high nine for loss and seven sacks.
Allen also has one pick along with four quarterback hurries, three pass breakups and two forced fumbles so far this season.
His plan after the Music City Bowl was to sit down with his mom, his family and his girlfriend and talk about what his final decision about his football future would be.
Two other junior defensive players who might be mulling the move, linebackers Jordan Jones and Denzil Ware, did not meet with the media on Saturday after practice. It’s not uncommon for players to seek out NFL feedback on where they might get drafted if at all. UK had one player, running back Boom Williams, leave early for the NFL. He went undrafted.
On Tuesday, Stoops said he had “officially submitted some requests to the NFL to get me some draft feedback.” The UK coach was not specific about the number of players or their positions.
Jennifer Smith: 859-231-3241, @jenheraldleader
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