Kentucky Wildcats

Kentucky Football: Mike Edwards Is Becoming A Leader

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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Kentucky football safety Mike Edwards is emerging as more than just a high-quality player. He’s becoming a leader for Kentucky’s defense.

The Kentucky football program is dangerously close to ending a drought that’s created a black cloud over Lexington. Kentucky hasn’t played in a bowl game since 2010 and hasn’t won a bowl game since 2008.

The defense is revitalizing the fan base, however, and starting safety Mike Edwards is playing a defining role in the turnaround in progress.

Kentucky opened the season at 0-2, but has since won three of its past four games. The defense has been a powerful influence, as it’s transformed from a liability into a genuine strength.

According to Fletcher Page of The Courier-Journal, defensive backs coach Steve Clinkscale singled Edwards out as one of the leaders of Kentucky’s defense.

“He’s done a lot of studying in the film room to get better, to understand the game,” Clinkscale said, “but he’s just one of those guys that just naturally has that ability and is going out every week and performing the way he needs to.”

“He’s starting to better understand the concepts and how to be a leader out there,” Clinkscale said. “Every once in a while you get a couple guys who just naturally make things happen.”

Edwards has been a bright spot for the Wildcats in 2016.

Kentucky enters its October 22 clash with the Mississippi State Bulldogs at 3-3. It’s just three wins away from securing a bowl game bid, but those elusive three wins won’t be easy to come by.

If the Wildcats are going to win at least three of the final six games, then the defense will need to continue to excel.

Kentucky allowed 44 points in Week 1, 45 in Week 2, and 42 during the Week 3 clash with the New Meico State Aggies. Head coach Mark Stoops has increased his defensive role and responsibility, however, and the results have been tremendous.

Kentucky held South Carolina to 10 points, Vanderbilt to 13, and Alabama to 34—the fewest points Bama has scored this season.

The secondary has played a critical role in the reemergence of Kentucky as a factor in the bowl game discussion. Chris Westry and Derrick Baity receive most of the praise, but it’s players like Edwards and J.D. Harmon who have emerged as unsung heroes.

Up next on the schedule is Mississippi State, which has a dynamic dual-threat quarterback in Nick Fitzgerald.

With Edwards leading the charge, Kentucky’s defense has a chance to achieve redemption in 2016.