SEC East and ACC Coastal Episode I: Kentucky and Duke

(Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

Tune into the Gulf Coast Sports Radio HourWednesday at four to hear Brian Scott and Michael Felder delve deeper into Kentucky, Duke and the SEC/ACC picture.

Biggest Offseason Loss

The Blue Devil’s biggest losses come in the departure of wide receiver Eron Riley.  Riley was quarterback Thaddeus Lewis’ favorite target; having accounted for 693 of Lewis’ 2171 yards and 8 of his 15 touchdowns.  Riley was a sure handed, speedy target capable of getting open down field and making the big play for the Devils. 

Losing Michael Tauiliili; the middle linebacker who led the ACC and finished third in the nation in tackles should also be noted.  However, his loss will not be felt as significantly as Riley’s due to the Devils returning solid contributors from last season’s defense.

For the Wildcats the biggest offseason loss up to just over a week ago was injury plagued fan favorite tight end Dicky Lyons Jr.  That would change with the disqualification of Jeremy Jarmon for taking a banned substance.  The senior’s career was ended as he failed a drug test for a dietary supplement that he failed to clear with the Kentucky athletic staff.

In losing Jarmon the Wildcats lose an All-SEC caliber defensive end as well as some serious, quality depth on the defensive front.  The one year barring for a first offense has come under heavy scrutiny but the odds of Jarmon reversing the circumstances are highly unlikely.

Best Returning Players

In Durham this question gets a simple answer; Thaddeus Lewis.  Lewis is the best pure pocket passer in the ACC and with the exception of the big names at the position the senior would be an upgrade for most schools. 

He is, in effect, the anti-Graham Harrell; no gaudy or inflated statistics but a legitimate pro-styled quarterback who has received great tutelage under Cutcliffe and will have a legitimate shot at the next level. 

Lexingtonwill see several very solid players return to campus headlined by Trevard Lindley.  The 6’, 175 pound senior is among the nation’s elite at the cornerback position due to his instincts and closing speed.  He’s got great anticipation as shown by his 11 passes defensed and 4 interceptions.

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