Sophomore linebacker Danny Trevathan has
25 tackles so far this season. Photo by Adam Wolffbrandt Staff
October 13, 2009 by BW Jones
The cast will come off.
Sophomore linebacker Danny Trevathan, who has been playing much of the season with a cast on his right arm after fracturing a bone in his wrist, expects to take his play to another level and another role on the team once the cast is removed this week or next week.
"ll be back there returning kicks", Trevathan said.
Returning kicks and punts is an unusual proposition for most linebackers, but not for one with the speed of Trevathan, who ranks fifth on the team with 25 tackles. The Cats (2-3, 0-3 Southeastern Conference) got a glimpse of Trevathan speed in the Blue/White game last spring when he had a 31-yard kick return along with 11 tackles.
His development into a solid full-time player is one reason why UK's linebacker corps has exceeded expectations thus far in 2009. Questions surrounded the position group as Trevathan joined senior Sam Maxwell as the starting outside linebackers, because they held only one career start between them before the season.
Even though all three starting linebackers have battled nagging injuries to this point, UK linebackers coach Chuck Smith is pleased with the way they've played. It isn't any surprise to him they have come through as productive players.
I saw (Trevathan and Maxwell) in spring ball so I had a good feeling about it, Smith said. But still, they were really unproven until they got into it and they've done pretty good. And I think they can do even better. Trevathan's production only figures to improve once he loses the cast, which he says makes it difficult to grab ball-carriers or shed blockers. Senior middle linebacker Micah Johnson has battled a variety of ailments this year, including turf toe, an ankle injury, a groin injury and a hip flexor. Maxwell is no different; he's suffered from turf toe and other lingering injuries.
Smith says the main reason Trevathan and Maxwell prepare so feverishly for games is to overcome the time they've spent on the bench in previous years. Now that they have their chance, they're taking full advantage of their time on the field.
They've waited in the wings, Smith said.They've been hungry for it.
Maxwell is the more seasoned player, but Trevathan is considered to be the future star. Johnson said Trevathan has a chance to follow in the footsteps of NFL players and UK products like Braxton Kelley and Wesley Woodyard, who also played on the outside.
Trevathan and Johnson used to live together, and along with Maxwell, Johnson has taken the sophomore under his wing.
A lot of times, Danny and I are on the field at the same time so if he needs anything, he asks me, Johnson said. He's a smart kid. He's very, very talented.
Smith sees the potential for greatness in all aspects of Trevathan's game. From his work ethic to his all-around athletic ability, there's nothing about Trevathan that doesn't impress his position coach. He certainly does (have the potential to be a star) because he's getting the chance to play early and he's got tremendous speed for a linebacker, Smith said. Not only that, he's a tough, physical guy too. He's got all the qualities that it takes to be a great linebacker in the SEC. So far he's showing me that he really wants to be that future star linebacker because he's taking care of his responsibilities.
But until the cast comes off and the full speed of Trevathan is unleashed, UK fans will have to take Johnson and Smith at their word. As he waits his turn to lead the linebackers, Trevathan knows what's expected of him.
I try not to let that get to me, but you can't help but notice if a great player like (Johnson) says something like that, Trevathan said. It means a lot and I'm going to go out here and try to live up to it.
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