Kentucky will have to overcome a hit to its defense.
Wildcats coach Mark Stoops announced Monday that Regie Meant, a projected starter at defensive tackle, has left the team. Per SECCountry.com, Stoops said Meant’s departure is for “personal reasons” and has “nothing to do with football.”
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“It has nothing to do with football, nothing to do with us or playing or anything like that. It has to do with himself,” Stoops said. “Again, I ask you to just leave that and respect him. But it is a blow to us and our depth on the D-line.”
Meant, a redshirt junior, was one of UK’s most-experienced defensive linemen. He played in a combined 21 games over the past two seasons, totaling 49 tackles. He started four games in 2015 and was expected to start alongside Matt Elam on the interior.
With Meant out of the picture, sophomore Adrian Middleton moved up to the first team at Monday’s practice.
Meant wasn’t the only departure Stoops announced Monday. Sophomore tight end Darryl Long will leave the program in search for more playing time, Stoops said.
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The Wildcats have solid depth at the position with All-SEC Freshman selection C.J. Conrad back for his sophomore season. Nebraska transfer Greg Hart is also eligible after redshirting in 2015.
Long, a three-star recruit in the 2014 class, played in 10 games last season but did not register a reception.
UK opens its season Sept. 3 at home against Southern Miss.
For more Kentucky news, CatsIllustrated.com.
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Sam Cooper is a writer for the Yahoo Sports blogs. Have a tip? Email him or follow him on Twitter!
