Denzil Ware, OLB, Jacksonville State #8
6012, 245, 4.82
Notes: From Opp, AL. Redshirted in 2014. Played in all 12 games with 11 starts at a hybrid outside linebacker/defensive end position, posting 39 tackles, 5.5 TFL, 1 sack, 1 FF and 1 FR in 2015. Started all 13 games, making 70 tackles, 12 TFL and 5.5 sacks in 2016. Saw action in 12 of 13 games, with 6 starts, recording 48 tackles, 9.5 TFL, 6.5 sacks, 1 INT, 1 PBU, 2 FF and 2 FR (including 1 returned for a touchdown) in 2017. Made headlines during the season when he ripped former UK player Max Godby on Twitter for criticizing teammate Jordan Jones during a blowout loss to Mississippi State. Was also involved in an altercation between players in the regular season finale against Louisville, when he was caught on camera by a fan using a trash can to hit a Cardinal player on the sideline. He was then suspended for UK's 2017 Music City Bowl for an undisclosed violation of team rules, but still traveled with the team to Nashville and practiced on the scout team. Graduated in the spring of 2018. After originally tweeting in January 2018 that he was returning, he ultimately decided to use the graduate transfer rule and play at FCS level Jacksonville State in 2018. Graduated in May 2018.
Positives: Explosive athlete who can get upfield and rush the passer. Works effectively on stunts. Plays with passion and physicality. Can be very disruptive at times. Good closing speed.
Negatives: Somewhat inconsistent. Has had a history of erratic behavior going back to high school.
Summary: Talented, potential impact player, who’s draft stock could largely depend on interviews and coach evaluations during the pre-draft process.
