Afari commits to Kentucky for final season as snaps increase
The linebacker says he wanted to finish his career with the Wildcats and is adjusting to defensive coordinator Jay Bateman’s system.
Kentucky linebacker Alex Afari Jr. says he chose to return to the Wildcats for his final college football season because he wanted to finish his career where it began.
“I didn’t want to go anywhere else,” Afari said, according to Yahoo Sports. His decision came amid a coaching change at Kentucky, where Will Stein is beginning his first season as head coach.
Afari praised the coaching staff’s energy and accountability. He also said defensive coordinator Jay Bateman’s aggressive system suits him, describing a defence that asks linebackers to blitz and cover tight ends and running backs.
His playing time has risen after a quiet start to the season. Afari played 32 snaps against Texas A&M, following three against Youngstown State and none against Alabama, Yahoo Sports reported. The Texas A&M game was his first full participation this season.
The report described Kentucky’s result against Texas A&M as a win over the No. 9 team. Afari’s future snap count remains uncertain.
