Football

JJ Weaver Prepared to Take Next Step in His Final Season at Kentucky

Published

2 years ago

August 10, 2023

Kentucky linebacker JJ Weaver at Media Day 2023

Kentucky linebacker JJ Weaver has the physical tools to play in the NFL, but he has yet to put it together consistently at the collegiate level. Entering his fifth season at Kentucky as a redshirt senior, Weaver is looking to take the next step and emerge as the defensive leader for Kentucky football in 2023.

The Louisville native is preparing to be a leader on and off the field for the Wildcats.

Being a Captain on the Defense

A Sea of Blue’s Dylan Ballard had the chance to sit down with Weaver and ask him a couple of questions at Kentucky football’s media day.

Ballard asked what it meant to be a leader and a veteran on the team, to which Weaver responded, “It means a lot. Plus, being an in-state guy too. So, having everybody behind my back, supporting me. That’s what I really need, the love. I really care about the love. I’m big on love.”

He added, “So, I know that me coming back means I’m gonna get so much love, positive feedback, motivation. I really need motivation. I knew Coach [Brad] White was gonna help me get motivated, push me to the limit like he did Josh Allen.”

When asked what leadership role he is taking, Weaver said, “Just being more consistent in everything I do. Talking more, being on and right with people, telling people if they did wrong.”

Weaver continued, saying, “Personally, for me, I want somebody to tell me if I did something wrong. So, just being consistent with everything.”

The big thing for Kentucky football is consistency. As Weaver and several people within the program have stated, Kentucky has to be consistent in every aspect in order to be successful this fall.

Expecting Good Results

The UK football team has been working tirelessly this offseason to be elite in 2023. Weaver himself has high expectations for Brad White’s defense.

“Just being a dominant force and fast. Being consistent with everything we do.”

That’s what JJ Weaver believes Kentucky football will look like this season. Dominant, fast, and of course, consistent.

As the offense looks to regain its footing following a shaky 2022 season, it is imperative that JJ Weaver and the rest of the UK defense play at a high level.

Helping in the Community

JJ Weaver has played a massive role in communities all around the state, most recently hosting a bike drive in Louisville for children in need. According to his profile on the UK Athletics website, he is even majoring in Community Leadership and Development.

Weaver discussed how much it means to him that he can give back to others. He said, “It means a lot. Plus, where I come from, I never had nothing, and being able to give back to my community means a lot. God put me in this position to be able to bless others.”

JJ Weaver knows exactly what it means to wear “KENTUCKY” across the chest, literally and figuratively. He will not only prove to be a great defensive leader for Kentucky football, but also a great representative for the Bluegrass State.

JJ Weaver is ready to lead his team and set an example. He talks about giving back and on the field it’s always L’s down! pic.twitter.com/w5uWAXYwqN— Dylan Ballard (@DylanBallard_UK) August 5, 2023

Football

Two More Wildcats Eye NFL Futures

Two more Wildcats are receiving opportunities to accomplish their NFL dreams.

Published

2 weeks ago

May 10, 2025

Israel Schill

UK Athletics

Linebacker D’Eryk Jackson and kicker Alex Raynor are the latest Kentucky Wildcats aiming to make their mark in the NFL.

Go be great at the @Seahawks, @Derykjackson4. pic.twitter.com/ZHvVsVonNr— Kentucky Football (@UKFootball) May 9, 2025

Jackson, a 6-foot-1, 244-pound linebacker, signed an undrafted free agent contract with the Seattle Seahawks after impressing during the team’s rookie minicamp.

In his five seasons playing college football, Jackson amassed 216 total tackles including 17 tackles for loss, 9 sacks and five interceptions.

The former Kentucky standout and the teams leading tackler from 2022 and 2023 will now compete for a spot on the Seahawks final 53-man roster.

Raynor, meanwhile, received an invitation to attend the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ rookie camp, which runs May 9–11.

Go be great at the @Buccaneers, @acraynor1. pic.twitter.com/M8UOxK9rOm— Kentucky Football (@UKFootball) May 8, 2025

The Kennesaw, Georgia, native made 25 of 27 field-goal attempts in two seasons with Kentucky, including a school-record 55-yarder.

His performance earned him SEC Special Teams Player of the Year honors in 2024 and a shot to prove himself at the next level.

With the addition of Jackson and Raynor to NFL rosters, the total number of Kentucky Wildcats now vying for a spot in the league has reached 10.

Football

Saskatchewan Roughriders Sign Octavious Oxendine to CFL Deal

Published

2 weeks ago

May 8, 2025

Isaiah Pinto

UK Athletics

On Wednesday, it was officially announced that former Wildcats defensive lineman Octavious Oxendine agreed to play with the Saskatchewan Roughriders of the Canadian Football League.

Oxendine becomes only the fifth player from Kentucky to take their talents up north. Those before him included fellow Roughrider Micah Johnson, Josh Ali of the Calgary Stampeders, Lynn Bowden of the BC Lions and Quandre Mosely Winnipeg Blue Bombers.

The Radcliff, Kentucky, native played five seasons in Lexington. Making 19 starts in 47 games played, Oxendine recorded 78 tackles, 15 tackles for loss, 9.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and a blocked kick.

In 2024, Oxendine appeared in all 12 games for the Wildcats and made one start against Murray State, finishing his final season with a team-second best four sacks.

A key performance by Oxendine helped Kentucky defeat the No. 6 Ole Miss Rebels in Oxford, Mississippi, as the defensive lineman recorded three tackles and a career-high two sacks for a combined 10 yards lost. His first sack came on a third down play, forcing the Rebels to punt, and the second led to Ole Miss letting the clock run out to end the first half.

The standout performance led to Oxendine being named SEC Defensive Player of the Week.

In December 2024, Oxendine graduated from the University of Kentucky with a degree in social work. Additionally, the recent graduate was named the 2025 CATSPY Male Supporting Role Award.

Now in green, Oxendine will take the field with the Saskatchewan Roughriders as they are set to kickoff the preseason on Saturday, May 24, against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.

Football

Tre’vonn Rybka Signs With Dolphins As Undrafted Free Agent

Published

3 weeks ago

April 29, 2025

Israel Schill

John Clay | UK Athletics

Another Cat is heading to the NFL after defensive lineman Tre’vonn Rybka was signed by the Miami Dolphins in undrafted free agency on April 28, shortly after the conclusion of the 2025 NFL Draft.

Go be great at the @MiamiDolphins, @trevonnrybka. pic.twitter.com/OkBHiubzyG— Kentucky Football (@UKFootball) April 28, 2025

Rybka, who appeared in 48 games over five seasons with Kentucky, amassed 95 tackles including 5 sacks. As a senior, he started all 12 games, finishing with 34 tackles, five tackles for loss and three sacks.

He now joins a Dolphins defense that used their No. 13 pick in this year’s draft on Michigan defensive tackle Kenneth Grant, meaning Rybka will have to compete for a roster spot in a deep defensive front rotation.

Off the field, Rybka, who was adopted by his grandparents as a child due to his mother’s battle with addiction, is an active member of Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Bluegrass. He was awarded the “Big Ambassador of the Year” award in 2024 for his commitment to mentoring and supporting the youth.

His commitment to give back to the community and its youth reflects dedication to make a positive impact both on and off the football field.

Rybka will report to the Dolphins rookie camp on May 9-12, before he officially fights for a spot on the 53-man roster in June.