
Wales centre duo give Wales fitness boost against Ireland
Wales receives fitness boost with Cox and Dallavalle back for Ireland match
The Kentucky Wildcats are focusing on their defensive tackle rotation for the 2026 season, featuring starters Tavion Gadson and Jamarrion Harkless. Defensive coordinator Jay Bateman is implementing a new scheme that will enhance their performance.
After looking at where the Kentucky Wildcats offensive position groups sit post spring, we are now shifting our focus to the defensive side of the football. We started on the edge, as Kentucky has a deep rotation at edge defender that are poised to produce in 2026. Not only does defensive coordinator Jay Bateman have a loaded rotation on the edge, but the interior defensive line has taken shape as well. Let's take a look at the projected defensive tackle rotation this fall.
Edge defender Mi'Quise Humphrey-Grace is someone who will benefit from the switch from an odd to an even front in the new defensive scheme, and Tavion Gadson is right there with him. Gadson had to play that 4i technique a ton last season, which is playing on the inside shoulder of the offensive tackle. He gets to move to a traditional pass rush alignment, on the outside shoulder of the offensive guard which is labeled as a 3 technique. At 6'5, 303-pounds, Gadson has legitimate pass rush ability for a 3 technique and will likely see his sack production increase from his 2.5 sacks last season.
Lexington-native Jamarrion Harkless came back to play for his hometown team after spending three seasons with the Purdue Boilermakers. Harkless stands at 6'3, 346-pounds and has the true nose tackle mold that helps take up blockers in the run game. He will be an early down warrior that will take on double teams and help free up space for off ball linebackers to make plays against the run. Expect Harkless to get subbed out on third and long, predictable pass situations but his role on early downs will be extremely valuable to the defense this year.
Ahmad Breaux transfers in from LSU, where he played in 25 games in his freshman and sophomore season for the Tigers. Breaux has the second best pass rush skillset among defensive tackles on the team, which is second to only Gadson. Playing early on in your career at an SEC school is a typically a sign of good things to come. Some would say his best days between the white lines are ahead of him, and the thought of Breaux and Gadson lining up beside each other on pure pass downs can be a dangerous combination.
The projected starters for the defensive tackle position are Tavion Gadson and Jamarrion Harkless.
Tavion Gadson will transition from playing a 4i technique to a more traditional 3 technique, which is expected to improve his pass rush ability.
The new defensive scheme is designed to enhance the performance of the interior defensive line, allowing players like Tavion Gadson to better utilize their skills.
Last season, Tavion Gadson recorded 2.5 sacks while playing in a different alignment.

Wales receives fitness boost with Cox and Dallavalle back for Ireland match
Catch Timberwolves vs. Spurs Game 2 live on May 6 at 9:30 p.m. ET!
Anticipation builds for a Thunder-Spurs showdown in the 2026 NBA playoffs.
Oxford United appoints new chairman as Ferguson steps down
Rory McIlroy says he's 'more motivated than ever' as he returns to action at the Truist Championship.

Rory McIlroy says he's more motivated than ever as he returns to action after defending his Masters title.
See every story in Sports — including breaking news and analysis.
Kalen Edwards is maybe the only other guy on the roster that has that true nose tackle build as he will be the primary backup to Harkless. Edwards is 6'4, 335-pounds and will fill the A-gap in the run game taking on double teams. This is a pivotal role on the defense but one that never shows up on the stat sheet. Harkless and Edwards are vital to the defensive success on early downs this season.
The two seniors can provide some depth to this room. Jaden Williams and Dominic Wiseman both have a lot of college football experience, although they have never formed into dominant players. Experience at defensive tackle is important in the SEC because these 300 pounders can get winded easily and, of course, in case of injuries. Luckily, these two can give much needed depth to the four other defensive tackles on the depth chart; expect them both to see playing time throughout the season.
This article originally appeared on UK Wildcats Wire: 2026 Kentucky wildcats position preview: defensive tackle