Former Moore star J.J. Weaver 'ahead of schedule' for UK football in rehab from ACL injury

HOOVER, Ala. - Louisville native J.J. Weaver could be back on the field for Kentucky football faster than expected this fall.

"J.J. is doing very good," UK coach Mark Stoops said during Kentucky's appearance at SEC Media Days Tuesday. "He’s definitely ahead of schedule, working extremely hard."

Weaver, a former star at Moore High School, was in the midst of a breakout season when he tore the ACL in his right knee in a Nov. 28 game against Florida.

He finished the season with 33 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss and one-half sack in nine games. Weaver was voted to the SEC's All-Freshman team by the league coaches.

"He’s working his tail off," UK defensive coordinator and outside linebackers coach Brad White said when asked about Weaver's rehabilitation during spring practice. "That’s all I can ask for: A guy that puts in the time and he grinds. ... Right now, it’s big on the mental piece. ... When he steps back, he may not be able to physically execute them but at least if we can have it all mentally locked in then we’re further ahead in the process. OK, when you come back, let’s physically put those things into action and go from there.

“He’s done a great job. He’s up all the time watching film. He’s asking questions. He’s getting all his rehab sessions in, pushing harder. ‘OK, can I come up after, let’s do some individual stuff.’ He’s in every meeting. So, really pleased with that. Trying to get as much squeezed out of that as we can.”

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With Weaver out, senior Jordan Wright moved from strongside linebacker to "Jack" linebacker this spring. If Weaver is healthy for the opener, Wright could move back to the strongside position in an effort to get the best 11 defenders on the field at the same time.

Without Weaver, Kentucky does not have an obvious candidate to start at the strongside position in the base 3-4 defense. White made heavy use of nickel formations in spring practice that use an extra defensive back in what Kentucky coaches call a "middle" hybrid position that replaces the strongside linebacker on the field.

Stoops acknowledged Tuesday playing with an extra defensive back may be a good strategy this season due to the Wildcats' depth in the secondary. That option will make it easier to ease Weaver back into action.

"Looks good, is moving around, but of course I want to be somewhat careful with him," Stoops said. "He has a bright future, and there’s no point in rushing him."

Email Jon Hale at jahale@courier-journal.com; Follow him on Twitter at @JonHale_CJ.