By LARRY VAUGHT
(LEXINGTON, Ky.)-Last season Kentucky cornerback Maxwell Hairston continued his development and became a first round NFL Draft pick by the Buffalo Bills.
“DJ is unique in terms of what he can do. It took him a while to understand our process (after transferring from Michigan). He came from a program that had a lot of success and we did things differently, so it took him a little bit of time to transition,” Kentucky secondary coach Chris Collins said. “It wasn’t a seamless transition to understand the expectation, the level of work, the accountability, things of that nature.
“He slowly started to buy into that (last season), and his play started to elevate, and elevated fairly quickly. Now it is about consistency. I don’t ever want to put something on a young man that they didn’t necessarily ask for. I don’t know where the future holds. I know the young man loves ball. He’s been really really engaged this summer and he’s seen a lot of growth.”
Collins warned that Waller, who started four games last season before missing the final four games due to an injury, will have his “ups and downs” this season like most players do.
“It’s a fickle position. I’m excited about where he is and his growth. He does have a big upside. I tell guys every day that potential is a dangerous word because a lot of people have it, but a few people reach it,” Collins said.
The Wildcats season opener is Saturday at Kroger Field against Toledo. Tune in for Countdown to Kickoff at 9:30 a.m. and follow the game with Tom Leach, Jeff Piecoro, Dick Gabriel and Christi Thomas at 11:45 on your Home of the Cats in the Lakes Area, 99.1 FM WCBL Sports!
PHOTO: Junior corner DJ Waller (5) has unique abilities that assistant coach Chris Collins believes has huge potential. (Vicky Graff)