catmandoo
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Member # 1284
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posted 11-08-2009 11:10 AM
Sam has been a surprise even to himself and with out him it's hard telling how many games we would have won.
If anyone asked before the season who would lead Kentucky in interceptions this year, Trevard Lindley probably would have been a unanimous pick. But Lindley has been slowed by an ankle injury, allowing linebacker Sam Maxwell to fill that void.
Maxwell, a 6-foot-3, 248-pound senior in his first year as a full-time starter, stepped in front of a quick pass by Eastern Kentucky's T.J. Pryor for his team-leading fourth interception of the year late in the third quarter. That set up Morgan Newton's 18-yard TD pass on the next play that gave Kentucky a 30-6 lead.
"I knew they were going to run the quick out," Maxwell said. "I was playing that route the whole time. As soon as I saw (Pryor) break down, I shot forward and it ended up happening."
In addition to his four interceptions, Maxwell also has 53 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss and seven pass breakups this season.
"Sam's probably one of the most underrated players on our team let alone in this league," UK Coach Rich Brooks said. "He's got a nose for the football. All he does is make plays. He's an outstanding player."
When asked how he would have reacted before the season if he was told he'd be the team leader in interceptions, Maxwell said, "I probably would have busted out laughing. I've got the ability to catch the ball and be there on passing routes, but to tell me I would be leading the team, I never would have thought that."
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