SamMaxwell

A strongside linebacker throughout his career, he worked out at weakside LB in the spring in order to get him on the field more … Officially begins preseason work as the strongside starter, but could end up on either side … Has been the team’s top reserve at strongside linebacker the last three seasons, a position he has shared with Johnny Williams … Has shown a knack for slicing into the opponent backfield … Has seen action in 38 career games, making four starts.

2008 (Junior): Saw action in all 13 games, earning a start in the Western Kentucky game … Made 25 tackles for the season … Posted his first career sack against Georgia for an eight-yard loss … Also added a forced fumble for the first time in his career against Florida … Totaled season highs with five tackles in both the Alabama and Florida games.

2007 (Sophomore): Totaled 27 tackles on the season, including five tackles for loss … Had a career-high six stops in the season-opening win over Eastern Kentucky, including his first two career tackles for a loss … In his second career start vs. LSU he matched a career-high with six tackles, including a tackle for a loss … Hauled in his first career interception in the second overtime period vs. Tennessee … Also started the Music City Bowl, making two tackles.

2006 (Freshman): Played in 12 games, serving as a backup behind defensive leader Wesley Woodyard … Recorded six tackles on the season and also recovered a fumble … Member of the kickoff return and kickoff coverage units … Was the team’s leading tackler in the junior-varsity game with eight stops, including 1.5 tackles for loss.

High School: Originally signed with Kentucky in Feb. 2005, he enrolled in the summer of 2006 … Blossomed as a college prospect during his senior season at Hart County HS in Hartwell, Ga. … Fine athlete who also earned a reputation as a hard hitter … Played two years on the varsity … Started during his senior season, playing inside and outside linebacker on defense and tight end, wide receiver, fullback, and tailback on offense … Totaled 98 tackles during senior season, including 24 tackles for loss and six quarterback sacks … Caused four fumbles and had an interception … Named all-area for Northeast Georgia … Team went 8-3 and played in the Class AAA state playoffs … Won the team’s Coaches Award for overall effort, attitude, and performance … Coached by Joby Scroggs … “Kentucky is signing an athlete. Sam has as much ability as I’ve ever seen,” Scroggs said. “He has tremendous speed, hands, and vertical jump. We had a lot of injuries this year, so we played Sam at six different positions. He’s an explosive hitter. Some people just tackle; Sam hits.” … Also played basketball while at Hart County … Chose Kentucky over North Carolina.

Personal: Born in Hartwell, Ga. … Son of Carey and Betty Rucker and Christopher Wright … Major is family science.

Community Cats: Participated in an event at Hayes Middle School (2007) … Guest visitor at the Dance Blue Marathon (2008).