“See some Josh Allen in him,” CJ Works gets compared to one of Wildcats’ bests

LEXINGTON, Ky. (FOX 56) — Cedric "CJ" Works, a rising sophomore defensive lineman, has been likened to one of Kentucky's greatest defensive linemen, Josh Hines-Allen, by the team's defensive line coach, Anwar Stewart. Stewart highlighted Works' impressive talent, noting that the young player possesses traits reminiscent of the celebrated Allen.

Works, who has only just begun his college career, is already making waves with his performance on the field, particularly during third downs where he demonstrates his speed and ability to rush the quarterback. After learning about Stewart's comparison, Works expressed his excitement, emphasizing his focus on having a stellar season.

The parallels between Works and Hines-Allen, who was a stalwart at Kentucky from 2015 to 2018, are evident in Works' play, including his ability to generate pressure on opposing quarterbacks and disrupt their plans. Hines-Allen's statistics speak volumes, with an astounding 224 tackles, 41 tackles for loss, and 31.5 sacks over his four-year tenure.

He was drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars after his college career, showcasing his potential in the NFL. For Stewart, the inclusion of a player like Works in the 2026 roster is a significant boost, indicating a promising future for the team.