Josh Paschal (UK Athletics Photo)
With the opening football game only about two months away now, it’s terrific for UK fans to wonder about who the starting quarterback will be, how good running back Chris Rodriguez might be, what impact receiver WanDale Robinson will have, or if the Big Blue Wall could be even better. But just don’t forget about defensive end Josh Paschal, the player who could be the glue that again helps hold the entire team together and inspires everyone with his attitude play.
I remember what safety Yusuf Corker, who should be one of the SEC’s best defensive backs, said about Paschal during spring practice.
“He’s blowing up plays. I sit back and watch film and the play hasn’t even developed yet and you see Josh in the backfield. I’m telling you, he’s really going to have a big season this year,” Corker said.
Why?
“I’ve been seeing a lot of Josh, even me as a secondary person. When I’m reading my keys, I hear the whistle blow and I’m like, ‘I only took two steps. What happened?’ Oh, it’s Josh. He’s already in the backfield. He already sacked the quarterback. He already touched the ball carrier,” Corker said. “He’s really going to be great for us this year.”
The 6-3, 275-pound defensive end is a two-time team captain who was diagnosed with malignant melanoma on the bottom of his foot just before training camp in 2018. He had three surgeries and monthly immunotherapy treatments before he was allowed to play in the final three games of UK’s historic 10-win season.
In 2019, he started in all 13 games, was elected a team captain as a redshirt sophomore, and totaled 34 tackles, 3.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, one pass breakup, and a blocked kick. Last season he moved from linebacker to end and had 32 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, one sack, one quarterback hurry, and one interception.
“I don’t think it’s any surprise that Josh Paschal is showing up,” Kentucky coach Mark Stoops said after spring practice ended when asked about a breakout defensive star. “I feel like he’s a guy that’s taking it to another level where you see a very good player turn into a game wrecker at times.
“There’s times in practice or in a scrimmage where he can take over and be very disruptive, so it’s good to see him growing that way.”
Tight end Justin Rigg says teammates just expect Paschal to be “hustling” every play in practice and games.
“If you look at the ball Josh Paschal is always around it, whether it’s 20 yards downfield or five yards in the backfield, he’s always making plays and he’s always hustling after every play,” Rigg said. “It seems like he never gets tired.”
Or never gets the recognition he deserves.
2 Responses
I would love to see Josh Paschal kick some tail this year, and especially against SEC opponents. I expect the UK defense to bring some heat on every down in 2021.
Me too Pup