Nose guard Marquan McCall is one of Anwar Stewart's defensive lineman that has him excited about the upcoming season. (UK Athletics Photo)
Anwar Stewart played on a top 20 national defense at Kentucky for coach Bill Curry. However, when Curry left and Hal Mumme was hired, all the focus shifted to offense even though his interception against Alabama was a big part of a 1997 overtime win over the Crimson Tide.
“We didn’t score a lot of points when coach Curry was here but we were very stout on defense,” said Stewart, now the defensive line coach under Mark Stoops. “Then you bring in Hal who could care less about defense. It was very inconsistent coaching and all over the place.”
At times some have felt Stoops, a former defensive coordinator at Florida State, wanted to put more emphasis on defense than offense. Yet in the offseason, Stoops fired offensive coordinator Eddie Gran and brought Liam Coen from the NFL to run a more pass-friendly offense.
“You have got to have a great balance and coach Stoops going out and hiring Liam tells you that is what he wants,” Stewart said earlier this week on WPBK-FM. “I am telling you right now if you do not have your (UK football season) tickets that is sad.”
Why?
“This year is going to be unbelievable. Get your season tickets and get them now. If you don’t, you are going to miss some exciting football. This era we are starting now, this thing is going through the roof. Do not be surprised at the success we are going to have.
“We have been quiet, kind of behind the scenes and not saying too much about our team and where we see each other. But if you do not have a ticket when we have this success, just say I told you so.”
3 Responses
Love the bold optimism from inside the program
But, it is the opposite of “We have been quiet, kind of behind the scenes and not saying too much about our team and where we see each other …
Us fans don’t even know who will be taking snaps at the QB position for UK yet. Coach Stewart could be right, I sure hope so, but that remains to be seen. I do believe if UK can name and start a QB who can complete a lot of passes down the field, the offense will be much improved. Scoring points in the red zone is a must. Losing Upshaw hurts big time too.
Success to me is measured by winning games, especially SEC games. I believe the defense is probably ready to battle. Coach Stewart’s comments could sure help with ticket sales and I suspect his comments were to help with that endeavor. I also suspect this assessment of UK football by Coach Stewart will be duly noted now throughout the SEC starting with the Missouri Tigers who come calling real soon. Get after it CATS!!! No sneaking up on opponents now.
One thing that scares me is that many players have chosen not to be vaccinated for Covid, this Delta strain could ruin our season. Alabama has met the 85% guideline. This Covid is taking off again…..