Former Cats producing in the NFL helps build UK program

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Mark Stoops knows success his former players have in the NFL only brings more NFL scouts to watch current UK players. (UK Athletics Photo)

It’s not often that Kentucky coach Mark Stoops has a chance to watch NFL games because Sunday is normally a game preparation day. During UK’s off week, Stoops did get to watch some games.

One player who has been “really popping off the screen” when Stoops watches is Houston safety Lonnie Johnson who has three interceptions this season. Johnson has now played in 36 NFL games with 16 starts and has 101 solo tackles.

“I don’t get a chance to watch all of them.  I don’t have that cable, maybe you have that cable you can watch all of them. I see the highlights, Jamin (Davis) and all of them, just proud of those guys,” Stoops said.

“Proud of all those (NFL) guys.  Actually, just got off the phone, said hi to Bud Dupree.  He’s feeling better and getting back into it.  Was good to talk to Bud, and just proud of all those guys and what they’re doing.”

It’s one thing for a program to have players drafted like UK has in recent years. It’s another level when players then contribute in the NFL like many former Cats are.
 
“As our players produce in the NFL you see more and more guys (NFL scouts) around here.  We’ve seen that anyway, but it seems like it’s overload, which is good,” Stoops said. “We want our players to get looked at. 

“There’s so many NFL scouts through here, it’s been amazing. They’re taking a good look at our guys.  The fact that they’re doing well at the next level, it’s important. We’re just happy for the players but of course, it helps build the program as well.”

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