Marquan McCall gives UK a disruptor in the defensive line. (Vicky Graff Photo)
He may not have made a lot of game-changing plays, or at least ones that most fans noticed, but coach Mark Stoops certainly was glad to have nose tackle Marquan McCall back in the lineup at Vanderbilt Saturday. Apparently, McCall was just as glad to be back and can’t wait to play again after missing four games with an ankle injury.
“Can’t wait for Saturday,” McCall, a senior, posted on Twitter.
Kentucky hosts New Mexico State Saturday at noon and then will close the regular season at Louisville November 27.
“He did good, I was glad. It was good to see him go back to being disruptive,” Stoops said about McCall’s play at Vanderbilt. “There’s not a ton on the production sheet as far as that goes, but he still has an impact on the game.
“And that’s kind of who he is. Hopefully, that gives him the confidence to build on.
“He’s one of those guys that brings the energy, brings the juice. Players like seeing him, they’re more confident with him on the field. So, he means a lot to our group, and it was great having him out there.”
Both McCall and teammate Josh Paschal were UK’s biggest cheerleaders at Vandy when they were not in the game in the second half. Stoops noticed.
“That is where they need to continue to lead in these last three games they are going to be a part of. Some young guys right now, they mean well, guys press and they want to do well for their teammates because this team cares about each other, but how they respond to adversity, they can still teach young people. Because they have had their fair share of adversity, and the no-flinch if you will,” Stoops said.
One Response
Glad he’s back. This defense needs McCall.