New Troy coach Jon Sumrall proves that Kentucky is still important to him

Jon Sumrall will still coach with Kentucky in its bowl game even though he is now the head coach at Troy. (Troy Athletics Photo)

Never doubt the impact the University of Kentucky has had on Jon Sumrall.

“The University of Kentucky has sculpted me and helped me become who I am in so many different ways,” Sumrall said.

He was recruited to play football at Kentucky by Hal Mumme, played for coach Guy Morriss and then was a graduate assistant for two years under Rich Brooks when an injury ended his career after he led UK in tackles in 2004.

“Rich Brooks had a huge impact on me there,” Sumrall said Monday on a Zoom conference from Troy.

Sumrall returned to Kentucky before the 2019 season as linebackers coach on Mark Stoops’ staff but now is headed to Troy University as its new head coach. However, he’s not abandoning his Kentucky roots even though he’s returning to his native Alabama.

Even though he has to put together a staff, recruit and make plans for next season, he is going to coach when UK plays Iowa in the Citrus Bowl Jan. 1 in Orlando.

“Coach Stoops and I have communicated. (Athletics Director) Mitch Barnhart and I have spoken or communicated about it as well. The plan is for me to coach in the bowl game,”Sumrall said.

“I’d love to get win No. 10, and coaching some of those young men there means so much to me. I really will cherish one more opportunity to go out with those guys.”

If that loyalty to UK does not impress you, consider what he did last weekend. He agreed to take the Troy coaching job on Friday and met with the team. He then flew back to Lexington Saturday because players he had recruited were on campus for official visits.

“Did lunch with some of those guys and just kind of hugged their neck and let them know that they’re at the right place going to Kentucky. Regardless of whether I was there or not,” Sumrall said.

That’s the kind of person Sumrall is. It’s what makes him so relatable to recruits and what players enjoy playing for him so much.

My guess is Sumrall’s loyalty and devotion will help inspire UK’s linebackers — and probably the whole team — against Iowa.

“The University of Kentucky is important to me,” Sumrall said. “The young men on that football team are important to me. Getting win No. 10 is important to me.”