DeAndre Square celebrates after Kentucky's Citrus Bowl win. (Vicky Graff Photo)
Former Kentucky linebacker coach Jon Sumrall was not the least bit surprised when senior DeAndre Square limped back on the field to help rescue the UK defense in the Citrus Bowl against Iowa. Square had hurt his ankle and Kentucky was trailing Iowa 17-13 when Square tapped Sumrall’s shoulder to tell him he was going back into the game.
“I asked him if he was sure and he said he was going to finish the game. He said, ‘I am ready. Let’s go,'” Sumrall, who coached the bowl game even though he had accepted the head coaching position at Troy University, said.
“It didn’t surprise me at all. He is tough as nails and a quality young man. He’s one of the best young men I have ever coached. We were getting ready to take the field for a critical situation and here he comes. I thought he was out (for the game) but he wanted to play.”
Square has been a defensive standout for UK’s bowl teams and was the focal point of this year’s defense because of his play on the field and leadership off the field.
“He’s just full of grit and toughness. He is a man’s man,” Sumrall said. “He is a thousand times better player than I ever was. With a great way to end the game with him making the final play.”
Square’s interception secured the 20-17 UK win and brought back memories from three years ago when Chris Oats recovered a fumble to seal a Citrus Bowl win over Penn State.
Square and Oats were in the same recruiting class and Square became emotional after his play because Oats was paralyzed during a summer illness. He was at the game in a wheelchair.
“Those guys are brothers, I was watching that (Penn State) game in Mississippi (where he was coaching for Ole Miss) when Kentucky beat Penn State and a month later I was coming to join this program,” Sumrall said.
“When I got here, Chris and DeAndre were close. I coached Chris my first year when we beat Virginia Tech (in the Belk Bowl) and during a crucial three-and-out he made all three tackles.
“Those guys are brothers for life. Adversity only drew them closer together. Chris will always be a family member to me and this team. I talk to his mom at least weekly. Same with Chris. Chris will always be a Wildcat and no one knows that better than Deandre.”
2 Responses
A Cornerstone of the building blocks .
Square is the real deal. He does most of his talking on the field. Truly a UK football player who has made his mark on this UK program.