UK Athletics Photo
Kentucky has started preseason football practice, will have Media Day on Friday and then will host Fan Day, including an open practice, on Saturday.
One of the top returning players who is a big part of the optimism for this year’s team is senior linebacker J.J. Weaver, who contemplated putting his name into the NFL Draft before opting to spend another year with the Wildcats.
During his appearance at SEC Media Days in Nashville, Weaver shared a few thoughts that obviously led to him being back at UK for the 2023 season.
“At the University of Kentucky, we’re really big on player-led team. Coach (Mark) Stoops really helps us being consistent a lot,” Weaver, who gave out 100 bicycles to children in Louisville through his NIL project, said. “So just being consistent with every rep we do on and off the field, being a leader, being a good, positive role model to the community, stuff like that.
“For me, me coming back, I was really big on coming back, being healthy, have a healthy season, get closer to God, my mental health. Losing my father really put a toll on my body.”
Weaver said he worked out twice a day during the offseason and would eat six meals a day. He gained 15 pounds to raise his weight to 215 pounds.
Weaver said he’s comfortable calling a defensive meeting with no coaches to talk about what needs to happen in practice.
“Coach is really laid back. He don’t really be on us like that. He be on us once we messed up or anything like that,” Weaver said
The senior from Louisville wants to be a positive role model to inspire teammates and future UK players.
“Just keep working hard. We are trying to get back to the grind, dirty football of the UK, BBN, Big Blue Wall, stuff like that. Just being physical up front,” he said.
