Mark Stoops Understands Why LB J.J. Weaver is Frustrated

J.J. Weaver (Vicky Graff Photo)

Kentucky fifth-year senior linebacker  J.J. Weaver has had an inspirational collegiate career.

His father was shot and killed in 2020. He suffered a season-ending knee injury late in the 2021 season.

Weaver was also born with six fingers on his right hand and finally shared his story to help inspire others.

He’s also been part of the first peer-led grief counseling group on UK’s campus — The Perfect Fit Peer Support Group.

He returned to Kentucky this season rather than try the NFL and set big goals for himself. Through 10 games he has 30 tackles, four sacks, two pass breakups and one quarterback hit. However, he expected a lot more and was aiming for 10 or more sacks.

After UK’s beatdown by Alabama last week, Weaver posted on X that he felt he had let some people down this year with his play. He didn’t name who but it was obvious he was blaming himself for UK’s 6-4 record.

Kentucky coach Mark Stoops was asked Monday going into this week’s game at South Carolina about the comment and if he felt any other players felt the same way.

“I think it is human nature when things go wrong or going bad, to react in different ways,” Stoops said. “You can definitely see some frustration in J.J., not even this past week, not towards anybody, just kind of down.

“He has worked hard and he has been around here a long time. He has been a really good player for us and I think sometimes players are pressured and want to make plays and want to do well for themselves, for their team, for their future, for a lot of things.”

Nothing wrong with that. It shows a player cares and sometimes that can lead to trying to do much.

“The bottom line is, and I’m not pointing this towards J.J. but towards any player, it comes down, this is a fundamental game. You will make plays when technique and opportunity meet,” Stoops said.

“When you have great technique, you’re working hard, you’re relentless, you’re doing things the right way, eventually the production will be there.”