Maturing Marquan McCall Ready for Big Senior Season
As the Kentucky football team has progressed this spring, much of the attention has been about the offense. And why not? New offensive coordinator Liam Coen has brought his offense from the NFL to the Cats for the 2021 season.
While the defense has not been talked about nearly as much, there is one player who has been the topic of conversations about both coaches and teammates this spring – nose guard Marquan McCall.
As his senior year approaches, McCall is ready to have an even bigger impact on the team this season. That role will include being more of a leader, something that the Detroit native is ready to do.
“I’ve just been really getting to know players, taking care of my body, just doing everything right,” McCall said. “I had my fun in the past years. And I just want to take everything in and do everything right so I can show the younger guys how it’s supposed to be.”
McCall has never been one to rack up big numbers, nor does his position require him to do so. McCall had 22 total tackles last season, including one tackle for loss and an half sack. During his UK career, McCall has amassed 48 tackles, including 6.5 tackles for loss and one and a half sacks. But he knows that his particular position is not necessarily about the numbers.
“You don’t even think about the (tackles for loss) and the sacks,” McCall said. “My thing is, I want to make sure I get double teamed so the free hitter can come. That’s my whole job. I just want to make sure I’m in the best position to put the other guys in. Because I made the play already by taking on two (players).”
UK head coach Mark Stoops likes what he has seen from McCall this fall.
“I’m very encouraged by what I’ve seen from him,” Stoops said. “He’s always had the talent. You’re seeing him play more consistent. You’re seeing him step up and be the type of dominant player that he can be. I just encourage him to continue that and to continue to be consistent and be able to play more plays. I think he’s getting in better shape. He’s playing at a high level. He can be very disruptive inside.”
McCall has made a special point of getting in better shape for this season.
“You have to stay conditioned, do extra work, stay after practice, do extra running,” McCall said. “Whatever it takes to keep your extra wind going.”
McCall’s teammates have taken notice, including Josh Paschal, who sent McCall a text message recently, one that meant a lot to McCall.
“It meant a lot to me,” McCall said of Paschal’s text. “It really uplifted me and made me want to go harder and pushed me to want to do more. I really appreciated Josh for that.”
McCall is known for having fun on and off the field. And despite his more serious demeanor for this year’s spring practice, the big man still claims to be the best dancer on the team.
“Oh, definitely,” McCall said. “Anybody on the team wants to have a dance battle, I’m here.”
A more serious, but still fun-loving McCall, could provide a huge role for the UK defense this fall.
