Hello HOB. Happy Humpday to y’all. Hope you’re having a good one. I’ve pulled up to the JCFTC on a 85-degree, sun-splashed day here in Lexington. The Cats are nearing the end of today’s practice session in preparation for this week’s game against Florida. I’ll have the latest news and notes from the defensive side of the ball with DC Brad White and select players joining us around 5:30 ET. Stay tuned…
* Scouts from Bills and Vikings checking things out today. They’re leaving as we come in today.
DC BRAD WHITE Q&A:
* Asked about Florida planning to use two QBs, White says it’s a very similar gameplan for both guys, both able to pass or throw. Both are athletic, talented with the ball in their hand. Put a lot of pressure on you when both of them can run and the backs are really good, too. "There's a reason that they're third in the country in rushing." (322.5 ypg) Even when you fit it up perfect, they can make a play. Tackling will be huge, he says.
* On the mentality after the UK offense turns the ball over… White says you can view it two ways. The defense has to decide if it’s a detriment or an opportunity to do something special. This defense gets excited to stop the opponent in those situations. Some great senior leaders like DeAndre Square. That entire unit believes they can rise up in the moment. There's an excitement level when that opportunity arises.
* White said he had a good feeling down at SC that the unit was dialed up and ready to go.
* Asked about the suspended players and where they fit into the plans… White says it’s so early, it’s hard to say. Need all of these last 2-3 days to determine whether they can be out there. It’s a mental and physical challenge. Noted that they're working hard to get back in action.
* On his thinking in using the OLBs and shifting guys around now that Vito's back... Some depends on how everybody is playing. May want to ride the hot hand. But it's nice to have bodies and extra depth there.
* Jalen Geiger’s play at SC was really good, White said. They’re hoping it’s a breakthrough moment for him. Made some big plays down the stretch for them in the fourth quarter. You need some of those plays to build confidence.
* On being able to slow down Florida’s rushing attack, White suggests that it may be too much to ask to see the numbers the Cats put up against SC. He said it’s kinda like facing a military academy this week in that they're going to do what they do. You're not going to take it away. You want to stop the run, but in reality, you’re probably not going to put up “wow” statistics in that regard. What you want to do is slow it down and prevent the explosives that can change the momentum of the game. Can't have missed tackles, missed assignments against these guys.
* Cats need Marquan McCall to continue playing at the high level he’s showing right now. He factors big into the run D. "He played a wail of a game (at South Carolina)." Need that kind of energy at the point of attack, White added. It changes the entire complexion of the game. Marquan forced a hold on a play at SC where they had picked up a first down, instead, it created a 1st and 20 and disrupted their whole drive. He's a guy who can put opponents "behind the sticks."
ILB COACH JON SUMRALL:
* Mullen has been able to win all sorts of different ways, but they're running the ball with a ridiculous amount of success this season, Sumrall said. They're a handful to defend. The QBs are really difficult to defend with the ability to run or throw. Huge measuring stick this week.
* When the QB is a guy who can run so well, it's almost like having an extra guy on the field, Sumrall said. You typically don't account for him in the run game, so it's like a 12th guy.
* On physicality in this matchup... Sumrall says Cats are best with an edge and a chip on their shoulder. "You may get beat on certain plays, but you can't let somebody be more physical than you."
* Asked if the Gators remind him of anyone he faced in the past, Sumrall said not really, but maybe Florida when they had Tebow. The difference is more speed and a little less power from the QBs. "These two QBs can flat roll."
LB DEANDRE SQUARE:
LB JACQUEZ JONES:
* Scouts from Bills and Vikings checking things out today. They’re leaving as we come in today.
DC BRAD WHITE Q&A:
* Asked about Florida planning to use two QBs, White says it’s a very similar gameplan for both guys, both able to pass or throw. Both are athletic, talented with the ball in their hand. Put a lot of pressure on you when both of them can run and the backs are really good, too. "There's a reason that they're third in the country in rushing." (322.5 ypg) Even when you fit it up perfect, they can make a play. Tackling will be huge, he says.
* On the mentality after the UK offense turns the ball over… White says you can view it two ways. The defense has to decide if it’s a detriment or an opportunity to do something special. This defense gets excited to stop the opponent in those situations. Some great senior leaders like DeAndre Square. That entire unit believes they can rise up in the moment. There's an excitement level when that opportunity arises.
* White said he had a good feeling down at SC that the unit was dialed up and ready to go.
* Asked about the suspended players and where they fit into the plans… White says it’s so early, it’s hard to say. Need all of these last 2-3 days to determine whether they can be out there. It’s a mental and physical challenge. Noted that they're working hard to get back in action.
* On his thinking in using the OLBs and shifting guys around now that Vito's back... Some depends on how everybody is playing. May want to ride the hot hand. But it's nice to have bodies and extra depth there.
* Jalen Geiger’s play at SC was really good, White said. They’re hoping it’s a breakthrough moment for him. Made some big plays down the stretch for them in the fourth quarter. You need some of those plays to build confidence.
* On being able to slow down Florida’s rushing attack, White suggests that it may be too much to ask to see the numbers the Cats put up against SC. He said it’s kinda like facing a military academy this week in that they're going to do what they do. You're not going to take it away. You want to stop the run, but in reality, you’re probably not going to put up “wow” statistics in that regard. What you want to do is slow it down and prevent the explosives that can change the momentum of the game. Can't have missed tackles, missed assignments against these guys.
* Cats need Marquan McCall to continue playing at the high level he’s showing right now. He factors big into the run D. "He played a wail of a game (at South Carolina)." Need that kind of energy at the point of attack, White added. It changes the entire complexion of the game. Marquan forced a hold on a play at SC where they had picked up a first down, instead, it created a 1st and 20 and disrupted their whole drive. He's a guy who can put opponents "behind the sticks."
ILB COACH JON SUMRALL:
* Mullen has been able to win all sorts of different ways, but they're running the ball with a ridiculous amount of success this season, Sumrall said. They're a handful to defend. The QBs are really difficult to defend with the ability to run or throw. Huge measuring stick this week.
* When the QB is a guy who can run so well, it's almost like having an extra guy on the field, Sumrall said. You typically don't account for him in the run game, so it's like a 12th guy.
* On physicality in this matchup... Sumrall says Cats are best with an edge and a chip on their shoulder. "You may get beat on certain plays, but you can't let somebody be more physical than you."
* Asked if the Gators remind him of anyone he faced in the past, Sumrall said not really, but maybe Florida when they had Tebow. The difference is more speed and a little less power from the QBs. "These two QBs can flat roll."
LB DEANDRE SQUARE:
LB JACQUEZ JONES:
