"I feel like we taught them well;" Kentucky seniors lead by example in bowl win

For this Kentucky team, experience is more than an asset. The pride and conviction that comes from winning bowl games in four consecutive seasons are stitched into the very fabric of their jerseys. Building a winning culture takes work, and UK’s seniors have worked day in and day out to see it through.

On days such as Saturday, the reward for all that work is paid off in spades. But for all the smiles and jubilation that follow a dramatic New Year’s Day bowl victory, the most rewarding sight of all is the next generation of signal-bearers earning their stripes.

Look no further than freshman DL Tre’Vonn Rybka, who stepped in for his first career start and made several clutch plays on defense; or D’Eryk Jackson, the sophomore ILB in the same situation who ended up with seven tackles and this critical interception:

INT: @Derykjackson4 after @JayyDubb15 tipped the pass! Linebackers making plays in the @CitrusBowl!

📺 – ABC 📲 – https://t.co/5ncAcBLPTa pic.twitter.com/rcgJDtNu1G

— Kentucky Football (@UKFootball) January 1, 2022

Make no mistake, the kids weren’t perfect. As the injuries to key upperclassmen piled up, Kentucky looked more and more overmatched. But the backups kept the ‘Cats in the game long enough for Wan’Dale Robinson and the offense to strike back one more time. And with the smell of blood in the water, the veterans knew what to do. After all, hadn’t they seen this movie before?

Kentucky’s comeback win, capped off with Square’s incredible Kirk Gibson-esque interception, was a perfect teaching moment. Leading by example is always the best method, and you won’t find a finer example than that.

I caught up with LB DeAndre Square literally limping off the field after returning to a game where he was ruled "out." Where did he get his will power? He says I "played for my brothers" today. I'm sure they appreciated the sacrifice 🙏🔵⚪️ #BBN #ForTheTeam #WeAreUK @d_square10 pic.twitter.com/8t0ZxWrFS6

— Chris Bolton (@Chris_Bolton_12) January 2, 2022

Still, it doesn’t stop there. Every member of this historic senior class deserves credit for building the culture to what it is today — including senior captain Josh Paschal, who watched his final game from the sidelines on Saturday.

“These guys, the young guys, I feel like we taught them well,” Paschal said after the game. “These guys have a lot of potential, and we’re all proud of them. We’re proud of the men they’re becoming and the players they’ll become in the future as well.”

For the first time in maybe ever, Kentucky football is built for success in the present and the future. Now let’s run that s#*t back.