Josh Paschal "Wowed" Mark Stoops at Today's Scrimmage

[caption id="attachment_226410" align="alignnone" width="750"] UKFootball | IG[/caption] Josh Paschal did something crazy during today's scrimmage.  Normally coaches are hesitant to praise individuals before watching film, but Mark Stoops couldn't help himself. "He made a play or two that really stood out to me, WOWed me," Stoops said.  "He showed three or four plays in the scrimmage that he just stood out today." The edge rusher from Good Counsel High School in Maryland is one of the highest-ranked defensive recruits ever signed by UK.  An explosive athlete, most expected him to play in some capacity this fall.  Even though he got dinged up a little early in camp, he's forcing the coaches to put him on the football field. "He's a big physical, athletic guy that is a sponge," defensive coordinator Matt House said. "I think he's really coachable.  He's progressed over these last three weeks really well." Stoops tried to pump the brakes, but he absolutely loves what he's seeing from Paschal. "I don't want to get everybody all excited -- he's a freshman, he's got a lot of work to do -- but he's very very talented and he does stand out out there.  He's a physical guy who's got a lot of twitch.  He has good instincts.  He's smart.  We can move him around and do some different things with him.  He's one of those versatile guys." Paschal's versatility and eagerness to play are characteristics he shares with many of his freshmen classmates. "I love this freshmen group," said Stoops.  "I think they’re instinctual.  They’re ball players. They love playing.  They’re here all the time.  They’ve been impressive.” It's the most experienced team Mark Stoops has fielded during his time at Kentucky, but do not be surprised if Paschal and a few other freshman are put on the field to WOW fans this fall.