Marquan McCall: How Kentucky Replaces the Carolina Panther

Kentucky nose tackle Marquan McCall signed an Undrafted Free Agent contract with the Carolina Panthers after failing to be selected in the 2022 NFL Draft.  

McCall played in 40 games with 11 starts over his four-year Kentucky career. He registered 57 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, three QB hurries, two forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery as a Wildcat. The 3-4 nose tackle position is not one that accumulates a high number of stats. In fact, its main purpose is to eat up double teams and blockers which takes a great deal of unselfishness and toughness to properly execute. McCall was efficient in that role. The fun-loving defensive lineman had an infectious personality that led to him being a fan favorite. 

Mark Stoops has enjoyed a run of influential nose tackles. Quinton Bohanna was drafted by the Cowboys this time last year. McCall played behind Bohanna before becoming a full-time starter in 2021. He battled injuries last season. UK’s defense was simply better with the Detroit, Michigan product on the field. It suffered when he was sidelined. 

Kentucky has recruiting star-power and depth at the nose tackle position going forward. Former five-star recruit Justin Rogers started four games last season and played in all 13. The 6’3, 336-pound junior recorded 16 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, and 1.5 QB sacks while filling in for McCall. Former four-star Josaih Hayes is another starter level contributor that played in 13 games with one start a year ago. Sophomore Jamarius Dinkins offers length to the defensive line’s interior. The 6’5, 300-pounder from Columbus, Ohio provides depth at the position and could surface as UK’s interior pass rush specialist. 

What Does All This Mean? 

Marquan McCall missed four games due to injury in 2021. His absence in the middle of the line of scrimmage was noticeable. The trio of Justin Rogers, Josaih Hayes, and Jamarius Dinkins will ensure that the Cats are deep at the nose tackle position. However, it’s yet to be seen if one of the three can separate to develop into a similar force that McCall and Bohanna were over the center.