Mark Stoops knows that if the Kentucky defense has a chance to be great in 2021, Josh Paschal is a key to that success.

Paschal had a sack and 32 tackles in 2020, and also made an interception against Mississippi State. He’s one of the veteran players returning on defense, especially for the defensive front. Stoops discussed Paschal’s contributions and expectations during a conversation with BBN Tonight.

“Josh is one of those guys, he’s always striving to be the best that he can,” Stoops said. “Everybody on our team, everybody in our organization, if we had the mentality of Josh, we’d be very successful. He’s always every day getting 1 percent better. Works extremely hard. The guys respect him, the guys respect him. You can’t spend anytime around Josh and not be impressed about him as an individual, as a person. And on the field, I really expect a big year out of him. Just with his work ethic, his comfort zone, moving in, I think you’re going to see him be an impact guy.”