Mark Stoops explains why it was important to have Jordan Wright back in the lineup

Mark Stoops’ team got a massive boost with the return of fifth-year outside linebacker Jordan Wright. After missing the Wildcat’s opener due to an undisclosed issue, he played a major role in Kentucky’s win on the road over Florida.

Stoops spoke about Wright’s impact in his return to the field after the 26-16 victory. Besides his play, he says Wright’s energy and leadership were two things that were felt immediately.

“He’s a player for us. I don’t think there’s any question. (We’ve) seen him play for a while. He’s not only a good football player but he brings good energy. (Wright) is one of those guys who’s a strong leader in his presence. He has that energy that’s contagious,” said Stoops.

Wright was one of the UK players involved in an off-field issue that has held some of them out to start the year. It’s the same issue that has held Kentucky running back Chris Rodriguez out for the first two games. However, Wright was cleared this week and came back to the field in a big way.

Wright finished with six tackles, a sack, and an interception that he returned for 18 yards against the Gators. The interception was miraculous as he scooped in a pass from Anthony Richardson and helped put Kentucky in scoring position ahead of the half.

Mark Stoops’ linebacker unit is already plenty deep with Deandre Square, JJ Weaver, and Jacquez Jones. Add Wright back into the mix and they make one of the best linebacking quartets in the country. He made his presence felt early in his return and should be big for Kentucky defensively as they continue on with a now Top-10 team.

WATCH: Jordan Wright makes incredible interception on Anthony Richardson

Kentucky linebacker Jordan Wright’s incredible interception gave the Wildcats a burst of life at the end of the first half. Anthony Richardson threw an ill-advised pass right into the hands of Wright. He made an athletic play to secure the ball and win possession for Kentucky at the goal line.

The play helped set the Wildcats up for a quick touchdown, bringing their deficit down to 16-13 before the break. Wright nearly returned the ball into the end zone himself after the big play, but an impressive open field tackle by Richardson kept him from scoring it himself.

One-handed INT at point-blank range 😱 @JayyDubb15!

📺 – @ESPN 📲 – https://t.co/G4ZTknMNuv pic.twitter.com/GVcYZNYdVn

— Kentucky Football (@UKFootball) September 11, 2022

Wright’s big play is exactly why Kentucky fans were so glad to see him return to the field, as he returned to action for the team following his absence last week. The play came at a pivotal moment for Mark Stoops’ team, and would have been for the game-tying touchdown possibly if not for two major mistakes by Kentucky’s special teams — with two bad snaps leading to the three-point deficit.