A UK Football Homecoming, Swan Song and NFL Draft Test at the Citrus Bowl

In a bowl season tinged with controversy surrounding the question, “Who wants to play?” the Kentucky football program is leaving no doubt that they are preparing to play an emotionally charged matchup with the Iowa Hawkeyes.

The emotional energy starts at the top and trickles down to a variety of important actors. Mark Stoops will be facing his alma mater and has not hesitated to share his feelings about Iowa. Jon Sumrall will spend one more game on the sideline coaching for his alma mater before taking his talents to Troy. Meanwhile, Kenneth Horsey will have the chance to shine in the hometown spotlight, as Marquan McCall carries his NFL fate in his hands.

Sumrall’s Swan Song

Jon Sumrall wore a Kentucky football uniform. After playing for three seasons in Lexington, he began coaching the Cats, working as a grad assistant for Rich Brooks. Stoops gave him the opportunity to return and Sumrall has given 110% ever since. Leaving Lexington was a difficult decision to make, but Troy provided the perfect opportunity to become a college head football coach. There’s just one final thing he must do.

“I’m all in to finish this the right way and hopefully get win number ten,” he said following Tuesday’s practice.

“You wanna go out the right way. I want to coach DeAndre Square one more time.”

Sumrall stopped short of elaborating further. He tried to hide his emotion with silence, but it was inescapable, even behind a podium in front of a crowd of cameras. These players, this program, they mean the world to Sumrall. A victory over Iowa would be the perfect capstone to his second stint in Lexington.

“It’s my alma mater. When coach (Stoops) gave me the opportunity three years ago to come back, it meant something to me to put on that logo everyday and it still does. There were not very many situations to get me to leave where I’ve been. This one I’ve got in front of me is one of the few that I would consider. It’s meant a great deal to me that coach (Stoops) has given me the opportunity to come back here and coach the last three years and I’ll never take it for granted.”

Kenneth Horsey’s Homecoming

Almost four years after Kennth Horsey underwent open heart surgery, the UK offensive guard will play in front of 60,000 people on New Year’s Day just 25 miles from his high school in Sanford, Fl. Last year’s Mayo Clinic Comeback Player of the Year, Saturday will be a surreal experience.

“I remember in 2018, Coach Schlarman told me that my time would come one day and make sure that I’m always progressing, staying ready for my time,” Horsey said. “Here I am, back in the very same game about to play a team and blessed to be out there.

“It’s a great culmination of everything that’s leading me right back here, leading me right back home. It just feels good. I feel blessed.”

Horsey’s homecoming provides more than emotional value. His experience playing in the Florida heat will benefit his teammates.

“I already know about playing in that Florida heat. I’m over here giving other guys tips like, hey, you gotta get water on your wrists, you gotta get the back of your neck. You gotta stay hydrated because in Florida it’s not just that sun, it’s the humidity too and a lot of people are not used to that.”

Marquan McCall’s Draft Test

Marquan McCall’s future is in his hands. Most pro prospects need an extra week in the Senior Bowl to go toe-to-toe with a first round draft pick. Bully gets that opportunity this Saturday against All-American center Tyler Linderbaum.

“He knows how to drive off the ball. He’s really aggressive. I just like a challenge and I feel like between me and him, it’s gonna be a great game.”

This will not be McCall’s first rodeo against a future NFL center. He gets to face Luke Fortner quite frequently. “He gives me work everyday. Man, it’s crazy,” said McCall.

If McCall takes the lessons he learned against the Big Blue Wall, you could see him skyrocket up NFL Draft boards this spring.