Josh Paschal has Transformed into a Game Wrecker

Elliott Hess | UK Athletics

In one of the first plays of Josh Paschal’s Kentucky career, the defensive end created a spectacle. Throughout his tenure he’s faced adversity. Now entering his final season, he’s ready to be a consistent disruptor for the Wildcats.

Trailing late, Southern Miss was backed up in their own end zone, needing a miracle on third down to keep hopes of a comeback alive. The Golden Eagles called a shovel pass. Paschal blew up running back Ito Smith before he could take two steps out of the end zone.

Since Paschal provided the exclamation point on a season opening win, his career has taken one left turn after another. He switched positions, beat cancer, then switched positions again. After a full season at defensive end, he used the last year to take his game to the next level.

“I don’t think it’s any surprise that Josh Paschal is showing up,” Mark Stoops said at the conclusion of spring practice, “but I feel like he’s a guy that’s taking it to another level where you see a very good player turn into a game wrecker at times. There’s times in practice or in a scrimmage where he can take over and be very disruptive, so it’s good to see him growing that way.”

Over the last 15 spring practices, tight end Justin Rigg was often tasked to slow down the talented defensive end. No matter what play was called, Paschal found a way to get in on the action.

“If you look at the ball Josh Paschal is always around it, whether it’s 20 yards downfield or five yards in the backfield, he’s always making plays and he’s always hustling after every play,” Rigg said. “It seems like he never gets tired.”

His play has been one of the bright spots for the defense this spring. The Cats are looking for more explosiveness from the outside linebackers. Paschal has happily provided that and more from defensive end, stopping plays before they even start.

“He’s blowing up plays,” said safety Yusuf Corker. “I sit back and watch film and the play hasn’t even developed yet and you see Josh in the backfield. He’s really, I’m telling you, he’s really going to have a big season this year. I’ve been seeing a lot of Josh, even me as a secondary person. When I’m reading my keys, I hear the whistle blow and I’m like, ‘I only took two steps. What happened?’ Oh, it’s Josh. He’s already in the backfield. He already sacked the quarterback. He already touched the ball carrier. He’s really going to be great for us this year.”

It has never been easy for Josh Paschal. Now that he’s finally settled in and in excellent physical condition, 2021 is shaping up to be his best season as a Wildcat.