By LARRY VAUGHT
Photo: Vicky Graff
Freshman defensive line Quinton Bohanna had his best game against Tennessee last week and even coach Mark Stoops had to admit Monday that he did well in "all phases" of his play.
"He executed his assignment on blitzes and certain techniques that we needed to be better than we were a year ago. He executes some things and had some awareness. He was physical. He played with great effort. He did some good things, very good. Made tackles," Stoops said.
"There’s been more production out of that position than we’ve had in awhile. He’s done some good things. He’s actually our player of the week defensively within our own team. He’s our defensive player of the week.”
He's moved ahead of senior nose guard Matt Elam and provided solid play along with starter Naquez Pringle.
“I think he has probably exceeded my expectations for his first year. I knew he was going to be a very good football player. He’s played well as a freshman. That’s a tough position, as you know. Playing nose in this league, you’re getting banged around pretty good," Stoops said.
The coach said good defenses have to be "firm up the middle" and that Bohanna's quickness helps him execute certain techniques better than other UK nose guards.
"For a big body to be quick in his movements is important, but he’s also very stout and disruptive. it’s very easy to get doubled and bounced out of there. So basically up the middle, you’ve gotta be strong at the point of attack. He’s not getting bounced around," Stoops said.
Even better, he will have three more years to play for Kentucky and maybe give Stoops an anchor in the defensive front he's not had during his time at UK.
"Very grateful that he’s here. I love his attitude. Our players like him. He’s got a great demeanor about him. He’s very focused. He’s on a mission and I just like the way he handles business. If he continues to progress, he has a chance to be a really good player," Stoops said.
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