Kentucky Wildcats Football: Mark Stoops Transcript
By Paul Jordan
Oct 11, 2014; Lexington, KY, USA; Kentucky Wildcats safety Marcus McWilson (15) celebrates after returning an interception against against the Louisiana-Monroe Warhawks in the second half at Commonwealth Stadium. Kentucky defeated Louisiana-Monroe 48-14. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports
Q. (Question regarding Marcus McWilson.)
COACH STOOPS: Yeah. Marcus is growing. And I (have to) continue to lean on Marcus, and we’ve gotta continue to really push him, because he’s got great ability, and it’s just a matter of just really being disciplined in his preparation. He means well. He’s just gotta concentrate and be more precise in his practice habits, because he’s got some big‑play capability, and he’s a big, physical guy. And so we have to continue to work with him and continue to push him.
Q. (Question regarding Coach Stoops relationship with former UK assistant coach Bradley Dale Peveto, now at LSU.)
COACH STOOPS: Yeah. He always sends texts, and we communicate back and forth throughout the year. Bradley Dale has been a close friend of mine for a long time, and we’ll continue to be. I don’t think we’ll talk much this week. Maybe he’ll send me over some crawfish to the hotel or something, but we talk throughout the year.
Q. Do you have to change anything in terms of signaling?
COACH STOOPS: We’re different ‑‑ we already have different signals this year.
Q. (Question regarding UK and LSU being similar teams with similar weaknesses and how you combat that.)
COACH STOOPS: I think any coach will tell you just look to improve in all areas.
Again, talking about them, they’re just very physical. That’s what you expect when you play LSU. I’m sure Coach Miles prides himself on that, and they are. They’re big and physical up front, big strong backs.
They’re inexperienced at certain positions, but very talented. They’re extremely talented in the secondary. You know, that’s something that I noticed right away in watching them. Just have great appreciation for the way they cover people. They’re big and long and athletic, and obviously very well coached with Coach (John) Chavis being around forever, doing a great job. So they’re just good across the board.
And that’s us, all we’re doing is do is improve in the areas like you talk about, maybe we’ve not been strong, we gotta continue to improve and that’s the good news is we’re just scratching the surface. I think we can be a much better football team.
Q. (Question regarding LSU defensive coordinator John Chavis and the characteristics of his defense.)
COACH STOOPS: Just well coached, always in position. Aggressive, but they’re in position. They’re not going to give you anything. You have to earn it. You have to beat them. And just a well‑coached team. And always play hard. That’s always a compliment to any coach with the attitude of your players.