Encouraging update on Joshua Paschal

Joshua Paschal is still sidelined, but it sounds like he’s made great progress in his battle with cancer.

Paschal, who was diagnosed with malignant melanoma at the beginning of August, was given the diagnosis after having skin lesions removed from his foot that were discovered by the UK medical staff.

Since then, we’ve rarely heard about Paschal’s recovery, though he’s been present for home games while wearing a walking boot and using a scooter along the sideline.

According to a report from KSR, Paschal has made a big step in his recovery, as he is no longer wearing a walking boot or using aid from a medical device to walk. The report also states that Paschal was undergoing chemotherapy after the diagnosis, though it sounds like he has fought through the hardest part of his battle.

Paschal was a rising star on the UK defense. As a true freshman in 2017, he played in all 13 games and made his first start in the Music City Bowl. In that time, he recorded 17 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks He also recorded a blocked punt against Eastern Michigan.

A Washington, D.C., native, Paschal was a consensus four-star recruit coming out of high school. Labeled as the “baby blitz bro” by his teammates last year, Paschal was expected to have a breakout sophomore year, but that’s been put on hold as he fights off this terrible disease.

We probably should not expect to see him this year, as he likely has a ways to go before he’s healthy enough to play and able to get in football shape. It’s just great to hear how far he’s come in his road to recovery, which is all that really matters. Football is irrelevant when it comes to this disease.

Be sure to read the full KSR report.