Mark Stoops updates status of John Schlarman and Joshua Paschal

Game week is here for the Kentucky Wildcats, and Mark Stoops held his Week 1 press conference on Monday.

There, Stoops spoke on a variety of topics on his team entering the new season, including updates on offensive line coach John Schlarman and defensive end Joshua Paschal, both of whom are dealing with medical issues.

In early August, Paschal was diagnosed with malignant melanoma on the bottom of his foot, the same which he injured earlier this summer. Schlarman was also revealed to be going through a health situation, though Stoops would not specify exactly what it was, only saying it will require further testing.

On Monday, Stoops gave a brief update on Paschal, saying he was out until further notice.

“Josh Paschal is reviving treatment and will be out indefinitely until we tell you,” said Stoops.

On Schlarman, he has undergone two rounds of chemotherapy and will continue to coach going forward, though Stoops still won’t specify the exact health issue Schlarman is battling.

“He’s undergone two rounds of chemotherapy,” said Stoops. “He has a strong attitude and mindset. He’s been a warrior with this. Comes to practice every day.”

“His health and family are first and foremost. We’ve had those discussions every step of the way. I’m probably more cautious than he wants to be. Fortunately, he’s responding well to the medicine.”

Paschal, who hails from Our Lady of Good Counsel High School in Maryland, is already battling a foot injury expected to sideline him into the regular season, so this latest setback makes his status even murkier.

Paschal picked Kentucky over the likes of Oklahoma and Notre Dame. He was the best player Stoops landed in the 2017 class, as 247 Sports ranked him 191st overall in addition to being the eighth-best defensive end prospect in 2017.

As a true freshman last season, Paschal recorded 16 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks. His impact was even great than that thanks to his ability to put pressure on opposing passers at a high rate.

As for Schlarman, the former Wildcats guard is set to begin his sixth season at his alma mater. He’s helped develop this offensive line into what was shaping up to be one of the team’s biggest strengths in 2018, but that was before left tackle Landon Young was lost to a season-ending knee injury.

Still, this unit has a lot of talent and depth. Under the guidance of Schlarman, it may very well help pave the way for another postseason berth.