YOU ARE HERE: Central Kentucky Home→Collections→Wesley Woodyard

Spring Football: Myron Pryor knows this could be big year for him

April 10, 2008|LARRY VAUGHT

LEXINGTON -- Kentucky defensive tackle Myron Pryor knows this could be a big year for him.

He's being counted on to help anchor the defensive line on what coach Rich Brooks believes will be an improved defense as UK tries to put together its third straight winning season. However, Pryor's play will also help determine his possible National Football League future.

"Yes, it could be a big year for me. I already know what my future is. There is always a lot of talk about me going to the next level," Pryor said. "I am very happy that I have the capability to go to the next level and have the athleticism to do that.

"Right now, though, I have to focus on my school and what I am doing here. I don't need to be thinking about something later down the road that is going to affect me during my school year. I don't want my mind to be somewhere else and not here because then I won't have the best year I can have."

Still, Pryor knows he has a big role to play on a defense that must help compensate for the loss of many key players off last year's offense.

"I want to be a key part of the defense. In past years, I have been a key part making stops here and there," Pryor said. "This year I just need to be one of those guys where somebody can count on me every game.

"This year feels like more that I want to be like a (graduated linebacker) Wesley Woodyard and be a team leader. I want to be a motivational speaker for the team and just get everybody focused. I just want to be the best I can be this year."

Pryor admits that somewhat of a new leadership attitude for him.

"It has been a long process for me here. When I first got here, I was always excited and just happy to be here," he said. "Now I want to go out with a bang my senior year. Now it is more of a responsibility to play well because you know what you have to do to succeed later on in life.

"I don't have very much to say most of the time. I have my words here and there to get guys rallied up. I just kind of let people see what I do and hopefully they can follow. But this year I know I have to do everything possible to help this team win. That's my responsibility as a senior."

|

|

|