Every player in this league eventually finds their identity, usually in the early stages of their career.
Josh Paschal, a third-year defensive lineman, had that moment this offseason when he discussed tape with Terrell Williams, the new defensive line coach and run game coordinator.
“I like to be in charge. After practice on Tuesday, Paschal said, “I am a power rusher.” “I play with power and I am a bigger, stronger guy. That harsh, dirty guy is me.
Each player, in my opinion, has an own identity. All I had to do was accept that.
That has given me the courage to come this far and play as the physical player that I am. I can not wait for this new season to demonstrate that, man.”
Paschal claimed that one day, Williams sat down with him and told him that he needed an identity. Williams also bluntly stated that he believed Paschal to be a more powerful player and that if Paschal accepted that, he would begin to see more rapid success. Although it is natural for a young player to attempt to be someone they are not and try to accomplish too much, Paschal understood that Williams was right and that it was time to accept who he is.
He was selected in the second round of the 2022 selection and has had moments of strong performance, but he has also struggled with durability, sitting out 12 games in his first two seasons. In 22 games (eight starts), he has racked up 3.0 sacks, 41 solo tackles, and seven stops.
Paschal claimed that in addition to gaining muscle and learning Pilates and a stretching regimen this offseason, he also improved his durability.
