Some of the best football played at the FCS level in the 2000s has been at the Dakota schools. Although many players at those programs fly under the national radar, a handful become coveted prospects in the transfer portal for Power Four programs. Mi’Quise Humphrey-Grace was an impact player the last two years at South […]
Some of the best football played at the FCS level in the 2000s has been at the Dakota schools.
Although many players at those programs fly under the national radar, a handful become coveted prospects in the transfer portal for Power Four programs.
Mi’Quise Humphrey-Grace was an impact player the last two years at South Dakota, helping the Coyotes post a 21-6 record and trips to the FCS semifinals and quarterfinals.
Along the way, he recorded 101 tackles, 26 tackles for loss, and 15 sacks. The Cincinnati native was named the 2024 Missouri Valley Football Conference Defensive Player of the Year, helping grab the attention of the Kentucky staff when he entered the portal.
“I was really excited when we got that phone call, that he was coming here,” UK defensive line coach Anwar Stewart said. “BBN is going to be excited because he’s a really good football player.
“He’s explosive, he’s fast, he’s smart, he’s a student of the game,” Stewart continued. “He’s kinda quiet, but he’s got this sneaky personality to him. BBN is going to love him. From his first snap, you guys are going to know who he is. We’re blessed to have him and really excited. He fills a void we had.”
Quick move on the depth chart
The 6-foot-4, 270-pound Humphrey Grace earned a starting spot at defensive end on Kentucky’s first depth chart of the season as the Wildcats prepare for Saturday’s opener against Toledo.
He had created a steady buzz throughout camp, but UK defensive coordinator Brad White gave his stock an even bigger boost.
“I think he’s got a really high upside,” White said. “He’s been a really steady, consistent, high-level performer through spring, through fall camp for us. Expecting big things from him this year.”
White is not typically prone to hyperbole. He is often hesitant to throw praise toward a player until they demonstrate their ability on the field.
Humphrey-Grace played so well in camp, he became an exception.
A big comparison
“I wasn’t going to do it, but I’m going to do it,” he said. “… From a physicality standpoint, from a way he can potentially affect a game, he has Josh Paschal-type potential. But, obviously, what Josh did in his time here was show up on Saturdays. Quise has to show up on Saturdays and prove he can do that.”
Added Stewart: “The only difference is, probably, he’s a little bit taller than Josh. But you talk about heavy hands and explosion coming out of his hips — his first two or three steps are really explosive — and he plays with violence.”
Paschal was a first-team All-SEC selection and a second-team All-American in 2021 before getting drafted in the second round by the NFL’s Detroit Lions.
Humphrey-Grace seems to be handling the praise with equal parts modesty and quiet confidence.
“I just take it day by day, keep doing it,” he said. “Just play football, don’t pay too much attention to all that.”
He came to Lexington expecting to compete for the starting job he has now earned.
“I wasn’t really surprised. I came here with a mission,” Humphrey-Grace said. “I know I had a great opportunity in front of me, so I just tried to come in from Day 1 and attack it.”
That included attacking the weight room. He credits UK strength and conditioning coach Corey Edmond for creating a training plan that helped him gain 15-20 pounds in the eight months since arriving in Lexington.
Humphrey-Grace thinks that will help him hold up better in the trenches of the rugged SEC. “Especially against the run,” he added. “I feel much stronger.”
“The boy’s a freak”
He has quickly earned the respect of one of his fellow defensive transfers, nose guard David Gusta, who was one of the most sought-after players at his position in the portal coming out of Washington State.
“That boy’s a freak,” Gusta said with a grin. “He’s one of the most twitchy (players), and the boy can bend. Honestly, I don’t know how he was at the FCS level for those years because that boy’s phenomenal. I’m glad he’s lined up next to me.”
Kentucky head coach Mark Stoops hopes Humphrey-Grace can help the Cats get back to their stingy ways on the defensive side of the ball.
“He’s a guy who definitely could create some pressure,” the UK boss said. “As you know, we needed to improve in that area. He’s one of the guys that we’re counting on to step it up in that area. But he’s an athletic guy that can gain some steps on the quarterback quickly, and hopefully he’ll continue to show us that.”
Category: General Sports
