Kentucky Wildcats Football Preview: Meet Kyle Meadows

Kyle Meadows, OT
FR 6’5, 270
West Chester, OH
RIVALS: ***
Scout: ***
24/7: ***
ESPN: ***

The need for offensive tackles at Kentucky is immense. Between graduation, attrition, and some players just simply not performing well, the Wildcats had and still have a need for quality players at the position. The first step in alleviating that need occurred when new head coach Mark Stoops made Kyle Meadows a priority and eventually inked his signature with UK. As a consensus three-star recruit, Meadows had a pretty impressive offer list including Florida State, Illinois, Michigan State, West Virginia, and many others. At 6’5 and 270 pounds, Meadows has ideal height for a tackle and plenty of room to add quality weight. Maybe the most impressive thing about him, is that Meadows is a relatively slender 270 pounds and has ample athleticism for a lineman. His body type is remarkably similar to Kentucky’s Darrian Miller and his combination of size and speed actually make him a great fit for either tackle position.
While Meadows has yet to arrive on campus, he is expected to report in the next month. This is important because there is a realistic chance that Meadows will be in contention for the starting right tackle position or the second string left tackle spot. With only three scholarship tackles on the roster, the staff doesn’t really know what they have yet in sophomores Jordan Swindle and Shaq Love, so Meadows will have as good of a chance as anyone of locking down the job at right tackle.
Here is what ESPN has to say about Meadows:

"Meadows’ excellent reach, strong hands and playing strength enable him to control defenders once contact is made. Has the size and athleticism for the offensive tackle position at the major level of competition. His frame looks very capable of supporting additional body mass over time. We see a prospect with swing tackle potential. Playing out of a three point stance his flexibility, agility and balance allows him to play on his feet in space; demonstrates very good tight box agility, showing he can adjust his feet to handle quick change of direction movement. Is further advanced in pass protection than as a run blocker; flashes good explosion and playing strength; shows the ability to come off the ball and roll his hips with a solid base however we need to see more pop and surge coming off the ball; displays the athleticism needed to establish an immediate advantage when drive blocking. This lineman can reach and gain leverage on offset defenders; has the ability to consistently get a hat on active 1st and 2nd level defenders. His long arms, quick hands and nimble feet should be assets in pass protection; can short set and control rushers at the line with his punch, location and extension; demonstrates good bend and slide, showing excellent side to side movement; can set to the edge without crossing his feet, while also displaying the athleticism needed to recover and get out of trouble in space. This guy is a tough, nasty finisher. Meadows does not appear to be an immediate starter at the BCS level of play; providing depth early on while adding bulk to his frame is a distinct possibility."