With signing day in the rearview mirror, The University of Kentucky football team will shift its focus to spring practice and trying to fill out the depth chart. I’ll be breaking down each position group to see who’s in consideration for playing time and what each player brings to the table.
Kentucky has experienced above average performances from the left tackle position over the last few years. From Antonio Hall to Zipp Duncan, there has never been a weak-link in the trenches protecting the Quarterback’s blindside. The production at right tackle hasn’t been at quite the same level, but it still has been a team strength. Kentucky heads into spring with both starting tackle jobs up in the air.
The early favorite to lock down the right side is Senior Brad Durham. He split time with starter Justin Jefferies this past year and will be the lone senior at the tackle position. Standing in at 6’4 and tipping the scales at 310 pounds, Durham is expected to be an anchor of the UK rushing game. With an expected expansion of the passing game this coming season, he will need to shore up his pass protection skills during the spring. Few think this will be an issue for Durham. Expect him to lock down the right tackle job by the end of spring.
The most likely candidate to take over for the departed Zipp Duncan is junior Billy Joe Murphy. He is a little leaner than Durham at 6’6 and 300 pounds, but with the additional athleticism required to man the left tackle, he’s a little better physically equipped. Murphy saw action as a redshirt freshman filling in for starter Gary Williams at the left tackle position, but didn’t see significant playing time during the 2009 season. Murphy should get the first shot at the left tackle, but will have to hold off several talented youngsters.
One of the most promising youngsters on the offensive line is redshirt sophomore Dave Ulinski. He came to Kentucky tied as the highest rated offensive linemen from the state with current Florida center Sam Robey. Ulinski has the size and ability to play either tackle position, but will probably get his first shot at the left side. If Billy Joe Murphy beats him out for the starting job, expect Ulinski to be utilized as the top backup for both positions and beginning 2011 as the projected starter at right tackle.
Ulinski’s classmate, Trevino Woods is expected to be a top backup at the tackle position as well. Standing 6’5 and weighing in at 274, he is a little lighter than the above players, but his lack of bulk is made up for with exceptional athleticism for a player his size. With Kentucky losing both starters from last season, Woods could even make a surprising push during spring practice to claim the left tackle position. Kentucky has recently utilized a rotation of linemen as opposed to one starter, so there’s a good chance Woods will play some even if it’s at guard. In the end, the best odds are that he remains a top backup player at the left tackle.
It’s easy to forget about offensive linemen who don’t see the field much, but forgetting about Kevin Mitchell might be a bad idea. Standing 6’6 and weighing in at 295, he has elite size for a redshirt freshman and could definitely make some noise during spring practice. Mitchell’s size lends itself to the right tackle position a little better, but he’s got the long reach you want for a left tackle too. It’s extremely difficult for a freshman to play on the offensive lines regardless of if they were redshirted or not, so the odds of Mitchell seeing extended time this fall are long. Expect him to emerge as a surprise from the spring sessions, but still should fall as a second or third string tackle or guard.
A name to remember that many Kentucky fans have not made themselves farmiliar with is Ian Anderson. The 6’6 redshirt freshman weighs is at 305 pounds and is one of the biggest bodies on the team. Anderson is a walk-on from Hilton Head and could make some serious noise in the tackle rotation.
Teven Eatmon is listed as a tight end on UK’s official athletics website, but most expect him to end up at Tackle. This 6’8 280 pound freshman will need to put on some weight to make an impact at tackle, but his background at tight end gives him athleticism and provides another player for Kentucky to transform the way they did Eric Scott and Zipp Duncan.
The two tackle positions are going to be in surprisingly good shape regardless of who the two starters are. Losing both of the 2009 starters will hurt initially, but for the first time in recent memory, Kentucky will have experienced backups ready to assume their new roles, as well as depth that UK has not had the luxury of in years past.
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