Don't forget the linemen!
By Paul Jordan
As you read this I am actually in Xcaret Mexico and sitting on a beach in 85 degree weather. If there is any breaking news, I’m going to trust Paul and Zach to cover it while I worry about my Corona and Tan. Merry Christmas!
There’s been a lot of news coming out lately about some of Kentucky’s current commits taking visits and who’s been in and out on recruiting trips to Lexington, but I wanted to take today to remind everyone about the three guys that are probably the most important pieces to the 2011 class. Sure running backs and receivers are great to add and will probably be the guys on the front of the programs and up on billboards, but they can’t do their jobs unless the offensive line is doing theirs. With Kentucky graduating two offensive linemen this year and four more next season, the trio of Darrian Miller, Zach West, and Nick Martin will be coming in not a moment too soon, and will likely be the future of the unit for the Cats.
Darrian Miller – 6’6 / 275 – Lexington, KY
Rivals: 3 star (NR overall)
Scout: 4 star (#13 OT overall)
ESPN: 3 star (#19 OT overall)
Miller is listed anywhere from 265 to 275 pounds in the different recruiting databases, but when I spoke to his high school coach Kenny Turner, he informed me that Darrian has already bulked up to over 280 pounds. He is a physical specimen that was born to play the left tackle position on the offensive side of the ball. Measuring in at just over 6’6, he has the height that makes coaches salivate and the long arms to reach speed rushers off the snap. Miller has tremendous natural speed for a guy his size and should have no trouble with the speed rushers of the SEC. He is overlooked by most fans because he’s an offensive lineman, he’s from right here in Lexington, and he’s remained firmly committed to UK for over a year now. This is your reminder to not overlook this young man, as he could eventually be the best player in this class.
Zach West – 6’5 / 305 – Lexington, KY
Rivals: 3 star (#60 OT overall)
Scout: 3 star (#18 OG overall)
ESPN: 4 star (#17 OT overall)
The worst thing about Zach West is figuring out where to play him. He has the size and speed to play any of the five offensive line positions, and you really can’t go wrong regardless of where you place him. Zach’s highlight reels are ridiculous and he is a man among boys in every game he plays in. West can maul the defenders on running plays or drop back and protect the passer on passing plays, and his versatility got him offers from Penn State, Tennessee, Louisville, Arkansas, Cincinnati, and Northwestern. As big as he is, he’s still a cerebral player and he will probably pick up everything coach Summers throws at him. If there’s one guy in this class that is SEC ready from the day he arrives, it’s probably West.
Nick Martin – 6’5 / 260 – Indianapolis, IN
Rivals: 3 star (#67 OT overall)
Scout: 3 star (#38 OT overall)
ESPN: 3 star (#38 OT overall)
While the general consensus on Martin seems to be that he will play tackle in college, I wouldn’t rule out him lining up at guard either. He is one of those guys that is 100% meant to be on the offensive line and he clearly enjoys inflicting pain upon his opposition. Martin drive blocks with the toughness and tenacity you look for in an SEC lineman and he would fit well on any team’s roster. Despite having the reputation as a road-grader, Martin is also very good in pass protection and his 6’5 frame allows him the length to move with players much faster than he is. That being said, the guy can run for a player his size. I would expect Martin will probably redshirt his first season as he adds some bulk to his frame, but remember his name because he’s sure to be making a lot of noise come 2012.
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