The WBN Kentucky Wildcat Football Position Previews: Offensive Line

Offensive Lineman

Big uglies, down in the trenches, yada, yada, yada… whatever. You can fill your backfield with whoever you want, even Barry Sanders isn’t going to get far if he’s dodging people three yards in the backfield. The job of a lineman is to cancel out other players, and if an O-lineman does his job well enough, you’ll never see him because he’ll be pushing a guy out of the area of focus. The thankless nature of such a job leads to the camaraderie that is so apparent in some of the best line units. In 2007 Andre’ Woodson was allowed to work his way into Heisman contention because that Tolstoy long release was rarely under pressure due to his lineman keeping his butt off the turf. Both Stuart Hines and Billy Joe Murphy were on that 2007 team, and both look to resurrect that kind of protection in this year’s season. The strength of the line has been pointed out this year as a reason this year can be successful, and the size of our lineman this year is comparable to any other team in the SEC.

Projected Starters:
#67- Larry Warford- JR- 6’3″/336- Richmond, KY
The most highly decorated lineman coming into the season, the younger cousin of (twice) academically ineligible Paul Warford has certainly created his own name for himself. A huge road grader type with quick feet. Started all 12 games last year at guard
#70- Stuart Hines- SR- 6’4″/295- Bowling Green, KY
A top 25 recruit nationally in 2006, now he is the unofficial leader on the line, Hines has over 30 games of experience and will lock down the other guard position. A fast, agile player that can play multiple positions and has very long arms for excellent pass protection abilities.
#69- Matt Smith- JR- 6’4″/303- Louisville, KY
Returning starter at center, he is another lineman who switched sides of the ball after coming to UK. An incredibly intelligent player who has been recognized for his ability to call out assignments and make adjustments on the line, this will be his second year as full time starter but third making a significant number of starts.
#66- Chandler Burden- SR- 6’4″/313- Blue Ash, OH
Returning starter at left tackle, played in 11 games last year but missed the Compass Bowl with a shoulder injury. The defensive end-turned-offensive lineman has had great success on both sides of the ball but coaches determined his career would continue on the offensive side. State champion track and field competitor (shot put and discus) has a lot of strength which has only gotten better this offseason.
#52- Billy Joe Murphy- SR- 6’6″/308- Galamiel, KY
A personal favorite for the All-Name team for Kentucky bred products on this football team, BJM has over 33 games of experience but only nine games started. Has played all over the line but came into the spring as the locked in starter at right tackle. An incredibly intelligent player, will be another very good player to have on the field all season

The Contenders:
#74- Trevino Woods- JR- 6’5″/281- Athens, GA
The backup right tackle has played guard as well, but his experience so far with the Cats has almost exclusively been on special teams. Long and athletic player that will also benefit from Rock Oliver’s program and has good knowledge of the playbook.
#63- Jake Lafenski- SR- 6’4″/283- Mobile, AL
Another experienced lineman, played in all 13 games in his redshirt freshman year before getting hurt in his sophomore year. Came back and played in 11 games last year at multiple positions. His success is amazing considering this is only his 6th year of football.
#56- Sam Simpson- SO- 6’4″/292- Lexington, KY
Hometown product and son of Henry Clay football coach, Sam came in as a great center prospect (#3 nationally) and is simply waiting for his turn. Very intelligent and technically sound, he was a scout team all-star and is ready to come in at any time.

Best of the Rest:
#76- Teven Eatmon-Nared- FR- 6’7″/332- Bucyrus, OH
All state tight end in Ohio that possess great athleticism and versatility
#62- Tyler Davenport- FR- 6’5″/323- Hodgenville, KY
redshirt freshman walked onto the team last year and hopes to crack the rotation soon
#77- Darrian Miller- FR- 6’5″/ 297- Lexington, KY
Another hometown product that came in highly regarded (top-20 nationally) and will be building strength and playbook knowledge this season
#75- Zach West- FR- 6’4″/296- Richmond, KY
No. 17 guard in the nation last year.
#72- James Elliott- FR- 6’3″/301- Pensacola, FL
Extremely strong and wins the award for looking most like Chunk from The Goonies
#79- Kevin Mitchell- SO- 6’6″/296- Winston, GA
Back up guard has played on special teams and possesses great feet
#78 David Noltemeyer- FR- 6’4″/285- Louisville, KY
Walk-on and weight room junkie who will try to get on the depth chart
#73- Stephen Duff- FR- 6’0″/327- Louisville, KY
Why aren’t we trying this wrecking ball out at fullback?
#64- Max Godby- FR- 6’4″/275- Louisville, KY
Another line prospect that will benefit from Rock Oliver’s program

Keep following www.http://wildcatbluenation.com for the best in Kentucky basketball and football news, rumors, and opinions. By Kentucky fans for Kentucky fans