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Kentucky Football: Top 5 Breakout Players for 2017

By Frank Spencer

Sep 5, 2015; Lexington, KY, USA; Kentucky Wildcats running back Sihiem King (22) runs the ball agains the Louisiana Lafayette Ragin Cajuns at Commonwealth Stadium. Kentucky defeated Louisiana Lafayette 40-33. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 5, 2015; Lexington, KY, USA; Kentucky Wildcats running back Sihiem King (22) runs the ball agains the Louisiana Lafayette Ragin Cajuns at Commonwealth Stadium. Kentucky defeated Louisiana Lafayette 40-33. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 5, 2015; Lexington, KY, USA; Kentucky Wildcats offensive guard Ramsey Meyers (69), center Jon Toth (72) and offensive guard Zach West (75) during the game against the Louisiana Lafayette Ragin Cajuns at Commonwealth Stadium. Kentucky defeated Louisiana Lafayette 40-33. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports /

 Behind the Scenes

Throughout the 2016 season, Drake Jackson, redshirted. In 2017 as a redshirt freshman, Jackson may have the tools to step in at one of the offensive line vacancies. The absence of Jon Toth and Ramsey Meyers will leave a void in the meat of the offensive line. Kentucky’s offensive line had one of the better years in recent history as they allowed two running backs to rack up over 1,000 rushing yards. This offensive line allowed only 21 sacks for a loss of 171 yards in 312 Pass Attempts. This was an offensive line that aided in Kentucky averaging 30 points per game.

Drake Jackson, a Versailles, KY native, was a highly touted recruit out of Woodford County High School. He was rated at the No. 2 overall Center in his class by 247 Sports. A final five award winner at the prestigious “The Opening” combine as well as a bid to the Army All-American Game, are some of Jackson’s career highlights so far.

Take a look at some video evidence of Jackson’s talent, and power up front:

Drake Jacskon will look to battle it out with others such as Bunchy Stallings for the starting Center Spot. Stallings spent time as the backup guard for the Wildcats last season. If Stallings takes the job at Center, look for Jackson to try to make the move to a guard spot. Kentucky needs his intensity on the field.

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