How the Big Blue Wall is Keeping John Schlarman's Legacy Alive

At the epicenter of Mark Stoops’ success at Kentucky is the Wildcats’ offensive line. The emergence of the Big Blue Wall coincided with the start of UK’s historic six-year bowl streak. After five NFL Draft picks in four years, multiple All-American honors and a couple of coaching changes, the 2022 version of the Big Blue Wall will look different, without changing its identity.

The values John Schlarman brought to his meeting room shaped the offensive line’s winning culture.

“He was just the man that embodied everything you wanted about Kentucky football,” said senior guard Kenneth Horsey. “He embodied everything we wanted to represent. Our core principles: attitude, toughness, discipline and pride; he was all of that and more. I think it starts with Coach Schlarman.”

Sadly, Schlarman is no longer with us. Now almost two years removed since he passed away, Zach Yenser will coach a room that about half of the players shared with Schlarman. For veterans like Horsey and Eli Cox, they’ve assumed an additional responsibility. Not only are they tasked to perform at a high level, they must keep Schlarman’s legacy alive on the offensive line.

“It’s the effect that you leave on other people when you’re not even in the room with them. Coach Schlarman, he was always the type to lead by example first. I take it as my responsibility to make sure we carry on those values because we understand how far those values have gotten us…” said Horsey. “… It’s our job to make sure that we carry on that legacy in everything that we do.”

What Makes the Big Blue Wall Different

A “winning culture” is not unique to the Kentucky football program. You’ll hear about it in every head coach’s introductory press conference. However, there is something about the Kentucky offensive line that’s just different.

Tashawn Manning spent five years at Auburn. Not to put down his former teammates, but as soon as he stepped foot in Lexington, he knew something was different.

“Those guys have a good connection here. They’ve had a good connection way before I got here because of Coach Schlarman and everything they’ve been through together. You can tell coming into the room all the guys are close,” he told KSR.

“Not just like close, but ‘brother’ close and that was the first time I have experienced that in a locker room. We had a brotherhood at Auburn, but it’s kind of like, fend for yourself, get it how you can. Here everyone’s like okay, well, I’m gonna go workout. Let me get a couple of guys to workout with me, or I’m gonna watch film. Let’s go watch film together. You know what I’m saying? Everybody’s bringing somebody up at the same time so they’re all ready to work. I feel like you can’t ask for too much more, just a great group of guys.”

Not only did John Schlarman lead by example, he made sure nobody was left behind. In spite of the unit’s success in 2021, it was primarily accomplished by only five players. Yenser, a former Schlarman disciple, has been tasked to revitalize the depth of the Big Blue Wall from the top to the bottom.

The faces may have changed, yet one thing remains the same: Big men lead the way for the Kentucky football program.

“The O-line always leads the way,” said Horsey. “We need to be the guys always watching the most film. We need to be the guys that have the best grades. We need to be the guys that’s on top of everything because we understand how much UK loves and supports the O-line. In the SEC, it’s a physical league and it all starts in the trenches, it all starts with the O-line. I’m blessed to be a part of a legendary group.”