Dare Rosenthal: How Kentucky Replaces the Atlanta Falcon

On3 image — Photo by Dr. Michael Huang | Kentucky Sports Radio

Kentucky tackle Dare Rosenthal signed an Undrafted Free Agent deal with the Atlanta Falcons following the 2022 NFL Draft. The LSU transfer started twelve games in his lone season for the Cats. He was named All-SEC Third Team by PFF. Rosenthal’s early departure leaves an opening at left tackle. That position will play a vital role in protecting franchise quarterback Will Levis’ blindside. Based on the spring game rotation, there are three tackles that are vying for the spot.

Deondre Buford is penciled in as the apparent starter. Buford is a former 4-star signee from Detroit, Michigan. He saw action in two games in 2021 (New Mexico State and Louisville). It seemed as if Buford should have been given more of an opportunity to develop into game conditions but UK’s offensive line rotation was minimal last season. This especially applied at tackle where guard Kenneth Horsey acted as the team’s third tackle.

Joining Buford is former 5-star prospect Kiyaunta Goodwin. The 6’8, 355-pound tackle comes to Lexington with a world of potential. However, it’s unrealistic to think that he can land the starting role in year one. Goodwin is the future and will play, but starting a true freshman at the ultra-important left tackle position may be a step too far. 6’6, 290-pound redshirt freshman David Wohlabaugh could emerge from fall camp as the team’s third or rotational tackle. The Stow, Ohio product played on the right and left side during spring practice.

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What Does All This Mean?

Dare Rosenthal and Kentucky would have benefited from another year with the Wildcats. It says a great deal about the staff’s confidence in Deondre Buford that Mark Stoops didn’t dip into the portal for another tackle. UK’s offense has a chance to be an elite unit IF the left tackle position can hold ground.

Catch up on the rest of Freddie’s series on how Kentucky will replace its new pros: Wan’Dale Robinson, Josh Paschal, Luke Fortner, Darian Kinnard, Marquan McCall, and Yusuf Corker.