Dare Rosenthal prepares to face LSU, his former team

Dare Rosenthal is no stranger to Kentucky’s next opponent. UK’s starting left tackle grew up cheering for the Tigers in Ferriday, Louisiana. Recruited personally by Ed Orgeron, he traveled two hours south to Baton Rouge and won a National Championship. Saturday night he’ll go toe-to-toe against his former LSU teammates at Kroger Field.

Once rare, the emergence of the transfer portal has created more of these emotional matchups against former teammates. Dare is confident those emotions won’t get in the way of his performance against the Tigers.

“Every week is the same. We gotta play every week, every snap,” he said following Tuesday’s practice.

To head off a potential problem at the pass, Kentucky’s coaches began sending Rosenthal text messages Sunday afternoon. Offensive coordinator Liam Coen believes Rosenthal will be locked in once the ball is kicked off at Kroger Field.

“He’s a mature kid,” UK offensive coordinator Liam Coen said. “He’s friends with those guys. I think there’s a ton of respect between he and his former teammates and I think that’s just going to be a competitive, fun atmosphere for those guys playing against each other. I know he has a ton of respect for those guys there. I’ve read some of the comments those guys have made about him at Media Days. You can tell there’s a real mutual respect. Guys he probably loves and is friends with that will definitely amp up the competition for sure.”

Why Rosenthal Picked Kentucky

The talented offensive lineman was not exactly eager to leave LSU, but “personal issues” forced his hand. Orgeron hated to see the talented tackle depart too.

“It’s tough. Obviously it’s tough but with Dare, that’s something that had to happen. It was out of my control,” the LSU head coach said on Wednesday’s SEC teleconference. “I’m glad he gets to play. He’s playing on an undefeated team. I’m happy for him. I think he’s playing very well. I recruited Dare out of high school so I wish him the best, just like all our players, just not against us.”

Rosenthal found his new Kentucky home by following another former teammate’s lead, Kelvin Joseph. Another talented Louisiana prospect, life after LSU went well in Kentucky, earning a spot as a second round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.

“I wanted to thrive for myself, but after seeing him do it, it made me think positive about it too,” Rosenthal said this week.

“I just liked the environment and a couple of players on the team that I knew. They treated me like family even though they only knew me for a short amount of time.”

In-House LSU Trash-Talk

Ahead of the matchup Rosenthal has not reached out to any of his old teammates. He’ll save those conversations for Saturday.

“I’m going to keep it (quiet) until after the game,” said Rosenthal. “I’m more focused on us right now.”

A quiet giant by nature, he will not talk trash. His teammates are a completely different story.

“We’re giving him a little bit of a hard time. Kind of like talking smack about his old teammates to see his reaction, but he’s having a good time, is a good sport about it,” said right tackle Darian Kinnard.

Rosenthal should have an advantage of sorts. After all, he did face most of the same players everyday in practice. Those advantages are minimal. Instead of reflecting on his past, he is simply focused on being at his best Saturday night at Kroger Field.

“I’ve been relying on what I’ve seen this year on the tape. I haven’t been too focused on the past,” said Rosenthal. “I’m living in front of me.”