Ben Christman, Dylan Ray give Kentucky's offensive line important position flexibility

Offensive line was a big need in the transfer portal for Kentucky. The Wildcats went out and signed five transfers to help fix Zach Yenser’s position room. Marques Cox and Courtland Ford are getting most of the attention at tackle, but there are some other players that will help.

Most notably, these additions will help bolster depth.

Alabama transfer Tanner Bowles was an early enrollee is providing depth at center and guard. However, two other Power Five transfers were added in the spring. Each is making an early splash and getting some run with Kentucky’s second unit.

Ben Christman (6-6, 321, RSo.) is a former four-star recruit and Under Armour All-American who spent two years at Ohio State before entering the transfer portal. The Richfield (Ohio) Revere only played in one game in his career with the Buckeyes and has three years of eligibility remaining.

Dylan Ray (6-6, 305, RSo.) is a walk-on addition that was a legacy recruit at West Virginia. The Noblesville (Ind.) High product. The class of 2021 product received playing time for the Mountaineers last season earning a 68.3 PFF grade. Ray is already receiving reps with Kentucky’s second-unit.

At Saturday’s open practice, both Christman and Ray had some bright moments. Each owns some position versatility that could allow them to get on the field sooner rather than later.

“Both those guys have position flex where they’re big enough body in the SEC where they can come in and play against the three-techniques and get movement at guard,” Yenser told KSR when asked about Dylan Ray and Ben Christman. “But they also can compete at tackle and give you depth and compete for stuff because they can go cover guys up on the edge.”

Yenser is working both players at left tackle and right guard. The Ray emergence might be the biggest revelation of fall camp. With the news that redshirt freshman Nik Hall will miss the season, UK is now done to four scholarship tackles. Depth is desperately thin at that premium position. Ray is currently tackle No. 4 and could be needed at some point in the season.

At this point, Kentucky seems comfortable with the walk-on if snaps are needed. Across the board, the offensive line has improved depth and a fair amount of experience. That along is a huge improvement from last season.