'He loves it': Transition to center is going well for Jager Burton

Kentucky is looking for drastic offensive line improvement in 2023. The tackle position is under the microscope, but a position switch along the interior might be just as important. Kentucky is banking on redshirt sophomore Jager Burton to play a key role in the pivot.

The former high four-star recruit out of Lexington (Ky.) Frederick Douglass started all 13 games for Kentucky at left guard last year as a redshirt freshman. The young player took some lumps as he was asked to start after the injury bug bit Kentucky in fall camp. Once Kenneth Horsey made a position switch to left tackle, Burton never left the starting lineup. Now offensive line coach Zach Yenser is asking the talented young player to play another position.

After transitioning to the position during spring practice, Burton is now getting settled in at center during fall camp.

“He’s done a tremendous job. At first, you could tell it was something that was really new to him. But now it seems like he’s played center the whole time. He loves it, he loves the position. You see him taking more control compared to the spring,” Kentucky quarterback Devin Leary told reporters on Saturday. “Making sure he’s right with his spots. Right now, he’s making his spots immediately.”

Jager Burton played 790 snaps for Kentucky’s offense last season. Kentucky is hoping that the experience gained will help the young player this season. UK feels good at both guard spots with Eli Cox and Horsey moving back to their natural positions. However, that means Burton will be the fourth starting center that Kentucky has had in four years. That is a lot of turnover at a key position. However, all signs point to the local product giving Kentucky some quality play in the middle of the offensive line.

“Seeing him develop at the position has been really cool to see,” Leary said.