Jeremy Flax will start at right tackle in Kentucky season-opener

Revitalizing the Big Blue Wall was the first priority for Liam Coen upon his return to the University of Kentucky. The offensive coordinator simplified the scheme, added new players and reshuffled the deck to bring continuity back to the offensive line. There’s still one piece missing from the puzzle: right tackle.

On Monday’s depth chart an “OR” was next to Courtland Ford‘s name, right behind Jeremy Flax. Second-year offensive line coach Zach Yenser shared Tuesday night that Flax will see the first snaps when Kentucky takes the field against Ball State, but the competition is not over. Ford, a transfer that played left tackle for USC, will receive plenty of reps in the season-opener.

“Definitely going to get them all reps. Flax is going to start the game for us as the depth chart said, then we’re going to get in Courtland in quick, just like they have been. They’ve been going every three reps at practice, really since Courtland got here in the summer,” Yenser told veteran reporter Jeff Drummond.

“I wanted to get them reps, wanted to get other guys reps and a lot of guys have put on some good stuff during training camp. I do think that we have eight guys that can play on Saturday, so I’m looking forward to it.”

Strengths and Weaknesses of Each Kentucky Right Tackle

Jeremy Flax has the desired size and strength (6-6, 330 lbs.) of a road-grader. He gets downhill to clear running lanes for the backs, but pass-sets, particularly against stunting defensive linemen, have never been his forte. That played a part in UK’s abysmal pass protection last fall, the worst in Power Five football.

Ford is a little lighter on his feet than Flax and pass protection appears to be his strength. However, he does not have nearly as much experience in the UK offense as the former JUCO transfer from Michigan. Ford is switching from the left to the right side of the line of scrimmage and did not start learning Kentucky’s offensive system until arriving on campus in June. He’s got some catching up to do.

“Courtland, it’s been a little different for him on the right side, but he’s known that since he’s been here and he’s worked his butt off for it. He played a little bit of it in high school. He’s just gotta continue to work on that right side,” said Yenser. “He has to keep working at it and he’s done a really food job with it, but I’m excited about watching both of those guys play on Saturday.”

The Kentucky coaches are giving Courtland Ford some runway by rotating him in regularly, but Jeremy Flax earned the right to hear his name called when Carl Nathe announces starting lineups this Saturday at Kroger Field.