Joe Schlarman, son of John, commits to Walt Wells and EKU

The legacy of John Schlarman and his No. 65 jersey will continue in Kentucky — and it’ll be right down the road with close friends of the program in Richmond.

The son of the legendary offensive line coach for the Wildcats, Joe Schlarman, will suit up for Colonels under head coach Walt Wells — a former quality control coach at Kentucky.

Schlarman announced his commitment to Eastern Kentucky on Monday.

“After a lot of thought and consideration, I am excited to continue my athletic and academic career at Eastern Kentucky University!” he said.

After a lot of thought and consideration, I am excited to continue my athletic and academic career at Eastern Kentucky University! #gocolonels #MatterOfPride @EKUWWells @Erik_Losey @EKUFootball @coacharichman @N_Baisch42 @LexCathFootball pic.twitter.com/x5zXpOwwFU

— Joe Schlarman (@JoeSchlarman) October 17, 2023

Schlarman, an interior offensive lineman like his dad, is a senior at Lexington Catholic. Standing 6-3, 265 pounds, the 2024 prospect also considered the likes of Kentucky, Murray State, Troy, Austin Peay, Miami (OH), Ohio and Thomas More before choosing EKU.

Mark Stoops extended an offer to Schlarman back in 2020 during his father’s fight with cancer — the lineman’s first.

“Chip off the old block!!” Stoops said at the time. “His first offer is from right here to be a Wildcat!”

Chip off the old block!! His first offer is from right here to be a Wildcat! 😼🔵⚪️ #BBN https://t.co/0ZlV78nlBp

— Mark Stoops (@UKCoachStoops) November 4, 2020

Schlarman won’t be sticking around in Lexington, but he won’t be far. And his father’s legacy will certainly continue to live on within the Kentucky football program.

His physical presence is felt inside the Nutter Field House, Schlarman’s “Big Blue Wall” commemorated at the facility with one of his greatest quotes: “You come together, nobody can stop you.”

#SchlarmanStrong always. https://t.co/qxd0KZZdoU pic.twitter.com/rbV6pusLtE

— Kentucky Football (@UKFootball) August 4, 2023

Schlarman was a four-year starter at Kentucky from 1994-97, earning first-team All-SEC honors as a senior. He also was a member of the SEC All-Freshman Team in 1994 and was chosen the team’s most outstanding offensive lineman in 1995 and ’96.

He returned to coach back in 2013, an original member of Mark Stoops’ staff in 2013. The Ft. Thomas native later died in 2020 following a two-year battle with cancer.

“John was everything we all strive to be – honest, tough, fair, respected,” Stoops said of Schlarman at the time. “Kentucky football won’t be the same without him but his legacy will never fade. He was a fighter and we will strive every day to honor his warrior spirit.”

His son will continue to wear that name and number proudly in Richmond under coach Walt Wells.