Kenneth Horsey, Jeremy Flax will not play in Gator Bowl, per Scoop Lemond

The football news is flying on this Early National Signing Day, to the point that Ryan Lemond couldn’t help but share a little of what he’s hearing on today’s radio show. According to Scoop Lemond, offensive linemen Kenneth Horsey and Jeremy Flax will NOT play in the Gator Bowl vs. Clemson. We found out Horsey was opting out when the sixth-year senior declared for the NFL Draft after the Louisville game; however, the news on Flax, a senior, is new.

“As of last night, he’s not playing,” Lemond said of Flax.

The news is softened by the fact that Clemson has players opting out of the bowl too, including defensive tackle Ruke Orhorhoro and linebacker Jeremiah Trotter, and Kentucky has depth on the line. Dylan Ray was Horsey’s backup at left guard this season, while Courtland Ford will step into Flax’s spot at right tackle.

In good news, Scoop Lemond said that tight end Jordan Dingle, who removed his name from the transfer portal on Saturday, will play in the Gator Bowl, along with wide receiver Shamar Porter, who also decided to return to Kentucky after testing out the portal, and cornerback Andru Phillips. Phillips declared for the NFL Draft on Nov. 30 but will suit up one more time for Kentucky. The same goes for star running back Ray Davis, who initially opted out of the bowl to prepare for the draft but had a change of heart once Kentucky found out its opponent.

Junior linebacker Trevin Wallace, who declared for the draft last Friday, will also play in the bowl, freshman safety Ty Bryant told reporters yesterday. Based on the pictures coming out of Kentucky’s practice on Monday, fifth-senior wide receiver Tayvion Robinson, who also declared for the draft, will too. Even JuTahn McClain, who is still in the transfer portal, will suit up in Jacksonville, as will fellow running back Ramon Jefferson, who has no eligibility remaining after this year.

“I think it made a difference, playing Clemson and playing in Jacksonville,” Scoop Lemond said of the players’ decisions to participate. “I think that made a difference.”

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