Kentucky's Big Blue Wall Is Built To Last

Kentucky is on a recruiting roll. Mark Stoops signed the best class in program history and met positional needs in the process. Kentucky is playing for its second ten-win season in three years and both coordinators are apparently staying put in Lexington. Stoops has built a program, not a team. There is a difference. His Wildcats are constructed with staying power in the ultra-competitive Southeastern Conference; this especially applies to the offensive line. 

It’s easy to get caught up in the flashiness of modern-day football. But, while change is good and fast-break skill players are fun for the viewing audience, the SEC is a line of scrimmage league. Kentucky has branded its offensive line. The collective is annually recognized for being one of the top units in the nation. It also produces pros as well as All American and All-SEC performers. The Big Blue Wall also has a personality and culture that is becoming quite inviting for prospects. Kentucky inked four players that possess a world of promise. Let’s take a look at the Class of 2022 offensive linemen.  

Kiyaunta Goodwin

Five-star Kiyaunta Goodwin has been connected to Vince Marrow for quite some time. Late-hour dramatics were a mere formality before the 6’8″ tackle made it official on Thursday. Goodwin’s size, strength, and athletic ability are undeniable. The 6’8″, 325-pound tackle is expected to be on campus in January. He needs football reps in the film room, walk-throughs, and on the practice field. Reps and evaluation against SEC defenders are required before an instant starter status can be confirmed. But, wow does he ever check every block that is required for a plug-and-play blindside protector. 

Grant Bingham 

Four-star Grant Bingham is a 6’5″, 300-pound Dude. I’ve watched the Johnson Central product play for three seasons and Bingham checks all the blocks to become a four-spot offensive lineman with preferred size and nastiness. He can potentially play both guard spots, center, and situational right tackle. Needs to learn to pass block, but is well versed in the run game. His combination of power and agility is rare. Bingham was often seen downfield blocking on the second and third levels. I really like this player. Immediate need is not there, so Eric Wolford has the luxury of his early enrollment to develop Bingham in the weight room and practice field. But, don’t be surprised to see his name mentioned during spring practice and fall camp. 

Nikolas Hall 

Four-star Nikolas Hall is a 6’6″, 309-pound legacy Wildcat and a fascinating signee. Much like Bingham, Hall is long, athletic, and promising. He will require development in the run game, but man is he ever an exciting project. Hall was asked to frequently pass block and is the first Power-Five signee from his high school. The lineman fits the bill and is a moldable entity that can excel in the SEC. Hall’s rise in the On300 rankings was meteoric. 

Tashawn Manning 

Stoops dipped into the transfer portal to secure the signature of veteran Auburn guard Tashawn Manning. The 6’4″, 335-pounder was a full-time starter for the Tigers in 2020 and played in eight games this season. Manning’s game is all about power and is a fit with a position room that is focused on physicality. 

What Does All This Mean?

Is this the best offensive line class in program history? We’ll see. On paper, it certainly appears so. I always say that tape don’t lie. Manning, Bingham, and Hall have more on film than Goodwin. But, Kiyaunta’s projection and attributes are through the roof. The Big Blue Wall is losing two starters for now. All-American Darian Kinnard is an all-timer and is in the conversation as one of the best offensive linemen in UK history. All-SEC center Luke Fortner is also moving on to the NFL. Fortner also earned all-conference honors at guard. Replacing the duo is going to be an extremely difficult proposition. Goodwin, Manning, and Bingham are early enrollees that will get valuable reps during spring practice. 

There is current depth. Left tackle Dare Rosenthal is likely back but could and should test the NFL waters. Midyear All-American guard Eli Cox should return from injury. Longtime starter Kenneth Horsey will also be back in Lexington. Wolford’s emphasis on teaching multi-role responsibilities will be tested in 2022. Will Cox kick over to center which frees up a starting job at guard? Will Horsey move to tackle which could open an additional guard spot? Jager Burton is a rising starter somewhere. Quintin Wilson is a veteran utility player that has proven to be invaluable. 

Lots of questions that may or may not be answered during spring practice. Regardless, the Cats’ offensive line room added four skilled blockers. Defensive coordinators’ most demoralizing and dreaded offensive traits surround the physical run game. Kentucky has imposed its will behind its powerful offensive line for years now; I don’t expect that to change. 

The Big Blue Wall is built to last.