Kentucky's Big Blue Wall Needs A Leader, Not Just A New Coach

[Ed. Note: In case you missed the news, Kentucky offensive line coach Eric Wolford is leaving to take the same position at Alabama. Here is Freddie Maggard’s reaction.]

There’s only going to be one John Schlarman. The beloved architect of the Big Blue Wall left an irreplaceable legacy that will carry on for generations. Schlarman constructed an offensive line with a distinct personality that’s endearing and unique to Kentucky. Eric Wolford was charged with continuing the unit’s culture that emphasized player development. Building for the future was a trait that reflected the brilliance of John Schlarman. Eric Wolford did a whole lot of good during his one-and-done tenure in Lexington; however, he could have done more in terms of building for the future. 

First of all, the “Leader” of the Big Blue Wall is a calling, not a job that can be left after one year when the “Big Boys” come reach out. Yes, I understand the business side of college football. But I am also familiar with the pride that Kentucky offensive linemen put on display on Saturdays. It’s just different. Wolford is to be commended for his unit’s production after inheriting All-American tackle Darian Kinnard and All-SEC guard/center Luke Fortner. He also deserves praise for developing mid-year All-American guard Eli Cox and LSU transfer Dare Rosenthal. Kentucky exceeded 200 yards per game on the ground and via the pass. A great deal of credit should be given to the Cats’ offensive line coach for that accomplishment. 

But, Wolford failed to maintain an essential tenant of Kentucky’s offensive line tradition by not rotating players in-game conditions regardless of the score. The Wildcats’ rise in line of scrimmage play was a result of player development which led to permanence for the future. One of the many things that made Schlarman so special is that he trusted his players. He would insert rotational lineman into the games during critical junctures of the contest. Replenishing and future projection of the Big Blue Wall was a dedicated, thought-out plan that worked. Wolford went away from that.

By not inserting youthful linemen into game conditions, Kentucky is faced with the most difficult re-build since the inception of the Big Blue Wall. The Cats must replace both starting tackles and center. The tackle position was particularly mishandled after failing to develop a third or fourth option. Kentucky enters spring practice with severe question marks and a lack of experience at the position. The Portal may be a fix. We’ll see. This led to guard Kenneth Horsey kicking out to the perimeter on multiple occasions including the Citrus Bowl. Additionally, freshmen Jager Burton and David Wohlabaugh maintained their redshirt status which, on the outside looking in, could be labeled as a success. However, playing the rookies and other underclassmen might have been a better call. 

“It’s not personal, it’s personnel” is a mantra that I’ve lived by during my semi-professional journalistic journey. But in this case, the Big Blue Wall is personal. It’s much more than a mere collection of offensive linemen. The Big Blue Wall acts as a connecting mechanism between the program and the fans. Kentucky’s status as a blue-collar program was built along the line of scrimmage. 

The Kentucky offensive line has a unique personality and culture that supporters love and prospects seem to admire. Kentucky needs to return to its roots when hiring the next leader. The Big Blue Wall deserves to be more than a stepping stone in the coaching industry. Yes, I realize that I’m overly sensitive about this subject. Probably to a fault. While Xs and Os are important, the next leader needs to truthfully understand its history, personality, and culture. A vital staple of Kentucky’s offensive line success has leaned on playing multiple linemen during critical junctures of the game which elevates player development. 

I don’t fault Wolford for taking the job at Alabama. Matter of fact, I greatly appreciate his contributions to a fantastic 10-3 season. But, I do think that the next offensive line coach at the University of Kentucky should be a leader that values its historic status as the backbone of the program. It’s going to take a special coach with intentions to carry on the values of proven methods. That formula has greatly assisted Kentucky during its program rebuild. So, who’s next? That I don’t know. However, it will take a special person to get back to the player development traditions that have made the Big Blue Wall distinctive.