Kentucky Offers Utah OL Transfer Tyler Knaak
The Big Blue Wall has been a point of contention for Kentucky football ever since the beginning of the 2022 season.
The offensive line was atrocious and became a main reason for the Wildcats' offensive failures that hindered game after game, leading to a disappointing year. This offseason, UK tried to address those needs by adding a pair of o-linemen out of the transfer portal.
Marques Cox came over from Northern Illinois and is expected to be the team's starting left tackle in 2023. Kentucky native Tanner Bowles transferred in from Alabama and is expected to provide depth at guard, though he can also play tackle if needed.
The Cats also lost Kiyaunta Goodwin to the portal, one of the biggest recruiting wins ever for head coach Mark Stoops. That loss was seen as sizable at the time, but it feels bigger now, following the April transfer portal window.
Kentucky added USC offensive tackle Courtland Ford following the spring, someone who's vying for the starting right tackle spot with veteran Jeremy Flax. While an important win, the Cats are still down in total numbers in the trenches, as a pair of backups in David Wohlabaugh Jr and Deondre Buford both went portaling.
Essentially, UK has seven OL currently at its disposal. A team can make that work, but if the injury bug were to come biting, it could leave them scrambling for answers while the fan base is once again complaining about the lack of pass and run protection.
The Wildcats are looking for depth, and an option reared their head on Thursday. 6-foot-7, 305-pound Tyler Knaak is in the portal as a redshirt freshman after spending one season at Utah. He has reported multiple mid-major offers since his entry, but Kentucky is the first Power 5 program to extend an offer:
Knaak hails from Cottonwood Heights, Utah, right outside of Salt Lake City. He was a 3-star recruit coming out of Brighton High School, where he was a first-team all-region selection. He began his high school career on the defensive line and was also a heavyweight wrestler. He didn't see the field in his one season at Utah.
He also held offers from the likes of Arizona State, USC, Oregon State and Virginia before committing to the hometown Utes. Now, Knaak needs a new home, and Kentucky needs help on the offensive line, making the potential relationship a good fit.
5-star center Flory Bidunga working to schedule Kentucky visit
Kentucky interested in former Texas commit Ron Holland
Former Kentucky point guard Sahvir Wheeler transferring to Washington
Inside Kentucky basketball's somber locker room after NCAA Tourney defeat HERE.
Want the latest on national football and basketball recruiting, including Cats targets? Head over to SI All-American for the latest news, blogs, and updates about the nation's best prospects.
Sports Illustrated also offers insight, information and up to the minute details for gamblers. Check it out here.
