Kentucky Football has FINALLY gotten some good news for the offensive tackle position.
After missing out on several of their top prospects this week while watching former 4-star recruit Darrin Strey enter
the transfer portal, things were looking bleak at both tackle spots for next season.
Thankfully, Kentucky just pulled off a major coup in the former Tennessee Vols starting left tackle Lance Heard, who committed to the Wildcats on Saturday. He’ll have one season of eligibility remaining.
The 6-6, 330-pound Heard was originally a 5-star class of 2023 recruit ranked 16th nationally, third among offensive tackles, and second in the state of Louisiana by 247 Sports. He signed with LSU when new UK offensive coordinator Joe Sloan was the Tigers’ QBs coach, so that prior connection likely helped the Wildcats in this battle.
After spending one season in Baton Rouge, Heard transferred to Tennessee ahead of the 2024 season and became the starting left tackle.
This past season, Heard played in all 13 games while allowing just two sacks, one QB hit, and 16 hurries in 479 pass-blocking snaps, according to Pro Football Focus. He earned a 71.0 overall PFF grade, a 73.9 pass-blocking grade, and a 69.5 run-blocking score. For his efforts, Heard was named a Third-Team All-SEC selection.
As a transfer prospect, Heard is ranked 20th overall by On3 and 24th overall by 247 Sports. Both services have him ranked as the second-best offensive tackle in the portal.
Kentucky now has its left tackle spot solidified for next season. Time to find some guards and a new right tackle.
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