2028 Kentucky Trenches: Names Starting to Emerge

We're jumping over to the 2028 class today to highlight a group of recruits who are making an impact deep in the trenches and should be set for a big year 3.    Darland put together a good breakout season and showed he can be a disruptive presence off the edge. He does a nice job keeping contain and plays with good speed off the line, allowing him to get by offensive linemen and create pressure on the quarterback. He can also hold up against the run and doesn't hesitate when he diagnoses a play. One thing that stands out is his dip move, which lets him get underneath and around slower offensive tackles to win the edge. He finished year three with 55 tackles, 15 TFLs, 5 sacks, and 2 PBUs. I think he's primed for a big year 3 because the production and pass-rushing tools are both trending in the right direction.     Greer is a fairly smooth offensive lineman, and you can tell he's been well coached. He plays with a good base, shows solid hand placement, and stays controlled throughout reps. He's effective in the run game and also does a nice job helping keep the quarterback upright in pass protection. He moves well laterally and doesn't look stiff when changing direction. He also has good strength and clearly spends plenty of time in the weight room. I think the technique and physical tools give him real starter potential at the next level.     Montgomery is a good interior offensive lineman who moves well for the position. He has a good first step and is fairly nimble, allowing him to get out in front as a lead blocker and make plays in space. He's comfortable on the move and looks to finish blocks with authority, often trying to bury the defender he comes across. The aggression and physical mentality stand out on film. I like the edge he plays with, and I think once his frame continues to develop, he'll really start to flourish up front and end up as a steal for the right program.     Bakhadir may not be the biggest lineman, but he plays incredibly hard and brings a relentless style to the field. He doesn't take downs off and consistently plays through the whistle. He shows good instincts up front and is always active with his hands, swiping at the football and creating opportunities for forced fumbles. He has strong hands and does a nice job getting underneath the pads of offensive linemen to gain leverage. I like the motor and physicality he plays with, and he's the type of defender who can create problems simply because of how hard he competes.     Bates has a big, strong frame and shows good agility for his size. He does a nice job shedding blockers to either side and working his way to the football. He can also slip between offensive linemen if they're not quick enough getting into position, allowing him to create penetration up front. He understands when to get his hands up in passing lanes and can even block field goals because of his size and timing. He's a good run stuffer who can clog things up inside and force offenses to account for him every snap. I think he helps elevate the players around him because of the matchup problems he creates up front.

We're jumping over to the 2028 class today to highlight a group of recruits who are making an impact deep in the trenches and should be set for a big year 3.