Trench Talk Thursday: 2028 Kentucky OL To Watch This Fall

We're back in the trenches today, highlighting a group of upcoming linemen who could pop off this fall if things come together.    Stratton has a developing, thick frame that gives him a solid foundation up front. He's at his best in the running game, where his strength and physicality really show up. He has a strong upper body, generates good movement at the point of attack, and plays with the kind of mentality you want from an offensive lineman. He likes to finish blocks and put defenders into the dirt whenever he gets the chance. That edge to his game stands out, and it's the kind of trait that often separates good linemen from really good ones.     Davenport is a good young long snapper who clearly takes pride in his craft. It's one of the most overlooked positions in football because nobody notices it until something goes wrong, and that's exactly why consistency matters so much. He snaps it with a tight spiral and already shows encouraging mechanics for a younger specialist. There aren't many young players who embrace that role this early, and Davenport looks like someone who understands how valuable it can be.     Fields is an interior lineman who can play on both sides of the ball and brings a physical mindset every snap. He plays with good pad level and keeps his feet moving through contact. I like him a little more on the offensive side because he's always looking for someone to hit and enjoys playing the game with a physical edge. There's a consistency in the way he blocks that you like to see from an interior lineman, and those kinds of players usually help set the tone up front.     Cato is an upcoming centerpiece for the John Hardin offensive line. He's off the ball quickly, plays with a good pad level, and has a strong lower body, which helps him anchor at the point of attack. He's spent his offseason working in the weight room to add to his game. I like how he can move with his man and stay off his heels. He can work his way to the second level, and they seem to trust him upfront because they run behind him quite a bit. He's going to be entering his 2nd year starting, and I think he's ready to be a leader upfront.     Keeling played on the outside as a sophomore and held his own. He's a smart player who understands blitzes, who to pick up, who to hand off, and how to track traffic when it's coming his way. He has an edge to his game that helps him thrive. He's gritty and doesn't mind doing the dirty work. He did a good job securing the outside in the passing game and can create lanes in the running game. He'll finish his blocks into the ground and look for more work. He's nimble enough to go on the move and be a lead blocker in the running game as well. There's a lot to like with his game and where he's at entering year 3.

We're back in the trenches today, highlighting a group of upcoming linemen who could pop off this fall if things come together.