Kentucky OL sidelined for extended absence, per Mark Stoops
By Andrew Olson
Published:
Kentucky will begin the 2024 season with a notable name missing from the 2-deep.
Mark Stoops told reporters on Monday that offensive tackle Courtland Ford is among the Wildcats who will be out for an extended period of time.
Mark Stoops confirms OT Courtland Ford is in the group of players who will miss an extended period of time.
Malachi Wood listed as the 2nd team LT and Anfernee Crease as the 2nd team RT.
Dylan Ray can also play at either spot.
— Aaron Gershon (@agershon99) August 26, 2024
Ford, listed at 6-6, 327 pounds, is a veteran lineman. The Peoria, Illinois native transferred to Kentucky after spending his first three seasons at USC. Over four seasons of action, Ford has made 33 appearances with 14 career starts.
Last season, Ford played in all 13 games for the Wildcats. He made starts at right tackle against EKU in the regular season and against Clemson in the Gator Bowl.
Even with Ford unavailable for the foreseeable future, Stoops has confidence in the 2024 edition of the Big Blue Wall.
“I like that group,” Stoops told reporters. “I feel like we’re improving. Everybody always wants to continue to build the depth that we’re looking for. We have to continue to bring some young guys along that we feel like can help and will be needed to help at some point this season. I think the additions, with (Gerald) Mincey and (Jalen) Farmer, have really helped us. I feel that presence, I feel the physicality out there, not perfect and still a work in progress, but I think we’re getting better.”
Kentucky opens the season at home against Southern Miss on Saturday, before getting into SEC play against South Carolina in Week 2.
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Andrew writes about sports to fund his love of live music and collection of concert posters. He strongly endorses the Hall of Fame campaigns of Fred Taylor and Andruw Jones.
