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Kentucky starts game vs. Vanderbilt with powerful on-field tribute to late OL coach John Schlarman
By Adam Spencer
Published:
The Kentucky Wildcats are playing with heavy hearts this week after OL coach John Schlarman passed away at the age of 45 after a 2-year battle with cancer.
Taking on Vanderbilt in Lexington, the Wildcats honored Schlarman’s memory on the first play of the game with a powerful tribute.
As you can see below, the Wildcats left the left guard spot (which Schlarman manned for Kentucky during his playing days) empty on the first play, taking a delay of game penalty. The Commodores declined the penalty:
Goosebumps.@UKFootball leaves the Left Tackle position open for the first play from scrimmage and takes a delay of game penalty in honor of OL Coach John Schlarman who passed away after his battle with cancer.
Vanderbilt declines the penalty.
Emotional day in Lexington. pic.twitter.com/uJrkCTUKn7
— Peter Burns (@PeterBurnsESPN) November 14, 2020
OL Landon Young, who is wearing No. 65 to honor Schlarman, watched the first play from the sideline before entering the game:
#65 – @Landon_Young_67 #SchlarmanStrong ? pic.twitter.com/sxBmjyyDe7
— Kentucky Football (@UKFootball) November 14, 2020
In a drive that would have made Schlarman proud, Kentucky marched down the field for a touchdown to start the game. The Wildcats hold a 7-0 lead early in the first quarter.
Adam is a daily fantasy sports (DFS) and sports betting expert. A 2012 graduate of the University of Missouri, Adam now covers all 16 SEC football teams. He is the director of DFS, evergreen and newsletter content across all Saturday Football brands.
