Kiyaunta Goodwin is one of the highest rated players ever to sign with UK. (UK Athletics Photo)
Remember the buzz when Kentucky got a commitment from offensive lineman Kiyaunta Goodwin, a massive 6-8, 340-pound five-star prospect.
He had his choice of national powers but instead became the highest rated player in coach Mark Stoops’ 2022 recruiting class and one of the highest rated players ever to sign with UK.
Kentucky lost starting tackles Darian Kinnard and Dare Rosenthal off last year’s 10-win team. However, that does not necessarily mean Goodwin will be on the field a lot when UK opens this season.
“Goodwin will amaze me if he plays 10 snaps a game,” UK Radio Network analyst Jeff Piecoro, a former UK player and new sports director for ABC-36 in Lexington. “To me, it will be a success if he does that.”
Piecoro points out how offensive lineman Jager Burton, the highest ranked signee in UK’s 2021 recruiting class and consensus top 150 recruit nationally, barely played last year.
“Look at Jager and you can see how his body has changed and how he has matured since he got to Kentucky,” Piecoro said. “It’s a big difference for a freshman going from high school to the SEC. It’s just hard.”
Former UK all-SEC safety Van Hiles says if Goodwin does not play a lot that is a good thing for Kentucky because it likely will mean Deondre Buford, a four-star recruit from Michigan in the 2020 recruiting class, is doing his job at tackle.
“If Buford holds him off, that means the offensive line is solid. That should mean you can rotate guys,” Hiles said. “Goodwin can play with the 2’s (second unit) and gain his footing instead of going against the top guys in the league right away. If Buford holds up, our offense will be very good and then Goodwin can make his mark starting in 2023.”
4 Responses
I would like to see Goodwin play, but he has to be ready. I am concerned about the offensive line this year. Sounds like Buford is paying his dues. If UK’s OL is solid, they have a shot. Buford will get his turn in time I think, he is a mountain. Good to have some depth there.
This years OLine is MASSIVE!!! And with the passing game these guys should actually be better in pass protection than the last few years! For the fact that has been what they have been learning more, whereas in the past it was mostly about the run block!!! Excited
Good points HillbillyHero
We will know soon enough. After our cupcake opener, we go to the Swamp. Ole Miss and Tennessee are road games too. If CRod plays and the team avoids major injuries, I see an 8-4 record this year, 9-3 tops. If that holds true, a lot of teams will be coming for Stoops next year.