Mark Stoops understands it would have been easy for Jeremy Flax (77) to leave UK. (Vicky Graff Photo)
Several months ago it looked doubtful that Jeremy Flax would even be starting for Kentucky this year. He started at right tackle in 2022 but the UK offensive line struggled and USC transfer Courtland Ford was added to the roster to help strengthen that position.
But Flax not only stayed at UK, he won the starting job again and the 6-6, 325- pound senior had an outstanding game in the win over Florida. He graded at 87 percent with five knockdown blocks, did not allow a sack or quarterback pressure, had no penalties and didn’t miss an assignment in the 33-14 win as UK rushed for 329 total yards.
Flax not only was named Southeastern Conference Offensive Lineman of the Week for the first time but he was also named the first Outland Trophy National Player of the Week as the nation’s best offensive lineman by the U.S. Football Writers Association.
“Just trying to be the best I can be for #BBN and for this team. Thanks for all the support! it’s only the beginning and we’ll continue to improve as a team. THANKS #BBN 
,” Flax posted on X.
“Jeremy has really been stepping it up, you can see the great size he has and the physical nature that he can play with,” Kentucky coach Mark Stoops said about Flax during his weekly press conference on Monday.
“It’s just really nice to see him continue to grow and get better and improve. We need him to be, he can be a very impactful player for us. We need him to continue to improve.”
Flax has played in 29 career games and made seven starts, including four this season. He also graduated in December of 2022 with a degree in community leadership and development. He is now working on an undergraduate certificate in social work.
Many thought Flax might transfer after Ford arrived in Lexington. He never thought of leaving UK. Instead, he went to work and made himself better.
“I do want to point out and give him some praise. In this world we’re living in right now, it’s too easy to just leave,” Stoops said on his weekly radio show. “I recruited somebody to come in and take Jeremy’s position. Instead of Jeremy leaving, he got better.
“And that’s what I tell every player: ‘I’m going to recruit somebody to try to take your job, period.’ I’m going to try to get the best players we can each and every year. And if that hurts your feelings, I’m sorry, but we need the best players we can get.
“Look at the guys we’re competing against this week. They’re there, believe me. They’re three-deep at every position with some talented players.”
Stoops made it clear Flax did not win the job by default because Ford, who started UK’s second game this season, has been solid. Flax has just been better.
“With Jeremy struggling a year ago, I had to go out and fix the offensive line. And we had some others that could have left and didn’t. Instead of Jeremy giving up in that position, he competed with Courtland,” Stoops said.
“Courtland is still battling and doing some good things and everything, but instead of pouting or transferring, all he (Flax) did was worry about himself and get better. He is and he did. Players like that deserve a lot more recognition and credit because it’s too easy to do it the other way.”
