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Kentucky Wildcats offensive lineman Landon Young was injured in a non-contact drill last week, but Big Blue Nation was kept in the dark as to the details of the injury.
According Jen Smith of the Lexington Herald-Leader and confirmed by a UK spokesman, Young tore the lateral meniscus in his left knee.
Young started 6 games last season for the Cats and was going to be counted on up front as one of the experienced offensive lineman. Last season, Young helped Benny Snell become the first player in UK history with back-to-back 1,000 yard rushing seasons.
Just want to thank everyone for the prayers and concerns. The lord has a plan for me and sometimes that means obstacles in my path. I know my team will be fine and still do amazing things this year! I will be working hard to come back even stronger next year #BBN. pic.twitter.com/lF6ZRg3Iov
— Landon Young (@Landon_Young_67) August 26, 2018
With Young out of the lineup, the Wildcats coaching staff will now turn to Nassir Watkins and E.J. Price to rotate at left tackle. Watkins and Price will now be tasked with protecting Terry Wilson’s blindside and helping to create lanes for Benny Snell and the other UK running backs.
Watkins is a redshirt freshman from Laurel, Maryland. He was a 3-star recruit in the Class of 2017 according to 247Sports. Price, the 6’6”, 305-pound sophomore is also an option for the Cats should Watkins struggle. Price was a 4-star recruit coming out of high school and ranked as the eighth-best tackle in the Class of 2016.
This is by no means an ideal situation for Kentucky, but those are the cards this year’s team has been dealt. Young had surgery to repair his torn meniscus earlier this week and is expected to make a full recovery.
There is no timetable for Young’s return, but it’s highly unlikely he returns this season.