Drake Jackson named most valuable center in College Football by PFF

The Kentucky Wildcats statistically had their best rushing season of all time in 2019. The three-headed monster of Lynn Bowden, A.J. Rose and Kavosiey Smoke, coupled with 500+ yarder Christopher Rodriguez, dominated defenses and finished with 3,624 rushing yards, 36 rushing touchdowns, and 6.3 yards per carry.

Don’t be fooled, though, as Kentucky had one of the best offensive lines in the country. Luckily, they have multiple players coming back on that line, and most importantly, center Drake Jackson.

Jackson only missed two assignments out of 845 plays last season. He was the catalyst behind their rushing success, and he will be the most valuable player on the field for this Kentucky offense in 2020.

Jackson was named First Team All-SEC by both the Associated Press and Athlon Sports, Second Team All-SEC by Pro Football Focus, and Third Team All-SEC by Phil Steele in 2019.

Overall, Kentucky’s offensive line was one of 10 semifinalists for the Joe Moore Award recognizing the top offensive line unit in college football. UK also produced five of the top-14 highest-graded offensive lineman in the SEC last season, per PFF.

Offensive lineman are usually the last one’s to get credit. However, in Kentucky’s case, they should be the first ones to get the recognition. We haven’t seen a line this special in the bluegrass, possibly ever.

With Terry Wilson coming back, along with A.J. Rose, Kavosiey Smoke and Christopher Rodriguez, expect Kentucky’s rushing attack to be lethal yet again next season.