Bio Blast: Ben Christman
Kentucky added a fourth offensive line transfer to the roster this offseason on Sunday afternoon when former Ohio State guard Ben Christman committed to the Wildcats. The Big Blue Wall has committed resources to fix the problems that plagued the program in 2022.
Now it’s time to learn some more about the redshirt sophomore with three years of eligibility remaining. Christman only played nine offensive snaps over two seasons with the Buckeyes, but the transfer seems to fit a clear need for Kentucky. Numerous signs point to this being a great fit for the Big Blue Wall.
Familiarity with Kentucky
Ben Christman (6-6, 315) was a high four-star recruit in the class of 2021 that started to get some major attention following his sophomore season. In the summer before his junior year, Christman started the unofficial visit circuit and made it to Lexington at least once to see the Wildcats before the 2019 season. However, his recruitment ended shortly after that.
Ohio State issued a scholarship offer to the blue-chip prospect on June 21, 2019. Christman would commit to the Buckeyes on June 26, 2019. The Akron native was one of six in-state prospects to sign with the Big Ten powerhouse in the class of 2021.
Despite the quick end to this recruitment, a relationship was established with Kentucky and that paid off when Christman entered the portal after two seasons with the Buckeyes.
Loaded position
As a true freshman at Ohio State, Ben Christman took a redshirt season for a team that finished the 2021 season at 11-2 (8-1) with a thrilling win over Utah in the Rose Bowl. At guard, starters Thayer Munford and Paris Johnson Jr. would go on to be NFL Draft picks with Johnson going in the top-10 after kicking out to left tackle in 2022.
As a redshirt freshman, former top-15 recruit Donovan Jackson took control of the left guard spot. The Texas native is beginning to get some bonafide draft buzz heading into his redshirt sophomore season. At right guard, redshirt senior Matthew Jones held down a starting spot in 2022. The New York native was a class of 2018 signee that was a top-100 recruit.
During spring ball, Jackson and Jones returned to man starting spots. Enokk Vimahi returned as a top backup guard option. Christman was in line to be a top option behind Jackson, but the former top-150 recruit decided to enter the transfer portal following the spring semester in Columbus.
The Ohio State offensive line was loaded with blue-chip recruits and carving out a role was going to be difficult. Instead of waiting, Christman will be looking for playing time and a starting role in Lexington.
Luckett’s scouting notes
When digging into Ben Christman’s recruiting profile, the Northeast Ohio native was a guard prospect with tackle flex. Most notably, Christman had a reputation as a road grader that needed some development in pass protection.
That shows up on tape. Below is my player write-up on Christman after watching his junior tape.
High school left tackle with length, mass, and a strong lower half. Christman brings heavy hands upon contact and flashed some good movement skills on short pulls. Keeps a good base as a lead blocker on screen pass concepts. Comfortable climbing to the second level to block smaller defenders. Not a fluid mover in space but can get downhill with some steam on north/south concepts. Point of attack power that can uproot defensive lineman when punch lands inside. Flashes play strength but agility is a question mark. Owns the length and power to potentially play right tackle in college but projects as a better fit at guard in a vertical run game scheme. Skills should be effective as puller on power concepts and on double teams on inside zone and duo. Pass pro is to be determined but appears to have the strength to anchor against the bull rush and owns length to recover against smaller and quicker rushers.
In Ohio State’s spring game, the high school profile showed up in a college setting. Christman did a good job picking up movement as a pass protector using his big frame to record wins. Keeping weight back in protection is an area that could use improvement. The left guard was comfortable climbing to the second level to pick off linebackers. Christman flashed power as a downhill drive blocker and has enough mobility to run track in an inside zone scheme. Was a capable east-west mover on outside zone.
During the rise of the Big Blue Wall, Kentucky built its offensive line with physical downhill blockers that could move big bodies at the point of attack. Pass protection was not always a strong suit, but Kentucky had enough big players where getting around the edge to record pass rush wins could be difficult against a run-heavy scheme. Christman fits that mold. The newest Wildcat is a powerful run blocker with a big frame and good length.
Ben Christman looks like a guard right now, but could have some right tackle potential. At minimum, offensive line coach Zach Yenser has added at a depth piece that can help Kentucky in 2023 before becoming a full-time starter in 2024.
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