Film Room: Ben Duncum

Kentucky has not truly valued or consistently committed to recruiting in Texas since head coach Hal Mumme was overseeing the recruiting operation nearly 30 years ago. That is changing in the 2026 high school cycle.

Austin (Texas) Lake Travis defensive lineman Ben Duncum became the third Lonestar State native to join Kentucky’s 2026 class and becomes the first line of scrimmage player to join on defense. The prospect picked the Cats over Kansas State, Oklahoma State, and Wisconsin.

What is defensive line coach Anwar Stewart adding to his position room? Ben Duncum projects to be a 3-4 defensive end who should become a power player on Kentucky’s defensive line after some work in the team’s strength program.

Run-first defender

Ben Duncum is currently listed as an EDGE prospect but the 6-foot-5 and 250-pound prospect feels like closer to a defensive tackle than an outside linebacker. At Lake Travis, the Kentucky commit plays both positions. The tape shows a player who is at his best playing downhill with power first.

Duncum shows some legitimate play strength out of his stance he he is able to get his hands locked in and create arm extension. Playing both inside and outside for the Lake Travis defensive line, the get off plus power combination allows the prospect to create consistent penetration. This ability to create point of attack movement makes Duncum very valuable in run defense. When asked to stunt (clip No. 4), Duncum shows strong get off and havoc creation potential.

There will likely be some flexibility questions when it comes to build a pass rush but Duncum uses his length and frame to his advantage. Add in the out of the stance quickness and the Kentucky commit projects to become a quality run defender at the next level.

Adding more strength will be critical

Ben Duncum had a very productive junior season on the football field, was a standout discuss thrower on the track and field team, and brings solid measurables to the defensive end position. This is a prospect with size, length, and frame that should be able to add 20-plus pounds.

Added strength will allow the Kentucky commit to max out.

Duncum is not an edge bender and he likely will never be one of the best pass rushers on Kentucky’s roster but he can impact the game as a forceful run defender who can play multiple alignments in UK’s front. This Kentucky staff highly values length on the front and Duncum brings that along with a player who should be able to play at 265-270 pounds. That will give this prospect the mass and power to hold his own and create havoc at the point of attack.

Kentucky has addressed run defense with their latest addition.