Kentucky OL Tashawn Manning Sidelined Against Youngstown State

Kentucky will be without a starting offensive lineman when the Wildcats host Youngstown State. Max Duffy shared on the KSR Pregame Show that Tashawn Manning will not be available for Saturday’s FCS matchup. Redshirt senior Quintin Wilson will start in Manning’s absence at right guard.

Manning, an Auburn transfer, started in the first two games of the season. Wilson, now in his fifth year in Lexington, has played both guard positions and center throughout his Kentucky career. This will be Wilson’s second starting assignment. He received the first reps at left guard in last year’s Citrus Bowl.

Kentucky’s offensive line struggled through the first six quarters of the season, primarily because of a lack of continuity on the rebuilt Big Blue Wall. The Wildcats had to replace three starters and dealt with minor injury issues throughout fall camp. Unfortunately, without Tashawn Manning in the lineup the Wildcats will go another week without their top five offensive linemen taking a majority of the snaps.

Quintin Wilson will not be the only player Zach Yenser will try to rotate into the lineup against Youngstown State. If the Wildcats get off to a hot start, today can be a great opportunity to get reps for John Young, Kiyaunta Goodwin, David Wohlabaugh and Deondre Buford.