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The Basics
Tanner Lemaster is a three-star tight end from Washington High School in Washington Court House, Ohio. According to his 247 sports recruiting profile, Tanner stands at 6-6 and 235 pounds. He is the 28th ranked tight end nationally and the 13th overall player in the state of Ohio. Via his twitter, his decision came down to Kentucky and Tennessee. Ultimately, he opted to stay closer to home by choosing to play in Lexington for the Kentucky Wildcats.
Roster Outlook for 2023-2024
Looking at the roster heading into fall of ’23, my projected top four players at the tight end position, ordered by class are…
1. Izayah Cummings (6-3, 228, Senior.)
2. Jordan Dingle (6-4, 235, Redshirt Sophomore.)
3. Josh Kattus (6-4, 235, Sophomore)
4. Tanner Lemaster (6-6, 235, Freshman)
There are also multiple walk-ons at the position currently on the roster, however this projected top four will take up most of the available 1st and 2nd team reps available.
Kentucky also has a couple of uncommitted tight ends in the 2023 class which they are still recruiting, though the 247 crystal balls predict that it is unlikely they land any of them. At this point, it looks as if Lemaster will be Kentucky’s only addition at tight end in the class of ’23, not accounting for the transfer portal.
Kentucky isn’t currently pursing any significant TE’s in the transfer portal, but as it is with the portal nowadays, that is always subject to change.
Opportunities for Playing Time
Coming into his freshman year, there won’t be a ton of opportunities for 1st team reps for Lemaster. Jordan Dingle is showing early signs developing into a possible star at tight end. In addition, Izayah Cummings has been reliable as an underclassman and looks to develop into a consistent contributor as an upperclassman these next couple seasons. Lemaster will have to compete with Josh Kattus early on for playing time, but both could see playing time based on the health of the upperclassmen. Both Cummings and Dingle have missed time due to injuries in recent seasons.
More Sports News
Realistically, with the current roster Lemaster will likely take a year or two to develop physically before he sees significant time taking 1st team reps. By adding mass and strength by utilizing Kentucky’s strength and conditioning program. As well as continuing to develop as a blocker and pass catcher, Lemaster projects to be a solid long term bet to develop into a quality starter in the SEC.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
