Another change for offensive lineman: Rising senior Zipp Duncan moves to left tackle, his fourth position at UK

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Lost amid the UK football team’s disappointing offensive season last year was the stellar performance of a steady offensive line. In 2009, the line will return three starters, though many of those will be counted on to improve their play and fill positions of now-departed seniors.

Last season, the line allowed just 13 sacks in as many games. That number was good enough to lead the Southeastern Conference and rank fourth nationally in fewest sacks allowed.

One of those that will be expected to step up is rising senior Zipp Duncan. After starting the last two seasons at left guard, the coaches are counting on Duncan to make the move to the all-important left tackle position. Garry Williams, a three-year starter at left tackle and 2008 All-SEC selection, graduated after last season.

Rising senior Zipp Duncan will move to left tackle this season. He previously played the last two years at left guard. He was recruited to play defensive end and spent a season as a tight end for UK. Photo by Kristin Sherrard | Staff

Duncan is no stranger to position changes. After arriving at UK in 2005 as a defensive end, he was moved to tight end in 2006. When the coaches decided he was too slow to play there, he was molded into a guard. Now, he’ll be charged with blocking the opponents defensive end, the same position he originally arrived at UK to play.

“The SEC is the premier speed conference, so I’m definitely going to see some of the best athletes in the country every week,” Duncan said. “That’s my main thing, just trying to get used to the speed of those guys out there and work on my technique.”

Left tackle is often considered the most important position on the offensive line, responsible for protecting the quarterback’s blind side while he drops back. The position becomes even more important in the SEC, a league stocked with speed and power at defensive end.

Duncan said he thinks the offensive line is deeper than he’s seen it in his time with the team, even though several players are unable to participate in spring practice because of injury or class conflicts. Rising senior right tackle Justin Jeffries, a two-year starter, remains out while recovering from offseason shoulder surgery.

Rising senior Christian Johnson, who is Micah Johnson’s brother, entered last season with a back injury and was eventually redshirted. He started the 2006 season at left guard and spent time at right guard in 2007. He’ll bring depth to both guard spots and should be in the mix for starting nods if healthy.

Another rising senior who will be counted on to anchor the line is center Jorge Gonzalez. Voted by the UK coaches as Most Improved Offensive player for 2008, Gonzalez was integral to the line last season.

“I really have to direct the o-line and tell them where we’re going and everything,” Gonzalez said. “I try to bring my leadership skills and with the little bit of playing time and experience I’ve had.”

Duncan knows it won’t be easy to overcome the loss of players like Williams, but has been impressed with the play of several young players thus far in spring drills. Duncan and Gonzalez cited players like redshirt freshmen Dave Ulinski, Trevino Woods and Matt Smith for standing out in practice. Much like Duncan and Gonzalez did as underclassmen, they could push for playing time early in their careers.

“Anytime you lose somebody, you’re going to take a little bit of a step back, but that’s what spring is for,” Duncan said. “You’ve got to find new guys you can plug in and find a new five that are going to start this year.”