*Dare Rosenthal, Kentucky Football News: Draft Scout Player News

07/24/21 - OT *Dare Rosenthal, rJr/2022, Kentucky

The University of Kentucky this month added offensive tackle Dare Rosenthal, a transfer from LSU, to its roster, setting up quite a battle for an open starting job on the offensive line. Rosenthal was the seventh player to transfer into Kentucky's program this offseason, and is expected to start for the Wildcats. Where on the offensive line that will be remains to be determined; he was LSU's starting left tackle, a position whose availability in part influenced Darian Kinnard's decision to forego the NFL Draft and return to UK for his senior season. Kinnard, who has started 25 straight games at right tackle for Kentucky, told reporters that he hasn't yet had an opportunity to get to know Rosenthal but looks forward to the competition at left tackle. Both players have been talked about as first-round level talents. "If everyone is planning to go to the NFL - that's why they come to college, besides getting a degree - you're going to have somebody come for your spot every year," Kinnard said during the Southeastern Conference Media Days event. "So I feel like you've got to get used to it now or later. But at the end of the day, it's good competition. He's a teammate. It's healthy competition."

Disciplinary issues led to Rosenthal's departure from LSU following his third year in the program, but Tigers head coach Ed Orgeron spoke highly of him during his turn on the podium Monday. "He's a tremendous player. I hate to lose him," Orgeron said. "... He didn't want to leave. It was hard on him. I think they've got a potential first-round draft choice there. And Dare knows he's got some stuff he needs to get better at, and I'm sure Kentucky's going to see that. He's a great young man, a great team player. He's going to be wearing another helmet. He's going to be trying his best. I'm going to expect his best against us, and he's going to get our best. He expects that, and that's just the way it is." - Herald Leader

rJr/2022