Kentucky Makes Emotional Tribute To OL Coach John Schlarman

It has been a tough week for those involved with the Kentucky Wildcats football program. After a two-year battle with cancer, offensive line coach John Schlarman passed away on Thursday at the age of 45.

Kentucky’s official Twitter account did an excellent job showing the former All-SEC player and assistant coach love.

Over the past few months, we asked members of our @UKFootball family what @CoachSchlarman means to them.

An incredible person who's impact reaches throughout our community, and who will always hold a special place in our hearts 💙 #SchlarmanStrong pic.twitter.com/4eUU8oIUi8

— Kentucky Football (@UKFootball) November 12, 2020

But the real tribute took place against the Vanderbilt Commodores on Saturday — or game day. The Wildcats chose to do something memorable. On the first snap from scrimmage, Kentucky lined up without their left tackle in honor of the former offensive line coach.

They ultimately took a delay of game penalty, but out of respect, Derek Mason and Vanderbilt elected to decline that penalty. Peter Burns with ESPN and the SEC Network caught and moment and shared it to social media.

Goosebumps.@UKFootball leaves the Left Tackle position open for the first play from scrimmage and takes a delay of game penalty in honor of OL Coach John Schlarman who passed away after his battle with cancer.

Vanderbilt declines the penalty.

Emotional day in Lexington. pic.twitter.com/uJrkCTUKn7

— Peter Burns (@PeterBurnsESPN) November 14, 2020

The official Twitter account for the Wildcats also share a video.

We took a delay of game penalty to begin the game in loving memory of @CoachSchlarman 💙

Then @Landon_Young_67 stepped on the field wearing #65 in #SchlarmanStrong honor https://t.co/NT2QmVikY7 pic.twitter.com/VmIPKSM9o5

— Kentucky Football (@UKFootball) November 14, 2020

Senior left tackle Landon Young is also wearing the No. 65 in honor of Schlarman, who wore that number during his time in Lexington. Young typically wears the No. 67.

What an awesome way to honor someone who was known as being a fantastic person. The stories that have been shared about Schlarman painted the story of man who loved his family, his team and his university.

He will be missed.

Follow Clint Lamb on Twitter @ClintRLamb.