Player comparison

Lance Heard

Dean Kindig

Played all 73 snaps at LT as Tennessee rolled up an SEC season-high 281 rushing yards and 538 yards of total offense in a road win at Vanderbilt. Now the tone-setter at Kentucky. Heavy and powerful hands. Practice matchup with Deone Walker. The only returning starter on Tennessee's offensive line this year, Zalance Heard is an impressive five-star OT who transferred to Tennessee after an SEC All-Freshman season at LSU in 2023. His combination of size and athleticism was on full display in the spring as he took control of left tackle for the Vols. Considered the second-highest rated offensive tackle prospect during the 2023 transfer portal cycle. Signed with LSU as a member of the Class of 2023 before committing and signing with Tennessee in January 2024. Played in 22 career games (12 at LSU, 10 at UT) and has made 11 starts (1 at LSU, 10 at UT). Never played with Deone Walker or Maxwell Hairston at Kentucky (in 2024 and 2025 played for Tennessee).

Cayden Green

Dean Kindig

Did not play against South Carolina due to an unexpected injury, but he started and played the full game at left tackle (PFF 64.2) when the Missouri Tigers faced his former team, the Oklahoma Sooners, holding his own in pass protection despite Mizzou's offense struggling to find the end zone. Green began his collegiate career playing Left Guard (LG) at Oklahoma, transferred to Missouri where he continued at LG, and then moved to Left Tackle (LT) for the 2025 season. AP 1st Team All-SEC selection in 2025, 2025: Returning starting offensive lineman. Has played in 24 career games (18 starts). On the field for 1,504 career snaps. 2024: Fall SEC Academic Honor Roll recipient. Started all 13 games at left guard. Helped the offense accumulate 2,138 rushing and 2,926 passing yards as well as 26 rushing TDs. Part of an offensive line that led the SEC and ranked seventh nationally in time of possession (32:54) and ranked fourth and seventh in the conference in TFLs allowed (4.62) and sacks allowed (2.00) per game, respectively. Blocked for an offense that finished 10th nationally and second in the league in red zone offense, converting 46-of-50 opportunities (.920). Additionally, helped Mizzou rank fifth in the country and second in the league in passes had intercepted with only five on the year. According to Pro Football Focus, finished the Music City Bowl with 41 pass block snaps, zero pressures allowed and a 82.7 pass block grade. On the field for 874 snaps. McCrystal: "Green started his career at left guard before shifting to left tackle in 2025. He has thrived in both roles but would likely be in contention to be the first guard off the board in 2027 if he switches back to the interior offensive line. Key stat to know about Cayden Green: Allowed a 4.7% pressure rate in true pass sets, per Pro Football Focus."