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).

Evan Tengesdahl

Dean Kindig

No. 1-rated guard in the country on Pro Football Focus (minimum 100 snaps played) with an 82.1 mark.. Played in 11 games as a reserve offensive lineman, especially snaps after star G Luke Kandra went down. Helped a Cincinnati offense that ranked sixth in the Big 12 in total offense (420.6) and paved the way for running back Corey Kiner to rush for a second consecutive 1,000-yard season. Cincinnati finished sixth in the Big 12 in total offense. On3: "Impressive looking offensive line prospect who shocks defenders with the power in his hands and buries them with no regard for their well-being. Stands in at 6-foot-4.5, 285 pounds with a 6-foot-8 wingspan and nearly a 10-inch hand. Solid foot speed and twitch off the line of scrimmage. Comfortable in open space. Ran a solid 4.63 shuttle and jumped a 22-inch vertical during the spring camp circuit prior to his senior season. Combination of punch and understanding of leverage is a vicious combo. Threw 128-foot-8 in the discus as a junior. Dominant wrestler throughout his high school career going a combined 26-6 including an undefeated 10-0 record as a junior. Has the chance to walk in and start along the interior offensive line for almost any program in the country and potentially kick out to tackle down the road."