By LARRY VAUGHT
The passing of Kentucky offensive line coach John Schlarman last week at age 45 after his two-plus year battle with cancer left coach Mark Stoops “heart broken” and looking for ways to express not only his affection for Schlarman but also what an inspiration he had been to everyone.
Schlarman, a former all-SEC offensive lineman at UK, had a way of relating to anyone he met.
“It was just his personality. It’s hard not to like John,” Stoops said. “He goes about things the right way. I think everybody can respect that. The outpouring of support for John was amazing.”
Former UK teammates and then players Schlarman has coached posted numerous comments on social media with their love and support for Schlarman. One message really touched Stoops. It came from Jedrick Wills, a former Lafayette High School teammate of senior UK tackle Landon Young. Kentucky made Wills a priority recruit but he went to Alabama and then was the 10th overall pick by Cleveland in the 2020 draft.
“It really meant a lot to me that a guy like Jedrick Wills reached out to me and was touched by John and just wanted to pass on his condolences,” Stoops said. “That kind of sums up what you are asking (about Schlarman’s ability to relate to everyone). He is just a likable man. A good football coach but an even better person. He’s a great human being.”
Stoops said he was thankful West Virginia head coach Neal Brown, his first offensive coordinator at UK, recommended Schlarman for the offensive line coaching position. Schlarman and recruiting coordinator Vince Marrow are the only two coaches who have been with Stoops every year at Kentucky.
“When you meet somebody like John, how can you not love him,” Stoops said. “We hit it off immediately. He inspired all of us.”
That was obvious at Kroger Field last week when UK beat Vanderbilt 38-35. Schlarman was honored in various ways before and during the game and Young cried when talking about what a “blessing” it was to have played for Schlarman.
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