Senior center honored for his efforts in Kentucky’s road win at South Carolina
LEXINGTON – September 27, 2021
Senior center Luke Fortner earned Southeastern Conference Offensive Lineman of the Week honors for the second time this season, the league announced Monday.
Fortner, a four-year letter winner and “Super Senior” from Sylvania, Ohio, was recognized for his stellar play in Kentucky’s 16-10 road victory at South Carolina on Saturday. It’s his second SEC Offensive Lineman of the Week award this season after earning the honor in week one vs. ULM after converting from guard to center this season.
Fortner, a 6-foot-6, 297-pounder, anchored the offensive line that paved the way for the Wildcats to rack up 230 rushing yards against the Gamecocks. He graded out at 84 percent, with 26 blocks at the point of attack, and did not miss an assignment or allow any quarterback pressures.
When the Cats needed it most, Fortner and “The Big Blue Wall” dominated the line of scrimmage. Leading by six with 9:43 remaining the Cats ran the ball seven consecutive times to move into field goal range and push the lead to 16-7. After the Gamecocks pulled within 16-10 the Cats drained the final 2:31 off the clock with five run plays that gained 31 yards and two first downs.
Fortner has played in 46 career games with 27 starts on the offensive line. Off the field, he graduated in December of 2019 with a degree in mechanical engineering and just finished his master’s degree requirements in mechanical engineering with plans to graduate in December. On top of that, Fortner began working on a master’s degree in business administration in June at UK’s prestigious Gatton College of Business and Economics. He is on track to graduate with his MBA in May of 2022. He was named to the CoSIDA Academic All-District First Team, earned preseason third-team All-SEC honors by the league’s media and Athlon Sports, and his on the watch list for the prestigious William V. Campbell Trophy, given to the college football player with the best combination of academics, community service, and on-field performance.
