​As the summer days get hotter, the number of days until the start of the Kentucky Wildcats football season gets smaller. We’re now 53 days away from game one, and as we count down, we’re getting to know this year’s roster. Today, we’re taking a look at No. 53, Lance Heard.Heard is a 6’6″, 325 lb offensive tackle out of Louisiana. Coming out of high school he was one of the nation’s best recruits, ranking 16th overall in the 2023 class by 247Sports. He was a five-star player with nearly every top program interested in bringing him in, but in the end, he stayed at home to play for the LSU Tigers.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementIn his first season, he started one game, but played in every game. After his freshman season, he transferred to the Tennessee Volunteers and took over the starting left tackle job immediately. After two seasons with the Vols, Heard once again entered the transfer portal, and this time, he headed north to Lexington to play for new Wildcats coach Will Stein.Heard comes to Kentucky as one of the top portal options available. He has been a terrific pass protector in his college career, surrendering very few sacks. He also has loads of experience, and will be the starting left tackle. He has not just All-SEC potential, but All-American potential, and will be one of the keys to Kentucky’s offensive success. He was a big recruiting win for Stein, and Big Blue Nation will be glad to have him.This article originally appeared on UK Wildcats Wire: Get to know the Kentucky football roster: No. 53 Lance Heard