LEXINGTON – The impact John Schlarman left on the college football world was such that UK coach Mark Stoops was inundated with messages of condolence Thursday from coaches who never even met the Wildcats’ offensive line coach.
Cleveland Browns offensive tackle Jedrick Wills passed along his well wishes after Schlarman died Thursday morning following a two-year battle with a rare form of cancer. Schlarman recruited Wills while he was starring at Lafayette High School in Lexington, but Wills ultimately signed with Alabama, where he went on to develop into a first-round draft pick.
Still, the impact Schlarman left on him lingered years later.