Paducah Tilghman 2026 OL Ben Myers serving pancakes to Kentucky defenders

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

Play after play, defenders going against Paducah Tilghman were picking themselves up off the griddle, and most times had to wait until No. 73 got off them. As the Blue Tornado romped on 4A competition along the way to a Kentucky state championship, Ben Myers (6-4, 285) was breaking the spirit of the opposition racking up knockdowns and pancakes from his right tackle position. The play on the field has already brought an offer from Troy with interest heating up.

The 15-0 record was a revenge tour of sorts for the Blue Tornado.

“Our season was great,” Myer said. “There was a lot of hype going into the season because of all our talent, we had four- and three-stars and commits to SEC schools. We had a salty feeling from losing in the fourth round last year. We had a lot of unfinished business and needs to be attended to this season.”

The offensive scheme allowing Myers to do his bidding was explained.

“We are a really big RPO (run-pass) team,” Myers stated. “A lot of our pass yards are off runs in check downs. We did a lot of inside zone, a lot of drop backs, some outside zone, and a lot of screens as well; that is a big part of our offense.”

A challenge came on the field for Myers in the playoffs against Corbin.

“In our fourth-round game, their defensive end, he has offers from schools like NC State, he was big and fast,” Myers added. “That was really the first time playing against a high-caliber player. It was an all-out battle. It was a really good game. Adjustments were made there. Taking him on, that was really good to see getting ready for the championship game.”

Picking up All-Western Kentucky honors, Myers was asked about the traits to his game allowing for success on the field.

“I think one of my strengths is my intelligence,” Myers shared. “I can read the defense and give our quarterback the checks to certain plays for audibles. I am good at letting the offense know who is coming. My other big strength is my pass-protection. I think I am very technical. I am working on my punch. I am good with my pass-pro; I don’t let people by me.”

Asked about his footwork and background playing tennis, Myers replied, “My freshman year I played basketball and tennis. During my sophomore year I played tennis. I am taking a break from both to work on my strength in weightroom this offseason. Every day I am in the weight room grinding it out and working on my footwork.

“With tennis, it helps a lot. The ability to get side to side so quickly and doing the movement repeatedly has helped in pass-pro mirroring my opponent. There’s a lot of hips in tennis. You work from the ground up using your whole body in tennis; that helps moving you on the field.”

Joy and heartbreak were tied into receiving his first offer from Troy.

“It was surreal,” Myers said. “It was… I was so thankful and felt so blessed. I worked so hard to get the offer. My mother passed away from cancer in January this year; I accomplished that for her. Doing that for her was amazing.”

On the recruiting trail, Wyoming, Middle Tennessee, Louisville, and Michigan hosted Myers for games.

Staying in-state to see the Cardinals was a return to Louisville for Myers.

“I really liked Louisville,” Myers stated. “I really like their coaching philosophy. I met them at a camp over the summer and I went to a BBQ there. They have a BBQ where they invite the top guys; it is a day of fun with the coaches and family. The game was great. I went for the SMU game; that was a great game to go to.”

Heading into Big Ten Country to see the Wolverines was eye opening.

“It was amazing,” Myers shared. “The environment and stadium, it was packed. I was there for a rivalry game against Michigan State; it was amazing to see the fans coming in droves. It was surreal.”

Myers is heading to Houston for the Texas Bowl to see Baylor vs. LSU. When we get into the new calendar year, the Class of 2026 recruit has some visits in mind.

“I’d love to see Mississippi State,” Myers said. “I love Stark Vegas. I want to go back to Louisville. I’d love to go to Baylor. Virginia Tech is another one; I think that would be a cool place to visit.”

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