Played throughout interior
The Panthers love having offensive linemen who can cross-train and play multiple positions. Although Fortner has been a center his entire NFL career, he still brings experience as a guard. His first five years at Kentucky (four playing and one redshirt year) were spent as the Wildcats' left guard, even starting at the position for two straight seasons.
Fortner elected to utilize the extra year of eligibility after the COVID-19 pandemic. And ahead of his sixth season, coaches moved him to a new position, center. The move paid off when, after just one year playing in the role, he was named to the first-team All-SEC and improved his draft stock.