Kentucky Football Countdown: No. 78 Kiyaunta Goodwin

Today’s edition of the Kentucky football countdown takes us to one of the most highly-anticipated additions to the 2022 squad, No. 78 Kiyaunta Goodwin.

About Goodwin

Kiyaunta Goodwin is the highest-ranked recruit to sign with the University of Kentucky since rating systems were created in the late 90s. The No. 13 overall player in the 2023 recruiting class when he signed with Kentucky in December, the five-star prospect’s lengthy recruitment lasted up until the final minute when he ultimately turned down Michigan State and Mel Tucker to become a Wildcat.

Listed at 6-foot-8, 355 pounds, Goodwin is a modern day Goliath. His mass does not slow him down. Flexible and agile in the trenches, he can also make plays in open space.

Let’s get out and run a lil bit 🦍🏃🏿💨 pic.twitter.com/Ihab3AGgdq

— Kiyaunta Goodwin (@K_Goodwin2022) September 27, 2021

Kiyaunta Goodwin Fun Fact

Goodwin holds the distinction of being the longest-recruited prospect in Kentucky football history. While that is a facetious statement that cannot be verified, it has to be true. He picked up a UK offer in seventh grade and was on UK’s campus for the next five summers. Now he’s finally on campus as an active player, not just a recruit.

2022 Forecast

Ideally, a true freshman does not start at left tackle in the Southeastern Conference. Goodwin could be an exception to that norm. Deondre Buford and David Wohlabaugh are expected to get some of the first reps at the important position, but neither have significant SEC experience. If the two can’t get it done early on, Kiyaunta’s number will be called.

The biggest knock on Goodwin is his fluctuating weight. Recruiting analysts dropped him in their rankings throughout his high school career when his weight yo-yoed. Since arriving on campus in January, Goodwin has been a weight room warrior. He’s looked slim and trim around the Joe Craft Football Training Facility this summer. Goodwin checked all of the right early boxes to make an impact as a freshman. Now the only thing that can help the Louisville native is reps. The more he goes one-on-one with JJ Weaver in the preseason, the better he’ll be when he steps onto the field this fall.