Kentucky is the early favorite for 2024 CB Jay Harper

Valley (Ala.) cornerback Jay Harper took an unofficial visit to Kentucky on Oct. 15. That day, the Wildcats beat Mississippi State 27-17.

Harper already feels a strong connection to the Lexington-based program. That is why he considers Kentucky the early favorite for his commitment.

“I like the coaching staff,” Harper told On3. “The coaching staff are really making me feel like I was already on the team and the players, they were making me seem like they wanted me to come enter. They felt like home.”

Harper speaks with multiple Wildcats coaches, including defensive backs coach Chris Collins, offensive line coach Zach Yenser and head strong coach Mark Hill. He added that Yenser talks with him “every other day.”

The 6-foot-0, 170-pound defensive back likes how Kentucky is showing him attention during the recruiting process. He hopes to return to the Wildcats for another visit.

“It’s important,” Harper said about Kentucky’s attention to him. “I want to feel like a school really wants me to come out there and compete from day one.”

When Collins and Yenser speak with Harper, one of the things they discuss is basketball. Harper enjoys the sport, and Kentucky having one of the most iconic college basketball programs in the country is a plus.

The Alabama native also enjoyed the environment of Kroger Field during his unofficial visit. Nearly 61,500 people watched alongside Harper as the Wildcats beat Mississippi State.

“It was real loud,” Harper said. “The fans, they’re great. It’s real cold out there, but I can play anywhere.”

Harper plans to be back in Lexington on Jan. 28.