Kentucky holds off powerhouse programs to keep state's top prospect Javeon Campbell home

Kentucky is keeping the state’s top prospect home as Frankfort (Ky.) Western Hills On300 defensive lineman Javeon Campbell announced his pledge to the Wildcats on Tuesday.

The 6-foot-5, 260-pound Campbell committed to the home-state program over the likes of Alabama, Auburn, Miami, Ohio State and Georgia. 

“Every school has great facilities, great trainers, great everything,” Campbell said. “What made UK stand out is just the feeling all the staff gives off when I’m there.”

The On3 Industry tabs Campbell as the nation’s No. 14 defensive lineman and No. 167 prospect overall. He becomes commit No. 15 for head coach Mark Stoops and his staff, adding to a class that ranked No. 25 nationally prior to his decision.

“Being able to stay down there, being there every day and making connections with teammates and even more with the coaches and playing there,” Campbell said. “That’s just exciting.

“The place, location, everything. Close to home. That’s what sold it to me.”

Campbell had 14.5 sacks as a junior and was recruited to Lexington by Vince Marrow and Brad White. He loves his potential playing under this staff.

“They’re putting the time in,” Campbell said. “They’re grinding. You can tell they’re practicing with a purpose. I feel that’s what’s made them really successful.”

Campbell says Kentucky plans to use him across the line of scrimmage “and let me do my thing.” He visited campus close to 10 times.

“The first time me going down there, I could feel it.”

It was a feeling that never went away and now Campbell is in the fold for Kentucky.