Kenton Kirkland is 'torn' between Florida State and Kentucky as decision day approaches

Kenton Kirkland is set to announce his commitment on Aug. 15. He took visits to Florida State and Kentucky late in July and he will commit to the Seminoles or the Wildcats in the near future.

The 6-foot-1, 176-pound safety out of Jacksonville (Fla.) Raines will work to figure out which school is best for him.

“It is really close between the two schools and I am torn right now,” Kirkland told On3. “I am going to take a little more time to figure things out. Both schools have made a strong impression on me, so I like a lot about Florida State and Kentucky.

“The coaches have recruited me hard, so I still need to think about it, have some talks with my family, and make sure I am making the best decision. I am not ready yet, but I should be ready in the next week or so.”

The key factors for Kirkland to ultimately commit to Florida State or Kentucky are the best fit long-term, his comfort level with the people on campus, and where he feels most at home.

Florida State is working hard to keep Kirkland home

Florida State has had the in-state target on campus five times. Mike Woodson is his lead recruiter, but many others are involved in trying to lure Kirkland from Jacksonville to Tallahassee.

“It is like the whole staff is recruiting me to Florida State. Coach Woodson, coach Norvell, other coaches, and all the way down to the graduate assistants. All of them have made me feel important. It is about genuine love from Florida State. They want to make me a better athlete and person. They show that.”

The message from Florida State has been to stay home and be a part of what Norvell is building. Kirkland is giving that a lot of thought.

“The coaches are telling me I am a piece of what they need as they build Florida State back up. Coach Norvell is determined to bring Florida State back and they think I can help with that. They like the fit for me and it is something I am thinking a lot about.”

Location doesn’t hurt Florida State’s chances, but Kirkland said it will not factor into his decision.

First visit to Kentucky was a success for Kirkland

Kentucky got Kirkland, a three-star in the Sunshine State on campus for the first time last month. That visit couldn’t have gone much better.

“I had a great time. Since they offered me last year, they had been recruiting me hard, so it was great to get up there and see things. I spent time with the coaches, I saw how coach Stoops has things structured, and I got to meet with academic advisors.

“Getting to see Kentucky was great. I saw the plan, the connection between the people on campus, how hands-on coach Collins is, and I liked it all. A lot of things stood out to me on the visit and I loved the overall people and the great support there.”

The connection with Chris Collins and the plan Mark Stoops has are two things Kirkland mentioned numerous times as to why he’s high on the SEC program.