Fresh Off An Offer, UAB Transfer CB BJ Mayes Planning Visit to Kentucky
UAB transfer BJ Mayes became the latest player to receive an offer from Kentucky on Wednesday. Now, he’s already got a visit in the works.
The 6-foot, 170-pound cornerback from UAB told KSR+ that he is planning a trip to Lexington. This came less than three hours after he announced his offer via Twitter.
“It’s in the works of being set up now,” Mayes said. “I haven’t confirmed a date yet.”
Mayes said he had an “exciting” conversation with Kentucky cornerback coach Chris Collins. He also spoke to head coach Mark Stoops on Wednesday morning.
“It was straight business,” he said. “They talked about where they see me fitting, personnel, who I would be playing around, and how it would look if I came in.”
With that conversation, Mayes is confident in how he’d fit at Kentucky. It helps that he knows some players in UK’s secondary.
“I feel like it would be a perfect fit,” he said. “I’m familiar with the safety Zion Childress. It would be a perfect fit to come in and work.”
Looking at his fit, Mayes is excited by Kentucky’s scheme. He also likes the idea of heading to a school with a coaching staff that’s been in place for years.
“It’s an established school,” he said. “The coaches have been there. It’s not a rebuild or anything brand new. I really like Coach [Mark] Stoops. He’s a straight-to-business type of guy.”
As for Kentucky’s message to him, Mayes said he could provide a couple of different things. First, his leadership and then his experience.
“They need a plug-and-play type of guy,” he said. “Y’all are getting a hell of a player if I commit. A player with a chip on his shoulder.”
His Wider Recruitment
Despite entering the transfer portal less than 48 hours ago, BJ Mayes is already receiving offers from schools across the nation. As of Wednesday afternoon, he has received a total of nine offers.
“It’s been a little hectic,” Mayes said. “It’s been a great experience, of course. I’ve just been trying to keep the main thing the main thing and not get blown away by all the awes and bells and whistles that schools have to offer.”
With all these schools getting involved, Kentucky isn’t the only school expected to receive a visit. Mayes said he also plans on setting up visits to Arkansas and Texas A&M. He broke down his thoughts on both programs:
Arkansas: “I like the coach. I really like the secondary coach, Coach [Marcus] Woodson, and the defensive coordinator [Travis Williams].”
Texas A&M: “I know there are so many spots open. It’s for sure an opportunity to play.”
Mayes doesn’t have a timetable for a decision. However, he does have an idea of what he’s looking for in a school: playing time and development.
“Really, development would be number one,” he said. “Of course, there’s playing time. I have one year left. I don’t have time to waste.”
BJ Mayes’ Game
BJ Mayes finished the 2023 season with 41 total tackles, 31 solo tackles, as well as two interceptions for 23 yards. These were similar stats to his 2022 campaign in which he had 41 total tackles, 30 solo tackles, and one interception for eight yards.
Mayes pointed towards his press defense and his aggressiveness as his two greatest strengths. He also spoke highly of his confidence.
“I’m more of an agitator,” he said.
Moving forward, Mayes wants to improve his technique, ability, and play recognition. He’s willing to do that in any system.
“I can be versatile, but I’m more so 60-40 when it comes to man. I’m really good with anything,” he said. “I know my strengths are as a press corner, so that’s why I’d say press. I’m open to anything.”
