New Kentucky Wide Receiver Fred Farrier: ‘I Run Some of the Best Routes in the Country’

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Fred Farrier is ready to put on a show for his home state. And he’s prepared to do that with his route running and electric skill set. 

The 6-foot-1, 170-pound wide receiver announced his transfer from UAB on Jan. 7. In an exclusive interview with KSR+, Farrier breaks down his reasons for committing, his greatest strengths, his relationship with the coaching staff, and plenty of other topics. 

He also has some bold statements about the abilities he’ll be bringing to Lexington. Farrier believes that he can be a special player in the blue and white.

“I feel like I run some of the best routes in the country,” Farrier told KSR+. “I feel like a lot of people can’t do the things I do when it comes to route running. I’ve got a different play style and everybody is going to be excited to see it.”

Why Did Fred Farrier Choose Kentucky?

From the opportunity to play in front of his home state to the overall wide receiver core, Fred Farrier had a long list of reasons for choosing Kentucky. The coaching staff was also a significant factor. 

Kentucky associate head coach Vince Marrow played a big role in the recruiting process, as did new wide receiver coach Daikel Shorts. Those relationships were key in securing a commitment.

“I like what they have to offer me with what my role could be in the offense, how I could help, and the versatility of the room,” Farrier said. “Ultimately, that and then coming back home to play for my home state. That’s obviously a big deal for me, my family, and my city.” 

Shorts, who was hired to replace Scott Woodward as wide receivers coach in mid-December, is already playing his part in adding to this wideout room. In Farrier’s conversations with Shorts, he felt the two of them had a lot in common.

“It’s going to sound crazy when I say this, but I feel like [he] and I really have the same personality,” Farrier said. “We’re laid back, chill, but we’re straight to the point. He’s getting ready to work and to implement his skills. I’m just ready to work.” 

Farrier feels that both he and Shorts are on the same page when it comes to working hard. It also helps that Shorts, 29, is close in age to Farrier, allowing the two to relate on a deeper level. 

“With him playing in the league a few years ago and him playing college ball, I feel like he’s going to teach us direct skills that can translate directly to the field,” Farrier said.

During his official visit to Kentucky earlier this month, Farrier came away impressed with the culture surrounding the UK program. The chemistry among players and coaches was a real selling point.

“I feel like everybody has a bond with each other,” he said. “That’s the first time I really got to speak with Coach [Mark] Stoops and I feel like he tries to make connections with players and make it a safe space.” 

Getting to Know His New Teammates

Fred Farrier only knows a few of his new teammates. He’s kept in touch with fellow wide receiver Dane Key over the years. He faced off against new transfer wide receiver Ja’Mori Maclin in the final game of the 2023 season, in which the two wideouts combined for 10 receptions, 150 yards, and a touchdown. 

“I’m not going to say I know everybody just yet,” Farrier said. “I don’t really know too many people on the team because everybody is coming from different spots, but I know of people.” 

As new quarterback Brock Vandagriff, Farrier has been doing his best to find film on YouTube. However, with Vandagriff playing behind Stetson Bennett IV (2021-22) and Carson Beck (2023) during his time at Georgia, Farrier hasn’t been able to find a lot. 

“I’m going to look deeper,” he said. “When I was on campus, I saw him real quick. We dapped each other up, but it wasn’t anything serious. It was just a quick meeting. From what I’m hearing, he has the ability to do good things and I’m excited to play with a quarterback of his caliber.” 

Farrier will get the chance to get more familiar with his teammates very soon. He told KSR+ that his first day on campus in Lexington will be “sometime this week.” 

“I’m going to build a relationship with [Vandagriff], get his number, and build those habits now,” he said.

Fred Farrier Creates Separation

Fred Farrier isn’t a typical wide receiver. After catching only 18 passes for 266 yards and a touchdown during the 2023 season, he’s ready to show that on a higher scale at Kentucky. 

“I’m an electric player,” Farrier said. “I’m crafty, so I use my tools to get open and create plays down the field. I feel like I’m shifty. I can’t be guarded, honestly.” 

Farrier prides himself on creating separation; he’s even got a video posted on Twitter that highlights just that.

“If you go and watch my film, I just create space for the quarterback for an easy target,” he said. “That’s just the plus to my game right there.” 

Farrier wants to improve in all aspects of his game, from his breaks to his speed to his aggressiveness. That’s something he feels he’ll have the opportunity to do at a school like Kentucky. 

“Being in an SEC program will help me get to where I need to be in order to get to the league,” he said. “They have the resources I need and I have the support from home. It’s just a great opportunity for me to get better as an overall player.”

As for his fit within this ever-expanding Kentucky wide receiver room, Farrier believes he’ll add some versatility across the board. The depth of the room is becoming more and more of a problem for opponents each day. 

“I feel like we’re all going to be able to complement each other, feed off each other, and create more versatility,” he said. “Everybody has different skill sets, so everybody on the same field at the same time is going to make it hard for defenses to stop all of us.” 

Returning Home to Support from Big Blue Nation

Fred Farrier has gotten a first-hand look at Big Blue Nation for most of his life, having grown up in Frankfort. However, until now, he’s never chosen a side in the heated Kentucky-Louisville rivalry. 

“I’m going to keep it real, I didn’t favor Kentucky or Louisville,” Farrier said. “I can’t even lie about that one. I’m not going to say I was a fan because I really wasn’t. Nothing against BBN, but growing up, I stayed out of that. I liked watching games, seeing everybody do their thing on TV, but I wasn’t a die-hard UK fan growing up.” 

However, since committing to Kentucky, he’s felt nothing but love and support from the Kentucky fan base. He’s had people from back home in Frankfort, including his former high school coach, telling him how happy they are to see him in Kentucky colors.

“It’s been ongoing support,” Farrier said. “I’ve been getting a lot of love on social media. Everybody says they’re excited to see me back home.”