3-star TE Gavin Grover's "great experience" at Kentucky has 'Cats near top of his list

Kentucky didn’t pick up the win on the field Saturday, but the program still managed to win over some visiting high school talent during a massive recruiting weekend. One of them was Olentangy, OH prospect Gavin Grover, a three-star tight end from the class of 2024 who was in Lexington the last couple of days for an unofficial visit. It was his second time on campus, but his first experience of the gameday atmosphere at Kroger Field.

“I had a fantastic time,” Grover told KSR on Sunday of his trip to UK. “They treated me and my family really well so I appreciated that. Very good people down there.”

Grover plays both tight end and defensive back for Lewis Center (OH) High School. He’s also an impressive volleyball player. The 6-foot-6, 225-pounder has earned football scholarship offers from the likes of Kentucky (his very first from a Divison I program), Michigan State, Iowa State, Cincinnati, Minnesota, Duke, Virginia Tech, Pittsburgh, Rutgers, Missouri, and West Virginia, among others. Ohio State, Michigan, and Penn State have also been keeping a very close eye on Grover.

But out of all those options, only a handful are sticking out in his mind at this stage in his recruitment: Kentucky, Cincinnati, and Virginia Tech. Michigan State and Pittsburgh are also in the mix. Grover’s visit to UK over the weekend only reassured him of his attraction to the Wildcats.

Graduate assistant CJ Conrad gave Grover a tour of the facilities, which Grover said were among the more impressive ones he’s seen on a college campus. Grover ate plenty of good food and thoroughly enjoyed the pregame ‘Cat Walk atmosphere. And even though Kentucky lost, his experience has him wanting to come back very soon.

“(Kentucky) did lose, which I was a little disappointed, but I had a great experience,” Grover said. “The crowd was rowdy, loved their entrance, tight ends were heavily featured, which I always love to see. I enjoyed the game atmosphere. I told coach I can’t wait to come back for another game later this fall.”

Grover added that he’s hoping to return to Lexington for the Wildcats’ matchup against top-ranked Georgia on Nov. 19.

Connecting with Vince Marrow

Kentucky associate head coach Vince Marrow has seen plenty of success recruiting from the state of Ohio during his tenure. When it comes to Ohio-born tight ends, he’s a top-level closer. The ‘Cats currently have a class of 2023 tight end from Ohio, Washington Court House’s Tanner Lemaster, committed to the program.

Grover was able to meet Lemaster (along with three-star ’24 QB Danny O’Neil, who is a top UK target) for the first time on Saturday.

Thank you for having me @UKFootball @vincemarrow @UKCoachStoops @ScangarelloRich @TannerLemaster_ @cjconrad1 pic.twitter.com/mpJtTcLm6G

— Gavin Grover (@GavinGrover87) October 9, 2022

Grover said that he’s been talking with Lemaster online as of late about his recruiting process as a fellow tight end from Ohio. He’s also been curious to know why Lemaster chose Kentucky.

“(Lemaster) said it felt like home and I’m starting to get that home-y feeling about Kentucky too,” Grover said.

Having Marrow, who is also the tight ends coach, as Grover’s lead recruiter has helped foster an easy relationship. The two talk regularly throughout the week, whether it be through text or with a quick phone call. Grover has goals of playing in the NFL one day, and he believes Marrow (who is also the program’s NFL liaison) could be someone who helps him get there.

“I’ve been talking to (Marrow) ever since he came and offered me at my high school, and they were actually my first scholarship offer,” Grover said. “I’ve just been talking to him consistently… He just continues to tell me he’s one of his top options and he really wants to get me in the blue and white.”