Chance to play in the SEC sold RB Khalifa Keith on Kentucky

Khalifa Keith didn’t need to wait any longer — he knew Kentucky was the school for him.

“(I’m) 100 percent locked in,” Khalifa told the media on Monday.

The 6-foot-2 power running back out of Parker (AL) High School committed to the Wildcats exactly one week ago on July 4. Considered a three-star recruit according to the On3 Consensus, Khalifa chose Kentucky over the likes of Florida State and Georgia Tech, among others. His commitment sparked a run of three straight Alabama prospects picking the ‘Cats in under a week’s time.

“Honestly, it was my first SEC school,” Khalifa said. “(Kentucky) gave me a chance and it felt like the right decision so I went with it.”

Happy 4th💙 1000% Committed

@UKFootball @UKCoachStoops @Coachjsetcats @OL_Coach_Yenser @Rivals @247Sports @CoachWarren23 @AHParkerFootba1 pic.twitter.com/Rqlozacini

— Khalifa Keith (@KhalifaKeith2) July 4, 2022

Khalifa took an official visit to Lexington in June where he met up with new offensive line coach Zach Yenser — the man who Khalifa repeatedly said took a chance on him. Khalifa also spoke plenty with current Kentucky running back JuTahn McClain while on the trip. The relationships he quickly built along with ties to the SEC began to stack up.

It was all the confirmation he needed to make his decision just a few weeks after his OV.

“I feel like I can be a big part of the offense down there,” Khalifa added. “Like I said, they gave me a chance for a reason and I want to go up there and dominate.”

When it came down to it, an opportunity to play in the top conference that college football has to offer overruled all other options.

“The SEC is a great conference especially when you’re playing with the best coaches, playing the best ball, why not take a chance,” Khalifa added.

Clocking in at roughly 205 pounds, Khalifa fits the mold of a bruising ball carrier, similar to those that have thrived within the Kentucky program over the years. He’s self-described as a “dominant” and “physical” runner who can barrel his way into the endzone. His numbers from the 2021 season back that up.

After sitting out his sophomore year, Khalifa posted 1,877 rushing yards and 29 total touchdowns as a junior at Parker. He averaged 9.9 yards per carry and 156.4 rushing yards per game. He’ll join Franklin County (KY) running back Kaden Moorman, another physically imposing rusher, as the backfield duo for Kentucky’s ’23 class.