Northern Illinois transfer Daveren Rayner commits to Kentucky

Linebacker was a position of need for Kentucky following spring practice. The program addressed that need on Saturday when Northern Illinois transfer Daveren Rayner committed to the Wildcats.

The Indianapolis (Ind.) Lawrence Central product committed to the Kentucky coaching staff during his official visit in Lexington on Saturday.

BBN what’s good!? I’m home!! pic.twitter.com/LkihL9nxED

— Daveren 🦧 (@d9veren) May 13, 2023

Daveren Rayner (6-3, 205) entered the transfer portal on April 28 and ended his time as a free agent just over two weeks later. The linebacker took an official visit to Cincinnati last week before deciding to commit to the Wildcats. A former low three-star recruit, Rayner recorded 118 tackles over his three years in the MAC with seven pass breakups, two interceptions, and two blocked kicks. The transfer was an All-State performer in high school who picked NIU over Ball State, Central Michigan, and Miami (Ohio).

While playing for head coach Thomas Hammock and defensive coordinator Derrick Jackson, Rayner played over 1,000 snaps and was a starter since his true freshman season in DeKalb. Rayner was named NIU’s linebacker of the year in 2022.

Kentucky now has six scholarship linebackers on the 2023 roster for defensive coordinator Brad White and position coach Mike Stoops to utilize. Rayner will provide immediate depth for the defense this season as an undersized linebacker who can bring athleticism and experience to the position.

The Wildcats have added 10 scholarship transfers to the roster this offseason. Daveren Rayner will join former Northern Illinois teammate Marques Cox in Lexington.