Four Future Kentucky Wildcats Compete at the All-American Bowl

Four future Kentucky Wildcats will play their final prep football game in the All-American Bowl before taking their talents to Lexington.

Players reported for practice in San Antonio Tuesday. Wide receiver Barion Brown, edge Keaten Wade and offensive tackle Kiyaunta Goodwin will represent the East, while Alex Afari will be UK’s lone representative on the West team. The game will air on NBC Saturday at noon.

Brown Flashes at All-American Bowl Practice

Kentucky’s future five-star receiver flashed some big-play ability in All-American Bowl practice. “Kentucky receiver signee Barion Brown was not super consistent, but had some flash moments and was our second receiver for the East after (Alabama signee Isaiah) Bond. Brown showed tracking skills to go with his long speed,” writes On3’s Charles Power.

Georgia QB signee Gunner Stockton hits Kentucky signee Barion Brown down the middle https://t.co/DjrcpFL1UG pic.twitter.com/33z2CbOWNH

— Charles Power (@CharlesPower) January 4, 2022

Brown also made a big play against four-star defensive back Davison Igbinosun. He’ll announce his college decision during the broadcast, choosing between Rutgers, Tennessee, Kentucky and Ole Miss. Lane Kiffin’s squad is the favorite for Igbinosun entering the home stretch.

Strong throw out of structure from 5-star Penn State signee Drew Allar. Kentucky signee Barion Brown comes down with it over Davison Igbinosun https://t.co/DjrcpFL1UG pic.twitter.com/tcGnJVmze3

— Charles Power (@CharlesPower) January 4, 2022

Goodwin Details Final Hours of Recruitment

Measuring in at just under 6-foot-8, Goodwin looked like a 5-star talent on day one at the All-American Bowl. A roller coaster recruitment unlike anything the Big Blue Nation has ever experienced, he shared details from National Signing Day with 247 Sports’ Steve Wiltfong.

Goodwin was on the phone with Michigan State head coach Mel Tucker right up to the announcement. It forced him to wait until later to speak with Mark Stoops.

“I actually called him after I did it,” Goodwin said. “I didn’t even have a chance to tell him because I was on the phone with Michigan State all the way till I got on the air. I was late to getting on the air because I was still on the phone with Coach (Mel) Tucker.

“He was just very excited. He was talking about it being the highest-ranked recruiting class in Kentucky history (currently No. 11 per the 247Sports Composite) and his second best year in Kentucky history coming off a Citrus Bowl and another win and he’s trying to take the program to that next level. He brought it from two wins, to five, to seven to ten and he did it again with another 10 wins season. Now he’s looking for 11 and 12 win seasons.”

Officially a Wildcat, after the bowl game Goodwin will move to Lexington and enroll in classes for the spring semester, set to begin Jan. 10.