In-State TE Willie Rodriguez Schedules Official Visit to Kentucky

Kentucky cast a wide net in its search for a tight end in the 2024 recruiting class. The list of candidates has seemingly narrowed to two prospects. Each player will be officially visiting campus on the same weekend.

Willie Rodriguez, a three-star prospect from Covington Catholic, shared with Kentucky Sports Radio that he has scheduled an official visit to Kentucky for the weekend of June 9. It’s the same weekend the Wildcats will host at least a dozen other top-notch prospects, including QB Cutter Boley, EDGE Brian Robinson and Cleveland Glenville TE Damarion Witten.

It’s only been about a month since Liam Coen and Vince Marrow traveled to Northern Kentucky to offer Willie Rodriguez a scholarship. The offer came shortly after the 6-foot-4, 225-pound prospect showed up to Kentucky on an unofficial visit much larger than the last time the coaching staff saw him.

“The facilities were really nice and everybody was really nice around the campus,” he told KSR+. “It’s obviously very close to home, it’s very close, and it’s only an hour away. My cousin [Patrick Henschen] played for them and it’s always been a hometown team. The program is pretty good, obviously.”  

Official Visit Locked in!! #BBN @UKCoachStoops @vincemarrow @LiamCoen pic.twitter.com/CmUHtL2B8K

— Willie Rodriguez (@w_rodriguez10) May 18, 2023

Kentucky is not the only SEC school pursuing Willie Rodriguez. He also has offers from South Carolina, Arkansas and Ole Miss. Lane Kiffin’s program, along with Virginia Tech, appear to be the Cats’ top competition. The Wildcats currently have a slight leg up, with a 36.5% chance to land Rodriguez according to the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine (RPM).

Willie Rodriguez does not have commitment plans set in stone, but he would like to make an announcement this summer. If all goes well in Lexington next month, the wheels may be set in motion for a third in-state addition to Kentucky’s 2024 recruiting class.

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