Kentucky target Kenton Kirkland sets commitment date

There is some legitimate recruiting buzz for Kentucky football in August. High three-star defensive back Kenton Kirkland could be the next one to join the Big Blue.

The Jacksonville (Fla.) Raines rising senior is the No. 474 ranked prospect in the class of 2023 according to the On3 Consensus, a complete and equally weighted industry-generated average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. A top-100 prospect in Florida is down to two schools and is ready to make his decision.

I will be committing on August 15th🙏🏾#AGTG @Andrew_Ivins @247Sports @On3Recruits @On3sports @ChadSimmons_ @EdwardsCBS @Noles247 @1010XL pic.twitter.com/7Ln57lrKs2

— Kenton “KJ” Kirkland ll (@kenton_kirkland) August 5, 2022

Despite taking three unofficial visits to see Mike Norvell’s Florida State program since January, Kentucky is emerging as the favorite to land Kirkland. Defensive backs coach Chris Collins is running point for the Wildcats and has built a strong relationship with the high three-star prospect.

“He’s a real good guy,” Kenton Kirkland told Andrew Ivins of 247 Sports about Collins. “A very good guy. Real hands on when it comes to coaching, which is a good thing because you want to go somewhere where the coach is going to help you and develop you. That’s what I like about him.”

Kentucky hosted the prospect for an unofficial visit on July 26. On Saturday, Lake Wales (Fla.) High defensive back Jaremiah Anglin is set to announce his commitment, and Kentucky is expected to edge out Florida State. Earlier in the cycle, safeties coach Frank Buffano secured a win over FSU by landing four-star Avery Stuart.

The Cats might be able to record a third head-to-head victory on the recruiting trail over the ‘Noles when Kenton Kirkland makes his decision.