Kentucky commit will reportedly officially visit Tennessee this weekend

A talented instate prospect has seen his star surge in the final weeks of the 2024 recruiting cycle. One SEC school has made a big enough move this month to convince Willie Rodriguez to take an official visit.

According to Austin Price of On3’s Volquest, the Kentucky tight end commit will be in Knoxville for an official visit to Tennessee this weekend. He will not be the only visitor connected to Vince Marrow either. Former Wildcat Jordan Dingle is also expected to tour Tennessee’s campus.

Rodriguez is a three-star prospect and the No. 5 prospect in the state of Kentucky, according to the On3 Industry Ranking. The Wildcats currently have verbal commitments from the top five players in the Commonwealth’s 2024 class.

This fall Rodriguez starred at both tight end and defensive end for Covington Catholic, leading the Colonels to a 14-1 record as the runner-up in Class 4A. A powerful 6-foot-4, 225-pound athlete, Rodriguez has been popular in the latter months of his recruitment. Since his season ended at Kroger Field, he’s received scholarship offers from the Vols and Auburn.

Rodriguez committed to Kentucky in June shortly after he officially visited with Cutter Boley. He hosted Mark Stoops and Vince Marrow for an in-home visit on the second day of the live recruiting period. Sources tell KSR that Marrow will be making a return trip to Northern Kentucky on Thursday.

The Kentucky tight end room experienced a couple of defections since the season ended at Louisville. Izayah Cummings and Dingle entered the transfer portal last week. In 2023 there were six tight ends on the weekly depth charts. Rodriguez is expected to give UK four tight ends next fall.

The Kentucky coaching staff is high on Rodriguez. They believe he can contribute as a true freshman. With only six days until signing day, they’ll be cutting their teeth to keep Tennessee from taking a talented commitment in the eleventh hour.

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