Kentucky offers 2024 QB KJ Jackson on 'surprising' visit to Lexington

Kentucky’s Junior Day was not reserved exclusively for high school juniors. Mark Stoops hosted a ton of underclassmen over the weekend, impressing one player in particular, quarterback KJ Jackson.

A sensational sophomore in the 2024 recruiting class, the 6-foot-4, 200-pound passer from Montgomery, Al. was shocked to see everything Lexington had to offer. His first visit to UK’s campus, Jackson described the scene as “homey” in a conversation with On3’s Jeremy Johnson.

“Kentucky was really surprising,” Jackson said. “They had things you love to see. Their facilities are great. The people up there were great to me. We went to the Tennessee vs. Kentucky basketball game and the crowd was electrifying, so I know it would be big in football too.”

On3+

Jackson enjoyed his conversations with wide receivers coach Scott Woodward, particularly the one where the Wildcats offered the quarterback a scholarship. Kentucky is just the third power five school to extend a scholarship offer to Jackson, following Penn State and Ole Miss.

After a great visit in Lexington, Blessed to receive an offer from The University of Kentucky 🔵⚪️ @GasCrew7v7 @STJNews @LiamCoen @ChadSimmons_ @samspiegs @SWiltfong247 pic.twitter.com/tqxiZ93AYd

— KJ Jackson (@KJ_Jackson_25) January 17, 2022

The Wildcats have struggled to secure commitments from prolific high school passers in recent years, turning to the transfer portal to find the last three long-term starting quarterbacks. Even though it’s a long way’s away, Kentucky is giving itself a shot by investing early in Jackson.

The big lefty from Alabama puts a little extra mustard on the football. Even though Jackson just completed his sophomore season, he knows how to use his lower half to put some torque on the ball. An exceptional athlete that can make defenders miss and extend plays, his highlight reel is a fun watch that will bring back memories of a time where #22 was making plays for the Wildcats at Commonwealth Stadium.