Kentucky Recruiting Beat: Latest developments entering a huge decision week

The Fourth of July holiday is quickly approaching. That means it’s decision time for many prospects in college football recruiting. The newest dead period will bring a ton of commitments over the next two weeks.

Things will slowly start to pick up this week before a ton of targets come off the board on July 4. Kentucky is starting to see some of its targets come off the board. Let’s get caught up to speed on some of the recent developments.

Luniewski Twins commit to Michigan State

Cincinnati (Ohio) Hills Christian Academy offensive linemen Mercer Luniewski and Charlton Luniewski are twin brothers who would like to play together at the next level. However, Mercer was getting more recruiting attention to this point.

Kentucky had shown some interest in the mid three-star prospect, but things had never really gotten serious. However, Michigan State decided to make a move on both twins when they were in East Lansing over the weekend for an official visit.

That ended with a commitment on Monday.

The Twins are COMITTED!! 💚🤍 I love you twin @cluniewski78 #on2 #Spartans #GoGreen #SpartanStrong @cluniewski78 @CoachCKap @Coach_mtucker @MSU_Football @kingsboro02 @TrainBSP @AllenTrieu @Rivals_Clint @Hayesfawcett3 @CraigHaubert @SWiltfong247 @RowlandRIVALS @chcaeagles pic.twitter.com/FGsUUCLolF

— Mercer “lun-YES-🔑” Luniewski (@MercerLuniewski) June 26, 2023

The twins took an official visit to Cincinnati earlier this month but ultimately decided to continue their playing careers in the Big Ten. Options are now getting thin on Kentucky’s recruiting board.

Hardley Gilmore takes 3 official visits

Pahokee (Fla.) High wideout Hardley Gilmore was a late addition to the 2024 class after reclassifying late in the process. However, the top-300 prospect got to squeeze in three official visits before things shut down. Kentucky got the first trip before visits with UCF and Penn State were finished over the last two weekends.

🤔🤔 #WeAre pic.twitter.com/tAq05i426I

— Hardley Gilmore IV (@GilmoreHardley) June 26, 2023

On Sunday afternoon, I logged an RPM pick for Kentucky to land a commitment from the young receiver. The Cats are in a good spot and now just need to close as some other schools have already filled out their allotted scholarship capital at receiver. However, a decision date is currently unknown for Gilmore.

Kentucky would be in a better spot if this recruitment did not linger into the season.

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Missouri hosts pair of secondary targets

Cam Dooley and Cameron Keys were on campus at Kentucky during the huge big official visit weekend from June 9-11. A decision seems right around the corner for both. Dooley has confirmed a July 4 announcement with KSR, and Keys recently published a final four with Kentucky, Mississippi State, Missouri, and Vanderbilt each making the cut.

Missouri secured the final June official visit with each defensive back recruit and is looking to close after having each on campus this past weekend.

Dooley’s visit to Columbia to see Eliah Drinkwitz‘s program was a surprise. There is now some buzz for the Tigers for Keys following the visit with 247 Sports’ Robbie Weinstein logging a pick for Mizzou to land the four-star cornerback.

Jiquavious Marshall is in the fold for Kentucky, but a couple more secondary additions are needed. Cincinnati (Ohio) Withrow cornerback Terhyon Nichols is at the top of the wish list but some other targets could need to emerge if the Dooley and Keys recruitments go another direction.

11 Personnel goes full recruiting

In our last podcast before some summer vacations, Nick Roush and myself discussed some of the recent recruiting developments regarding football. While I think there is still time to build a strong class, there is obvious reasons to be concerned about tackle. However, I think everyone will feel a lot better when Kentucky can close on Hardley Gilmore and Brian Robinson.

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