Kentucky lands 3-star RB/LB transfer Jaquez Keyes

Surprise! Mark Stoops and the Kentucky football program have landed a late transfer addition ahead of the 2023 season.

Jaquez Keyes, a former three-star recruit out of high school, is officially a Wildcat. Kentucky announced his addition on Wednesday.

Keyes signed with Wake Forest as a linebacker in the 2023 class but was originally listed as a running back out of Ironton, OH. The 6-foot-1, 207-pound prospect was rated as the No. 695 overall recruit and No. 51 running back in the country this past recruiting cycle according to the On3 Industry Ranking.

He previously committed to Wisconsin in May 2022 before backing away from his pledge in December. Ultimately signing with the Demon Deacons, head coach Dave Clawson announced he was no longer with the team to open fall camp.

At the time, Keyes’ football future appeared to be in doubt.

“He came to me in June and said he wasn’t sure he wanted to play college football. I told him he had just got here, so let’s try to get through the first summer session,” Clawson said. “But if it’s hard now, it’s only going to get harder. Sometimes that happens with freshmen. He just wanted to get back home. Maybe he’ll decide down the line he wants to play college football again.

“We wish him well. He’s a good kid and did nothing wrong. He wasn’t kicked off the team for any disciplinary reason. He just wasn’t sure he wanted to do this.”

Keyes officially entered the transfer portal on July 30. Just two weeks later, he is a Wildcat, following up with the former three-star after originally extending an offer last May.

The Ironton native wrapped up his senior season in high school with 1,063 rushing yards and 21 touchdowns on 173 carries while adding 56 tackles (12 solo), 4.0 tackles for loss, 3.0 sacks and a pick on defense.

Expected to return to his original position, Keyes joins a running back room that includes the likes of Ray Davis, Demie Sumo-Karngbaye, Ramon Jefferson, JuTahn McClain, La’Vell Wright and Jamarion Wilcox.

He will begin his time in Lexington as a walk-on.

Welcome to the family, Mr. Keyes.