Kentucky offers defensive back duo out of the portal

Kentucky is looking for secondary help following the surprise draft departure of Andru Phillips — and its got two potential options in mind.

First up? South Alabama cornerback transfer Marquise Robinson, who recently told KSR+ he will be visiting Kentucky this weekend before making a final decision on or before January 9.

“(Defensive backs coach Chris Collins) was giving me real feedback and saying that I could come in and we could get straight to it,” Robinson said. “That piqued my interest. It’s a place that produces corners. I could look forward to that. They’re one of my top picks for sure.”

The Wildcats extended an offer on Saturday, Dec. 30.

Visiting Arkansas this week, he’s also considering the Razorbacks to go with Mississippi State and Tulane. The 6-1, 184-pound corner closed out his junior campaign at South Alabama with 35 tackles, one fumble recovery, and three interceptions — all career highs — in 12 games. He’s officially listed as a grad transfer with one year of eligibility remaining.

Up next? UAB cornerback transfer BJ Mayes, who announced an offer from Kentucky on Wednesday.

Kentucky offered 🔵⚪️ pic.twitter.com/gX3cKeS25U

— b.mayes (@dreadhead_bj) January 3, 2024

Mayes racked up 41 tackles, 12 pass breakups and two picks in his lone season with the Blazers. Like Robinson, he also has one season of eligibility remaining. The 6-1, 185-pound defensive back also holds offers from Arkansas, Auburn, Illinois, TCU, Texas A&M and Wisconsin.

The NCAA transfer portal closed on Tuesday and will not reopen until the spring. Kentucky clearly likes what it sees in Robinson and Mayes until then.