Kentucky's 2024 high school recruiting class shows promise in spring showcase

Kentucky had quite the recruiting run in the 2024 high school cycle. Expectations were high for this top-25 signing class. The program made a big push to land experienced starters in the transfer portal this offseason, but the program was always going to need these second-year players to step into big roles in 2025.

That appears to be happening.

At Kentucky’s spring showcase, we saw multiple members of that class splash during an extended 11-on-11 scrimmage. David Washington Jr. was perhaps the most surprising development. The sophomore was clearly the offense’s No. 3 receiver behind Ja’Mori Maclin and Alabama transfer Kendrick Law as the Cats deal with some injuries and await the NCAA clearance of Louisiana Tech transfer Tru Edwards.

But there were other 2024 signees who splashed.

Jason Patterson is in the mix at running back and should receive some playing time. The staff has been high on the redshirt freshman. Jerod Smith II was playing with the starters and created some penetration on the line of scrimmage. Quay’sheed Scott looks like the team’s starting nickel. Antwan Smith was getting some run with the second unit at off-ball linebacker. Steven Soles Jr. is still being used with the first unit as a situational pass rusher. Cam Dooley is a backup safety. Cutter Boley is on track to eventually become the program’s starting quarterback. There were also players sitting out expect to have big roles this season.

Willie Rodriguez should get a lot of snaps at tight end. Terhyon Nichols is expected to compete with DJ Waller Jr. in fall camp for a starting spot at cornerback. Jacob Smith could be a rotational player at outside linebacker. Aba Selm is likely one of the top backup guards.

Kentucky needs this collection of players to deliver. It looks like they are in position to do so.

Everyone is locked in on what Kentucky is doing in the portal but the development of the 2024 high school class might be the most important. Some young talent needs to emerge and fill roles.

11 Personnel: https://t.co/IjC4l0U46h pic.twitter.com/h6R3HyEIqL

— Adam Luckett (@AdamLuckettKSR) January 11, 2025

Only 13-of-57 (22.8%) Kentucky signees from the 2021, 2022, and 2023 high school classes remain on the roster. The portal volume from this offseason was needed to replace these misses and losses in recruiting and development. That cannot be a trend that continues. The 2024 class needs to become a good one for this program.

This spring told us that this group is on track to be a good one for the program. Multiple second-year players flashed on Saturday at Kroger Field. That needs to continue once the season begins.

Recruit and Develop: Why Kentucky’s 2024 high school class must start delivering now (KSR+ Column)

Kentucky’s class of 2024

Player	Position	Total Snaps	Eligibility
Cutter Boley	QB (6-5, 214)	113	Redshirt Freshman
Cam Dooley	S (6-2, 203)	32	Sophomore
Hayes Johnson	iOL (6-4, 301)	3	Redshirt Freshman
Jacob Kauwe	K (6-1, 208)	N/A	Redshirt Freshman
Quavo Marshall	CB (6-4, 181)	0	Redshirt Freshman
Daniel Mincey	G/T (6-4, 290)	0	Redshirt Freshman
Tovani Mizell	RB (6-0, 223)	7	Redshirt Freshman
Terhyon Nichols	CB (5-11, 195)	195	Sophomore
Marc Nave Jr.	T (6-4, 330)	9	Redshirt Freshman
Quintavion Norman	LB (6-3, 210)	8	Redshirt Freshman
Jason Patterson	RB (5-10, 206)	66	Redshirt Freshman
Brian Robinson	DL (6-5, 261)	12	Redshirt Freshman
Willie Rodriguez	TE (6-4, 251)	157	Sophomore
Quay’sheed Scott	DB (6-0, 192)	51	Sophomore
Aba Selm	iOL (6-4, 303)	38	Redshirt Freshman
Antwan Smith	LB (6-3, 205)	31	Sophomore
Devin Smith	LB (6-0, 221)	0	Redshirt Freshman
Jacob Smith	EDGE (6-4, 240)	14	Redshirt Freshman
Jaden Smith	LB/S (6-3, 206)	18	Redshirt Freshman
Jerod Smith II	DL (6-4, 275)	54	Sophomore
Steven Soles Jr.	EDGE (6-2, 225)	49	Sophomore
David Washington Jr.	WR (5-11, 204)	27	Sophomore