Kentucky Star Freshmen could bring Talented Younger Brothers to Lexington

Few freshman classes have ever made an impact like the Wildcats’ 2022 football recruiting class. The 17th ranked group in America featured plenty of star power, most notably Barion Brown and Dane Key, and depth down the line with contributors receiving significant snaps multiple positions. Two unexpected role players from Cincinnati, TE Josh Kattus and DB Alex Afari, might not be the last of their name to make a splash for the Cats.

Alex Afari was a four-star prospect pursued heavily down the stretch by Cincinnati, but Kentucky’s recruiting win did not generate immediate buzz or high expectations. In Vito Tisdale‘s absence, he shined, appearing in every game and totaling 21 tackles, three for loss.

Kattus was off everyone’s radar until UK Fan Day. The Moeller product was the lowest-ranked player in the class and fifth on the depth chart. At the practice the big tight end was head-hunting, generating energy from fans and teammates you rarely see following a block. By the end of the season he was stiff-arming Louisville Cardinals 70 yards down the field and into the hearts of the BBN.

The most talented Afari and Kattus might still be playing high school football.

Early Offers from Kentucky

When recruiting the older brothers, Vince Marrow got an early look at Sam Afari and Tucker Kattus. He liked what he saw. Each player was given a scholarship offer before playing a snap of high school football.

Sam Afari is now a 6-foot, 155-pound junior-to-be in the 2025 recruiting class. The rising prospect at Lakota West has been to Kentucky several times to visit his brother and tells KSR+’s Jacob Polacheck that he feels comfortable in Lexington.

“I feel at home anytime I’m at Kentucky, talking to a coach,” he said. “It feels natural. It doesn’t feel awkward or anything. It’s a good place.” 

Alex has been a guiding force throughout Sam’s life and appreciates his support as the recruiting process picks up this offseason.

“He’s been a mentor for me for a long time,” Sam said. “He constantly tells me to always stay on top of my work, always stay focused, and stay away from anything that’s going to distract me from my goals in life.” 

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Power Five Intrigued by Young Kattus

Just down the road from Lakota West, Tucker Kattus made an early impact at Cincinnati St. X. A 6-foot-5, 260-pound offensive tackle, Michigan and Arkansas have noticed his potential and extended early scholarships. He’s also visiting each school this spring. Kattus has already been multiple trips to Kentucky and he feels the energy of the BBN every time he’s in town.

“I love Kentucky Football. I love BBN,” Kattus told KSR+. “Every time I go down there, I always feel the energy. I always see a bunch of friendliness and everyone is so supportive.” 

It’s still early in the process for the youngest Kattus brother, but he’s well on his way to becoming a four-star recruit. When searching for his next destination, he wants to go to a place where he feels loved that can help him follow in his father’s footsteps, a former tight end for the Cincinnati Bengals.

“I really want to go to a school that really wants me and can develop me to the best of my abilities,” he said. “My overall goal is to be the best I can and I want to play in the NFL.”

It may not happen for a few years, but Kentucky is putting in the work to one day put the Afari and Kattus brothers on the same field in the SEC.