Recruiting wins should contribute early for Kentucky at wide receiver

Wide receiver was a huge problem for Kentucky football. Yearly, the Wildcats struggled to sign top targets out of high school. That is no longer the case in Lexington.

For the third year in a row, UK has signed multiple top-500 recruits at wide receiver. After Barion Brown and Dane Key set a high bar last season, expectations are not slowing down for high three-star Anthony Brown and top-250 prospect Shamar Porter. Meanwhile, three-star prospect Ardell Banks could be considered the top sleeper in this class.

Kentucky head coach Mark Stoops expects both signees to contribute in 2023.

“These are the type of high school receivers that definitely can come in and play,” Stoops told reporters on Wednesday.

Porter (6-3, 210) was the first to join the fold when the Nashville (Tenn.) Ensworth wideout committed to the Wildcats in January. The true X receiver is strong at the catch point and has some vertical speed. Expectations should be very high for the four-star signee

“Big, strong, serious player,” Stoops said. “Anticipate he’s the type of young man that can come in and have an impact early.”

Meanwhile, Brown (5-10, 170) is a true slot receiver who recorded 83 receptions for 1,626 yards and 21 touchdowns as a senior at Springfield (Ohio) High. The wideout has great change of direction and should develop into a great route runner in college. Don’t be surprised if he’s the top option in the slot behind Tavyion Robinson if the Virginia Tech transfer returns for a super senior season.

Meanwhile, Brown (5-10, 170) is a true slot receiver who recorded 83 receptions for 1,626 yards and 21 touchdowns as a senior at Springfield (Ohio) High. Brown has great change of direction and should develop into a great route runner in college. Don’t be surprised if he’s the top option in the slot behind Tavyion Robinson if the Virginia Tech transfer returns for a super senior season.

The last win of the cycle occurred in December when Vince Marrow landed former Toledo commit Banks (6-4, 190). Averaging over 20 yards per reception, Banks was a true vertical playmaker who is a long strider in space. There is an avenue for the wideout to become a vertical field stretcher in a college offense.

The Wildcats lost a head-to-head recruiting battle on Wednesday when four-star wideout Karmello English signed with Michigan, but overall this group checked a lot of boxes. Expect to see a true freshman or two on the field this fall as the Wildcats continue to recruit the position well since transitioning to a pro-style offense.