Khalifa Keith, 3-Star Alabama Running Back, Commits to Kentucky

The Kentucky football team is loading up on talented running backs. Khalifa Keith celebrated Independence Day by announcing his commitment to Kentucky. He picked the Wildcats over Georgia Tech and Florida State.

Happy 4th💙 1000% Committed

@UKFootball @UKCoachStoops @Coachjsetcats @OL_Coach_Yenser @Rivals @247Sports @CoachWarren23 @AHParkerFootba1 pic.twitter.com/Rqlozacini

— Khalifa Keith (@KhalifaKeith2) July 4, 2022

Khalifa Keith is a two-way star at Parker High School in Birmingham, Al. The physical athlete was initially evaluated by some services as a linebacker. Recruited by Kentucky to play running back, he is considered one of the top 75 rushers in America according to the On3 Consensus, a complete and equally weighted industry-generated average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

Keith was recruited to Kentucky by new offensive line coach Zach Yenser, who helped secure two new additions to the 2023 recruiting class in as many weeks. Austin Ramsey committed to UK days after officially visiting alongside Keith on June 10. The Wildcats now have an 8-man class that could grow even more when Koby Keenum announces his college decision Saturday. Keith follows Franklin County’s Kaden Moorman as the second running back in the ’23 recruiting class.

Keith Fits Kentucky Football Running Back Culture

There have been 11 players in school history rush for at least 1,900 yards. Four of them have played for Mark Stoops. The best of the best are physical rushers that can make something out of nothing by lowering their shoulders and moving the pile. It’s not fair to compare this kid immediately to all-time greats like Benny Snell and Chris Rodriguez, but that is exactly why UK is bringing Keith to Lexington.

Following Rodriguez’s departure, the torch will be passed to JuTahn McClain. La’Vell Wright and Michael Drennen will also be in the mix. They can run between the tackles, but it’s not their forte. Keith is going to add some muscle to the room. Even though the Wildcats will be running more outside zone under Rich Scangarello, Keith is the kind of North-South runner that embodies the culture curated by Mark Stoops at Kentucky.