Kiyaunta Goodwin May Take More Visits This Fall

Kiyaunta Goodwin, Kentucky’s top commit in the class of 2022, isn’t finished taking visits just yet. Goodwin committed to the ‘Cats back on April 17, but in a recent interview with Chad Simmons from On3, he says he plans to visit Alabama in the fall, potentially along with Ohio State and Michigan State.

“A lot of schools negatively recruit,” Goodwin said when asked about why he’s taking an official visit despite being committed. “People say Coach Saban is a tyrant, stuff like that, but basically, I’ve got to see what kind of program it was down there and get the chance to meet him for myself. People say a lot of stuff, but being able to go down there and actually meet him in person…he’s nothing like people make him out to be. He’s a great dude and a great coach, he’s fun to be around, and I’m just happy to go down and meet him. Sometimes that messes with your decisions, but being able to meet him made me want to go ahead and take that official (visit).”

Despite already meeting Saban and the coaching staff, Goodwin says he hasn’t received the true Tuscaloosa experience yet. If he takes that official visit, that’s something he will definitely do.

So, the main question is:

What does this mean for Kentucky?

It would be naive to sit here and say “nothing.” Anytime Nick Saban comes knocking at the door, that’s probable cause to worry.

However, everyone knew Kentucky would have to fend off some high-level schools to keep Goodwin on board until the December signing period. Keep in mind Goodwin — like most upcoming recruits — did not get the full college recruiting experience, an experience that typically includes being treated like a king at some of college football’s most high-profile games on some of college football’s most high-profile campuses.

Even back when Goodwin committed in April, Nick Roush spelled out the sense that Goodwin would rightfully still go on some visits.

“Despite the early hysteria, Goodwin has not been able to receive the full college recruiting experience. He attended plenty of camps early in his career, spotted regularly each summer in Lexington, but COVID-19 kept him from getting the red carpet treatment. If the NCAA does reopen the recruiting floodgates in June, he will likely still use all five of his official visits. Kentucky is currently the favorite for Goodwin’s services. Of the nearly 20 predictions logged on various recruiting websites, only one projects Goodwin to leave the state. Even if the Wildcats do secure a commitment Saturday night, the battle will not be won until December’s signing day.”

It’s hard to blame anyone for wanting to take another visit, even if that means Kentucky has to fend off some high-profile schools.

Kentucky still has a leg up for Goodwin

While anyone would be extremely skeptical of a post-commitment visit to places like Alabama, Ohio State, and Michigan State, it’s important to remember Kentucky still has a leg up. Mark Stoops and company have recruited Goodwin since he was in seventh grade, after all. He is committed to the ‘Cats and claims to have visited Lexington “more times than he can count.”

“It just felt like home,” he told KSR back in April. “I feel like I have a great relationship with the coaches there. I’ve been around them since I was in seventh grade. It just feels like family.”

That stick-to-it-iveness and loyalty from the Big Dog is something that attracted Goodwin to Kentucky. The fact that the ‘Cats were able to see an early evaluation of Goodwin and stay the course through his body transformation speaks volumes to the Kentucky recruiting staff. Of course, that’s something Goodwin notices as well. Recruiting is all about relationships, and that appears to be a strong bond Kentucky has with Goodwin.

It’s a bond that will certainly be tested heading to the December signing period, but it’s also a bond that appears to be strong enough to be unbreakable. Time will tell.

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Kiyaunta Goodwin is listed as the No. 16 player and top offensive tackle in the class of 2022 by On3 Sports. Goodwin is one of the biggest recruiting wins in Kentucky Football history and headlines what could be a historically gifted class for head coach Mark Stoops and company.

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