KSR's 2023 National Signing Day Headquarters
Folks, it’s finally here. The Early Signing Period has begun, the new unofficial National Signing Day for high school prospects across the country. The fax machines are warming up and Letters of Intent will be rolling off the presses at the Joe Craft Football Training Facility all morning long.
Kentucky is starting the day with 15 players verbally committed and the 2023 class ranks 34th nationally. Three of those players are four-star prospects and Kentucky could add a few more throughout the day. Here’s which uncommitted players KSR will be keeping a close eye on this morning.
- Jamarion Wilcox, 3-Star Running Back
In addition to high school recruits, Kentucky announced the addition of multiple high-profile transfer portal players that are also joining the BBN this offseason. See all of the ins and outs of the transfer portal by keeping up with KSR’s Transfer Portal Tracker. Bookmark this page and refresh throughout the morning to see when each new Wildcat makes it official.
Roush (4:30) — Jyaire Hill Makes it Official
The four-star cornerback pulled a fast one on us. He pulled Michigan from his final five, yet still committed to the Wolverines Wednesday afternoon. There’s now only one player left on the board for Kentucky, running back Jamarion Wilcox. If you’re starting to get worried, let Jay Boulware provide some reassurance.
Tyler (3:11) — Kentucky announces the addition of Tavion Gadson
It’s official! Former Florida State commit Tavion Gadson is a Wildcat. Kentucky now has 17 high school signees in the 2023 class.
Three-star running back Jamarion Wilcox could join him any minute now…
Roush (2:25) — Another One!
Tavion Gadson
- Measurables: 6-5, 265
- Position: DL
- High School: Savannah (GA) Jenkins
- On3 Consensus Ranking: No. 72 DL (three-star)
- Chose UK Over: Florida State, Tennessee
- Highlights
About: This time a week ago Tavion Gadson was committed to Florida State with plans to visit Tennessee before signing in February. After an official visit to Lexington he had seen enough. Kentucky picks up a lengthy, explosive playmaker in the trenches that’s a two-sport star for his high school.
Roush (11:55) — Surprise! Mike Stoops Adds a 4-Star LB
Jayvant Brown
- Measurables: 6-0, 220
- Position: LB
- High School: Deerfield Beach (FL) St. Thomas Aquinas
- On3 Consensus Ranking: No. 381, 34 LB (four-star)
- Chose UK Over: Michigan State, Alabama, Ohio State, Michigan, among others
- Highlights
About: Brown was committed to Michigan State until this weekend. Unheard of by most who closely follow Kentucky football recruiting, Mike Stoops laid low before pulling off this signing day surprise. Kentucky needed another linebacker in the 2023 class and they found a four-star prospect that is a physical presence in the middle of the defense.
Luckett (11:48) — Jamarion Harkless signs with Purdue
The Lexington (Ky.) Frederick Douglass product had a wild recruitment that included commitments to both Illinois and Auburn. However, Jamarion Harkless needed to find a new home after Bryan Harsin’s staff was dismissed. He’s landed in the Big Ten West where he’ll play for former Illinois defensive coordinator Ryan Walters in West Lafayette.
Nick (10:28) — Karmello English Commits to Michigan
Folks close to the Kentucky football program felt like the Wildcats were in a good spot last week. Something changed and the four-star slot receiver ultimately chose to take his talents to Ann Arbor. With English off the board, only a few announcements remain. These are the signing times that have been shared publicly, however, the faxes could be submitted before the players go through their ceremonies.
- 1:00 — Jamarion Wilcox
- 2:00 — Tavion Gadson
- 2:00 — Jyaire Hill
- TBD — Jayvant Brown
Tyler (10:24) — Kentucky makes the addition of Shamar Porter official
All 15 committed prospects have now signed. Now, we wait to see who else joins the fold…
Luckett (10:05) — Asa Newsom signs with Kansas State
A top goal for Kentucky in the 2023 recruiting cycle was to sign an additional linebacker to join Grant Godfrey in the class. That hasn’t happened yet.
High three-star Asa Newsom took an official visit to Kentucky last weekend, but the Iowa native signed with Kansas State this morning.
All eyes are now on four-star Jayvant Brown who is trending for the Wildcats.
Roush (9:40) — Don’t Worry About Shamar Porter
Roush (9:30) — Last Man Standing
And then there was one. Shamar Porter, the highest-ranked verbal commit in Kentucky’s 2023 recruiting class, is the last fax of the morning. The first 14 players submitted their paperwork efficiently. There’s one final big piece of the puzzle remaining before a few potential flips and commits get in on the action. Don’t Geek.
Roush (9:14) — These Two are Big
Koby Keenum
- Measurables: 6-4, 285
- Position: C
- High School: Florence (AL) Mars Hill Bible School
- On3 Consensus Ranking: No. 67 IOL (three-star)
- Chose UK Over: Louisville, Mississippi State, Auburn, Ole Miss
- Highlights
- KSR Film Room
About: Ranked by Rivals as the No. 2 center in America, Koby Keenum turned heads when he committed to Kentucky over Louisville after officially visiting both schools over the summer. SEC schools continued their pursuit of Keenum throughout the fall, but Zach Yenser has remained vigilant in Keenum’s recruitment. He visited UK unofficially for the UofL game, canceled a late official visit to Mississippi State, then won the Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Game to close out the year.
Avery Stuart
- Measurables: 6-2, 175
- Position: S
- High School: Montgomery (AL) Alabama Christian Academy
- On3 Consensus Ranking: No. 261 overall, No. 19 S (four-star)
- Chose UK Over: Florida State
- Highlights
- Film Room
About: In the midst of midsummer recruiting struggles, Frank Buffano secured his biggest win as a recruiter by turning the tide against Florida State late in the process to land this top 300 prospect. Mark Stoops has consistently fielded excellent secondaries throughout his 10-year tenure. Only Mike Edwards and Alex Afari had comparable recruiting rankings. Stuart can become a star at Kentucky.
On3 Scouting Report: Two-way starter at wide receiver and defensive back who makes plays on both sides of the ball. Not afraid to play with some physicality. Shows long speed and burst at receiver on go routes and as a safety when ranging from sideline to sideline. Willing tackler that loves to come downhill and strike ball carriers. Tough football player who plays with a mean streak. Shows vertical ability and explosiveness on the hardwood as a starter for the basketball team. Does not have the most natural hands, but can still go up and high point the football. The ball skills are good enough to serve as a positive as a defensive back. The physicality shines on tape as well as his overall athleticism. The physical tools are all there in order for him to make an immediate impact at the next level. Will need some time refining his game as a pure defensive back, but should be a seamless transition to the collegiate game. Does not play top competition in the private school ranks in Alabama.
Roush (9:08) — Welcome Tommy Ziesmer to the BBN
Tommy Ziesmer
- Measurables: 6-1, 245
- Position: DL
- High School: Danville (KY) Boyle County
- On3 Consensus Ranking: No. 4 KY (three-star)
- Chose UK Over: West Virginia
- Highlights
- KSR Film Room
About: The Boyle County defensive lineman was an early addition to Kentucky’s 2023 recruiting class over the summer. Explosive at the line of scrimmage, Ziesmer appears to have bulked up in the middle of his senior season, setting him up to withstand the physicality in the SEC. A three-time state champion at Boyle County, this year he put the team on his back and scored the game-winning touchdown.
Roush (8:52) — Add a Homegrown Talent to the Big Blue Wall
Malachi Wood
- Measurables: 6-8, 290
- Position: OT
- High School: Richmond (KY) Madison Central
- On3 Consensus Ranking: No. 12 KY (three-star)
- Chose UK Over: West Virginia
- Highlights
- KSR Film Room
About: Wood looks more like a basketball player than a left tackle. The tall, lengthy athlete needs to spend all of his spare time adding muscle mass, but if he does, he could develop into a player for the Cats. Closely scrutinized by the Kentucky coaching staff, Wood spent week after week after working out with Zach Yenser over the summer and he did everything Kentucky’s offensive line coach asked of him.
Luckett (8:50) — Graham Mertz finds a home
Most of you might have been sleeping around this time, but last night around midnight on the east coast there was another big QB transfer commitment. After Kentucky landed Devin Leary, Florida made a move on its quarterback.
Wisconsin transfer Graham Mertz was fresh off an official visit to Kentucky over the weekend before reportedly committing to the Gators, per The Athletic’s G. Allan Taylor. Mertz was long seen as a top option for Kentucky before the Cats wrapped up Leary.
The two transfer QBs will face each other in Week 5 when Billy Napier’s program makes the trip to Lexington. Florida fans don’t appear to be too happy about this development.
Roush (8:34) — Another In-State Star joins the BBN
Jakob Dixon
- Measurables: 6-5, 200
- Position: TE
- High School: Louisville (KY) Pleasure Ridge Park
- On3 Consensus Ranking: No. 10 KY (three-star)
- Chose UK Over: Vandy, Purdue, EKU, Murray State,
- Highlights
About: Jakob Dixon spent most of his summers running track and playing basketball. That’s why he did not get recruited by colleges until the summer before his senior season. When the lengthy athlete ran a 4.5 40-yard dash at the University of Kentucky, it opened Vince Marrow’s eyes. He replicated that performance later in the summer and earned a scholarship offer. A dynamic weapon that can play the hybrid tight end role Izayah Cummings excelled in under Liam Coen, Dixon can become a valuable weapon if he can add weight to his long frame.
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Roush (8:20) — BOOM!
Anthony Brown
- Measurables: 5-8.5, 160
- Position: WR
- High School: Springfield (OH)
- On3 Consensus Ranking: No. 411 overall, No. 59 WR (three-star)
- Chose UK Over: Cincinnati, Oklahoma, Michigan, Penn State
- Highlights
- KSR Film Room
About: A nephew of John Legend’s, Brown played high school football for a former Wildcat, Moe Douglass. A shifty, explosive slot receiver, he had a sensational senior season. Brown caught 83 passes for 1,626 yards and 21 touchdowns. Springfield’s season ended in the Division I State Championship Game for the second straight season. The school has produced a few Wildcats over the years and Brown can become the best yet.
Luckett (8:12) — Former Kentucky target lands at Ohio State
Cincinnati (Ohio) Winton Woods Jermaine Matthews was a huge target for Kentucky back in the spring. Then the camp circuit happened. After some strong performances, the defensive back became a top-150 recruit and will be one of Ohio State’s best players in this cycle.
Roush (8:09) — There’s a Big Fish
Jaremiah Anglin
- Measurables: 6-0, 180
- Position: S
- High School: Lake Wales (FL)
- On3 Consensus Ranking: No. 411 overall, No. 59 WR (three-star)
- Chose UK Over: Tennessee, Alabama, Florida State, Oklahoma and more
- Highlights
- KSR Film Room
About: Anglin also goes by “Grady Judd,” the Polk County Sheriff who helped him announce his college decision. Why are the two kindred spirits? We’ll find out once Anglin gets to Lexington. He picked off 8 passes this season and led his team to a State Title.
On3 Scouting Report: Versatile athlete that shows off his ball skills on the defensive side of the ball just as well as he does on the offensive side at wide receiver. Caught 24 balls for 358 yards and 3 touchdowns on offense and tallied 83 tackles and 5 interceptions on defense during his junior season. Stands in at 6-foot, 180 pounds with a 6-foot-3 wingspan. Dynamic athlete with or without the ball in his hands. Covers every blade of grass on defense. Ran an electronically-timed 4.62 40, 4.24 shuttle and 7.29 3-cone during the spring camp circuit prior to his senior season. Jumped a 32-inch vertical and nearly a 10-foot broad jump at the same event. Tremendously high upside and has the ability to become a top 150 NFL draft selection if he is able to continue to produce takeaways at the next level. One of the younger prospects in the 2023 recruiting cycle.
Roush (8:03) — New House in the Neighborhood
Austin Ramsey
- Measurables: 6-4, 365
- Position: IOL
- High School: Philadelphia (PA) Roman Catholic
- On3 Consensus Ranking: No. 21 PA (three-star)
- Chose UK Over: Rutgers, Penn State, Maryland
- Highlights
- KSR Film Room
About: Austin Ramsey’s nickname is “House” because he’s as big as a house. That should tell you a lot about the Wildcats’ newest interior offensive lineman. The big man can play bully ball at the point of attack. Zach Yenser’s first commitment as the Wildcats’ offensive line coach, it’s the second straight year Kentucky has signed a player from Pennsylvania.
Roush (8:00) — Trey Cornist to Tulane
The three-star running back from Cincinnati Winton Woods has not yet put pen to paper and submitted his fax, but he did share publicly that he is committed to Tulane. The Green Wave will play USC in the Cotton Bowl as the highest-ranked G5 team after taking down UCF in the AAC Championship. After securing Ray Davis from the transfer portal, Kentucky appears to be putting all of its high school recruiting eggs in the basket of running back Jamarion Wilcox.
Roush (7:53) — Another One
Nasir Addison
- Measurables: 6-2, 181
- Position: DB
- High School: Irvington (NJ)
- On3 Consensus Ranking: No. 21 NJ (three-star)
- Chose UK Over: Maryland, Florida State, Kentucky, Michigan State, and Ole Miss
- Highlights
- KSR Film Room
About: Once a commit to the Terps, the two-way star is an intriguing addition to Kentucky’s secondary. The Wildcats are such big fans, they sent four coaches to his in-home visit earlier this month. Despite Greg Schiano’s late efforts, the Wildcats secured a signature from the elite athlete with a high ceiling.
Roush (7:47) — The Big Dog gets an All-American
Khamari Anderson
- Measurables: 6-4, 230
- Position: TE
- High School: Detroit (MI) Cass Tech
- On3 Consensus Ranking: No. 482 overall, No. 25 TE (three-star)
- Chose UK Over: Cincinnati, Michigan
- Highlights
- KSR Film Room
About: The former Cincinnati commitment reopened his recruitment following Luke Fickell’s departure and Vince Marrow was waiting with arm’s wide open. An Under Armour All-American, this year he caught 25 passes for 339 yards and 5 touchdowns to help Cass Tech win the Detroit Public School League Championship and reach the Division I State Semifinals. The school produced two starters on this year’s defense, Deone Walker and DeAndre Square. Anderson has the chops to play right away as a true freshman in UK’s deep rotation at tight end.
Roush (7:38) — The First WR of the Morning
Ardell Banks
- Measurables: 6-3, 181
- Position: WR
- High School: Massillon (OH) Washington
- On3 Consensus Ranking: No. 144 WR (three-star)
- Chose UK Over: Arizona State, Cincinnati, Pittsburgh, Wisconsin
- Highlights
- KSR Film Room
About: A late bloomer on the recruiting scene, Ardell Banks was a Toledo commit when Power Five schools started knocking on his door in northeast Ohio. Banks’ size is the first thing that pops on paper, but his speed is what stands out on film. Also doubling as a track star, he ran sub-11 time in the 100m and logged a 22.05 in the 200m. Recruited by Vince Marrow, this year he caught 39 passes for 803 yards and 12 touchdowns.
Roush (7:27) — Home Sweet Home for a Legacy Recruit
Ty Bryant
- Measurables: 6-0, 180
- Position: ATH/DB
- High School: Lexington (KY) Frederick Douglass
- On3 Consensus Ranking: No. 8 KY (three-star)
- Chose UK Over: Tennessee, Cincinnati, West Virginia, Maryland
- Highlights
About: The son of former Wildcat WR Cisco Bryant propelled Frederick Douglass to its first State Championship this December. Bryant picked off a pass and rushed for a touchdown in the 28-7 win over Bowling Green. He concluded his career as the school’s all-time leading tackler. He is the fourth Frederick Douglass player to join the Wildcats over the last three years and the school’s third straight Paul Hornung Award winner. Bryant, the first player to join Kentucky’s 2023 recruiting class, plans on enrolling at UK in January where he will play defensive back.
Roush (7:24) — Now a Tight End
Tanner LeMaster
- Measurables: 6-5, 245
- Position: TE
- High School: Washington Court House (OH)
- On3 Consensus Ranking: No. 60 TE, No. 35 OH (three-star)
- Chose UK Over: Cincinnati, Tennessee
- Highlights
- KSR Film Room
About: Following a few departures in the tight end room, the Wildcats are adding a big body that uses his power to throw opponents around in the trenches. He’s not just a glorified offensive tackle. Last fall LeMaster caught 50 passes for 540 yards and 12 touchdowns in 12 games. LeMaster fits the mold of steady tight ends that have had success in the past for Vince Marrow, like Brenden Bates and Justin Rigg.
Roush (7:18) — The First Addition is Officially Official
Grant Godfrey
- Measurables: 6-3, 200
- Position: LB
- High School: Suwanee (GA) North Gwinnett
- On3 Consensus Ranking: No. 324 overall, No. 29 LB (four-star)
- Chose UK Over: Tennessee
- Highlights
- Film Room
About: Prepare for the Jamin Davis comps. Like Davis, Godfrey is a Georgia native with a frame that could use 30 pounds of muscle. An exceptional athlete, it might take him time to mature in the slow cooker, but once he’s ready, watch out.
On3 Scouting Report: Versatile space defender who can effectively play between the tackles, run sideline to sideline, defend the pass in zone or man coverage and sack the quarterback. Solid trigger and closes to ball carriers quickly. Looks comfortable and plays with physicality when setting the edge. Displays violent hands as a run blocker on offense as an H-back. Has some hip tightness and limited change of direction when forced to flip his hips. High floor player who can play a multitude of roles for a defense throughout his career. Father, Randall Godfrey, was an All-SEC linebacker at Georgia and played in the NFL for 10-plus years. Brother, RJ Godfrey, is a current member of the Clemson basketball team.
Roush (7:15) — Shout out to Ole Miss’ graphic department. They’re going with a throwback to announce each signee by creating NFL Street animations. No, the PS2 game wasn’t as good as NBA Street, but it’s still a cool idea.
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