OSU DB Jantzen Dunn arrives on campus for Kentucky

Is Kentucky on the cusp of adding its second Western Kentucky native coming from a blue-blood program? First, it was Alabama offensive lineman Tanner Bowles formerly of Glasgow (KY), who committed on Dec. 8. Now, Ohio State defensive back Jantzen Dunn — a former South Warren (KY) standout — is on his official visit to Lexington.

Dunn, a native of Bowling Green, entered the transfer portal on Tuesday after two seasons in Columbus.

Visiting @UKFootball with @JantzenDunn #BBN pic.twitter.com/uYxQdxawf5

— Mitchell Dunn (@mdunn2012) December 17, 2022

The official visit comes following a meeting with Vince Marrow shortly after entering the portal this week.

Great convo with @vincemarrow this afternoon!! #GoBlue pic.twitter.com/czJIBjAzoX

— Jantzen Dunn (@JantzenDunn) December 14, 2022

The former four-star recruit was a top-200 prospect overall and the No. 2 player in Kentucky in the class of 2021. Dunn committed to Ryan Day and the Ohio State program over Kentucky, Louisville and Tennessee.

In his two years at Ohio State, Dunn only saw the field on special teams in 2022 as a redshirt freshman. During his first year on campus, the former blue-chip prospect saw defensive snaps (9) against Akron in Week 4. Dunn will be a redshirt sophomore in 2023 with three years of eligibility remaining. The versatile defensive back could potentially play cornerback, nickel, or safety at the college level.

The South Warren product’s visit comes on the heels of Kentucky adding Cincinnati DB transfer JQ Hardaway out of the portal on Thursday. Hardaway was a former four-star prospect out of high school, originally choosing the Bearcats over the Wildcats in 2021. He was rated as the No. 273 prospect overall and a top-30 cornerback in the On3 Consensus.

Alabama DB transfer Khyree Jackson — you guessed it, another former four-star — is also coming off a visit to Kentucky and is set to choose between the Wildcats and Oregon Ducks on Sunday. The 6-foot-3 200-pound corner was the top-ranked JUCO player when he committed to Alabama in 2021. During his two seasons in Tuscaloosa, Jackson recorded 14 tackles and two pass breakups in a little under 200 total snaps. He appeared in nine games this season for the Tide and will be a redshirt senior in 2023.

Carrington Valentine is off to the NFL and Keidron Smith is out of eligibility, leaving Kentucky down two starters at corner going into 2023. Adding Hardaway was a great start, but bringing in both Dunn and Jackson? That would be something special.