Recruiting Board: Keidron Smith decision looms large

On Friday, Kentucky added their first commitment to the 2023 class in over a month when Tanner Lemaster announced his decision. That result could create some positive momentum for the Wildcats on the recruiting trail.

The coaching staff should be active shoppers in the transfer portal as the program looks for help next season while work is being done daily on the 2023 class. Things should start to happen very fast.

To catch us up to speed, KSR is taking a look at the recruiting board and provide the names and storylines that the Big Blue Nation should be paying attention to right now.

Keidron Smith should be approaching decision time

Back in January, Ole Miss defensive back Keidron Smith announced that the South Florida native would be leaving Ole Miss after four seasons with the Rebels. The versatile player has decided to spend his super senior season with another program.

Two months later, Smith announced that he planned to take four official visits. The last one is happening this weekend with a visit to Virginia Tech. After that, we should expect a decision from the transfer.

Kentucky appears to have a great shot at landing Smith as instant playing time could be available at outside cornerback or nickel — two positions the defensive back played at Ole Miss. KSR’s Matt Jones announced that a certain SEC defensive back will be making a decision soon and that landing spot would be Kentucky.

I am hearing UK is likely to get a transfer from a SEC DB within the next few days

— Matt Jones (@KySportsRadio) April 15, 2022

The Wildcats could be close to landing the current top target on their recruiting board.

Kentucky is making noise in recruitment of Karmello English

In the class of 2022, Kentucky landed signatures from both Barion Brown and Dane Key who are both top-300 prospects. Each is expected to make an impact as a rookie. That momentum is carrying into the 2023 class.

The Wildcats dipped back into Nashville to land a commitment from top-200 recruit Shamar Porter in January, and now the program is making a push for a big-time wideout in Alabama.

Karmello English is a top-150 recruit who has been considered an Auburn lean to this point. However, Kentucky was included in his top five schools released on Monday and followed it up with a surprise unofficial visit to campus on Friday.

#BBN GO SHOW ME SOME LOVE !! on instagram @MELLO.da1 pic.twitter.com/mQPFS8BPZ7

— karmello english (@EnglishKarmello) April 16, 2022

English is starting to feel some love from the Big Blue Nation as Kentucky is turning into a legit player in this blue-chip recruitment.

Competition is stiff for Kendrick Gilbert

Going into the state of Indiana is not often something Kentucky does frequently. However, in the 2023 class, Kentucky has made its way into Indianapolis (Ind.) Cathedral to pursue four-star Kendrick Gilbert.

At 6-foot-5 and 250 pounds, Gilbert has the required length on the defensive line with a frame to grow into. Quality control coach Josh Estes-Waugh has Kentucky in the mix, but the competition is tough.

The four-star prospect has taken recent visits to LSU, Ohio State, and Tennessee while locking in an official visit to see Brian Kelly’s program in June. For Kentucky to have a chance, the Wildcats will need to get one of Gilbert’s five official visits over the summer.

We’ll see if Kentucky can make a move for the midwest product.