Vince Marrow: Kentucky looking to add two from the transfer portal

The 2022 Kentucky football roster remains under construction. Although there cannot be any new additions prior to the start of next month’s spring practice, Mark Stoops’ coaching staff has their eyes on a few players in the transfer portal that could join the team this summer.

Kentucky has already signed five players from the transfer portal this offseason: wide receiver Javon Baker (Alabama), defensive lineman Darrion Henry-Young (Ohio State), offensive lineman Tashawn Manning (Auburn), quarterback Deuce Hogan (Iowa) and wide receiver Tayvion Robinson (Virginia Tech). In a surprise appearance on Saturday’s KSR Pregame Show, Vince Marrow revealed Kentucky is looking for two more players in the portal, closing in on a cornerback and an offensive lineman.

“He might be mad at me for saying it, but I think we’re going to get a corner in the transfer portal,” Vince said as one UK defensive back walked into KSBar and Grille. “I’m actually in talks with a kid now.”

The Big Dog shared that improving play at cornerback was a top priority this offseason. “The head man made it very clear in our last staff meeting,” Marrow told Matt Jones.

The Kentucky associate head coach did not share any hints about the potential addition at cornerback. He did give the BBN a good idea who could be joining Zach Yenser’s offensive line.

“I think we’re going to get a new offensive lineman. Talking to a kid now that’s in the SEC,” Vince said. “People don’t realize — remember, we got Dare Rosenthal in July. This one, I think we can wrap up — he’ll be here before June. He’s going to come to (visit for a) spring practice when we start spring practice.”

Two Potential Transfer Portal Candidates

Talented cornerbacks have been in and out of the portal all offseason. There’s an intriguing one avilable right now that could be the player Marrow referred to on Saturday. Ohio State cornerback Sevyn Banks received an invitation to the NFL Combine, but chose to withdraw his name from draft consideration to enter the transfer portal. A former four-star prospect and Top 300 recruit, Banks was limited by injuries to just eight games in 2021. A grad transfer, Banks had 43 tackles, three for loss, ten pass deflections, an interception and a scoop ‘n score in his four-year Ohio State career.

Marrow provided more insight into the potential offensive line addition. Vanderbilt offensive tackle Tyler Steen checks the “SEC starter” tab after playing left and right for the Commodores over the last three seasons. A 6-foot-5, 300 pound athlete from Ft. Lauderdale, Kentucky has plenty of competition for Steen’s services with LSU, Virginia and NC State in pursuit. Marrow recently offered a scholarship to his younger brother, Dylan, a two-way prospect in the class of 2026.