With Boley on board, Hayes Johnson says, "We can really do something" at Kentucky

Moments before Cutter Boley pledged his commitment to the University of Kentucky in a Thursday morning ceremony at Lexington Christian Academy, KSR’s morning radio program took a phone call from another high-profile high school football player from nearby.

Hayes Johnson, the standout offensive tackle from Taylor County, was on the line to voice his support for Boley. Johnson and Boley are friends and now, future college teammates. Back in January, Johnson became the Kentucky Wildcats’ first commitment in its 2024 recruiting class, and today, Boley became the third with his announcement at LCA. Aba Selm, another in-state offensive line talent out of Simon Kenton, preceded Boley with a February commitment following Johnson’s to Kentucky.

“I think this is huge,” Johnson said of the addition of Boley to the class. “Cutter and I are good friends, and, you know, we talk a lot, but, guys, this is big.

“I’ve been a Kentucky fan all my life, and I can’t think of the last time you start off a class with three big, highly-ranked Kentucky kids. I think this is huge today. I think today could be the step in the right direction for a few years. We can really do something.”

KSR didn’t know then, but Johnson was calling from within LCA’s auditorium as he and many others awaited Boley’s announcement. Johnson’s last day of school at Taylor County was last Thursday, so he drove the hour and a half to Lexington for the QB he will soon protect at UK.

When he called in, Johnson likely knew Boley’s pick, but he still encouraged the Big Blue Nation to make one last push to secure another Bluegrass native from next year’s high school graduating class.

“I feel pretty good. The one thing I wanted to go on here and say is, BBN, we’ve got to show this kid what it means to be a part of Big Blue Nation. And just one last push to get this guy. I mean, this is huge for Kentucky today.”

Kentucky Football’s 2024 class now includes a top-rated quarterback of the future and two homegrown linemen to help protect him. A huge day for Kentucky indeed.

Hear Johnson’s call at the end of the first hour, followed by the radio broadcast of Boley’s announcement at the beginning of the second.

Watch Cutter Boley’s commitment to Kentucky

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