Former Ohio State defensive lineman visiting Kentucky
Defensive lineman Darrion Henry-Young went to Ohio State with visions of grandeur. However, it never came to fruition for the former four-star recruit — he entered the transfer portal after just one tackle in four games over two seasons.
Henry-Young was looking for a fresh start, and that fresh start could come in Lexington. According to Matt Jones of Kentucky Sports Radio, Henry-Young is visiting Kentucky on Saturday.
“Darrion Henry-Young, a Defensive Line transfer from Ohio State is on campus for a visit today at Kentucky,” tweeted Jones. “Would be a major get for the Cats if they can make it happen.”
If Henry-Young chooses the Wildcats, he would bring a drive to prove himself along with four years of eligibility to Kentucky. While he experienced success at Ohio State, it’s evident the defensive lineman wants a bigger share of the pie at his next school.
Before committing to Ohio State, Darrion Henry-Young was sought after by many programs. If Kentucky can land the former four-star recruit, it’ll be a huge addition to Mark Stoops’ squad.
More on Darrion Henry-Young, Kentucky
Darrion Henry-Young isn’t the only Big Ten player with potential who may join Kentucky. Earlier this week, it was reported that Iowa quarterback Deuce Hogan will transfer to Kentucky. Moreover, Hogan will be a walk-on for the Wildcats.
A 6-foot-4, 200-pound passer from Grapevine, Texas, he was a four-star recruit at Faith Christian (Southlake) in the class of 2020. He was the No. 30 overall quarterback according to On3 Consensus, a complete and equally weighted industry-generated average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He chose the Hawkeyes over offers from Georgia, Oklahoma State, Tennessee and others.
Hogan led his team to a state title as a freshman and threw for 8,192 yards and 100 touchdowns in his prep career. He spent the first two seasons of his college career as a backup to both Spencer Petras and Alex Padilla. His only game action with Iowa came this season against Maryland, when he completed his only pass for a two-yard gain.
Hogan announced that he was leaving the program in December after coach Kirk Ferentz made a joke at his expense during a press conference. With both Petras and Padilla battling the flu in November, Frentz was asked whether Hogan had a chance to play.
“If it was Deuce, with all due respect to Deuce, I might’ve stayed in Iowa City,” he said after the away game, per The Gazette‘s John Steppe.
Although Hogan never commented publicly on the remarks from his coach, a Facebook post from his mother confirmed it was the reason he left.
“Deuce did not leave Iowa because of playing time… The head coach slandered him in a press conference,” she wrote in a Facebook post. “Very out of character for the coach… he was trying to be funny… unfortunately, there was no backtracking on his mistake. He has since apologized to Deuce, the team, and the media. But Deuce cannot play for him… and everyone in the facility understands why.”
Hogan will get a fresh start with Kentucky, which defeated Iowa in the Citrus Bowl this season. He likely will remain a backup in Lexington, as Will Levis, who started for the Wildcats all season, is likely to return for his senior season.
The Iowa transfer quarterback will play his first game in a Kentucky uniform on Sept. 3 as the Wildcats open the 2022 season against Miami (OH).