JJ Weaver announces return to Kentucky for sixth season

JJ Weaver will return to Kentucky for his sixth season with the program, he announced Thursday in a video post to social media. He is a native of Louisville, Kentucky.

“First and foremost, I’m going to keep it short and simple. I want to say thank you to God, my coaching staff and the BBN community. I’m coming back for my last season,” he said.

Originally a product of the 2019 recruiting class, Weaver was one of the top in-state products of his year as a four-star recruit. He was the No. 371 player in the nation and No. 30 EDGE in the class, according to the On3 Industry Rankings, a proprietary algorithm that compiles ratings and rankings from all four primary recruiting media services — and has more than lived up to that ranking during his time in Lexington.

In five seasons with Kentucky, Weaver has compiled 160 total tackles, 15 sacks, four forced fumbles and two interceptions as a mainstay in the Wildcats’ front seven over the past four seasons.

With his future in Lexington set in stone — Weaver can now set his complete focus on the Gator Bowl vs. Clemson on Friday, Dec. 29. Kickoff is scheduled for Noon ET.

More on the 2024 NFL Draft

The 2024 NFL Draft will be held in Detroit, Michigan, with the first round on Thursday, April 25, the second and third rounds on Friday, April 26, and the fourth through seventh rounds on Saturday, April 27.

Players will have the opportunity to solidify their draft stock at the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine, to be held in Indianapolis, Indiana from February 26 through March 4.

The three-day event will be broadcasted throughout the weekend on ESPN and NFL Network.

To be eligible for the NFL Draft, players must be at least three years removed from their final year of high school while having used up their collegiate eligibility. Underclassmen are able to request league approval to become eligible for the draft, as are players who have graduated prior to using up all of their collegiate eligibility.

Last season, 69 players were granted special eligibility for the 2023 NFL Draft. 13 underclassmen who had completed their college degrees were also deemed eligible to be selected.

The deadline to declare for the 2024 NFL Draft is on January 15. NFL teams will receive a full list of eligible players in the class on January 19.