High potential South Florida WR Denairius Gray signs with Kentucky

HOLLYWOOD, Fla. — The culmination of a highly-touted recruit’s high school career is signing day. Several seniors from South Florida powerhouse Chaminade-Madonna gathered in the school’s gymnasium to announce which school they will sign their letter of intent to.

For a three-star rated 2026 wide receiver, Denairius Gray, trust is a big reason why he stuck with Kentucky amid significant coaching changes.

“Just trusting in the process,” Gray said after signing with the Wildcats. “Trusting in the coaches. I feel like it’s a great opportunity for me at Kentucky.”

Kentucky decided to part ways with head coach Mark Stoops this week, who had coached the Wildcats since 2013. UK officially hired former Oregon offensive coordinator Will Stein as its new head coach later in the week, and the six-foot-one, 170-pounder feels confident he can excel with the new staff.

“I feel good about the new coaching staff. I trust in the new coaching staff. Coach Stein has a good background with passing the ball and having an explosive offense. If I go in there and do what I’m supposed to do, I shouldn’t have any problems.”

Stein is working quickly to assemble his new staff in Lexington.

Although UCF attempted to flip the former Auburn commit from the Wildcats, he mentioned no other schools were involved in his recruitment besides Kentucky in the days leading up to his signing day. His focus returns to finishing the 2025 season with a state title, and he gives much credit to his high school program for preparing him for the next level.

“Coming to Chaminade definitely developed me in a great way. I played against great players. I’ve been coached by good coaches. Iron sharpens iron, so I got better by competing with my teammates every day.

Chaminade-Madonna is aiming for a fifth consecutive state title this season. The Lions continue their 2025 playoff run against Trinity Christian in the state semifinals on Friday.