QB Matt Ponatoski commits to Kentucky where he'll play football and baseball: 'It's just a perfect fit'

Cincinnati (Ohio) Moeller four-star quarterback Matt Ponatoski tells Rivals he has committed to Kentucky.

The Ohio Gatorade Player of the Year for football and baseball will play both sports in Lexington.

The 6-foot-2, 190-pound Ponatoski also strongly considered opportunities from Alabama, Oregon, Arkansas, Duke, Mississippi State, Georgia Tech and others throughout his process. Nearby Kentucky had everything he was looking for.

“It’s just the people there,” Ponatoski said. He is the nation’s No. 9 quarterback and No. 100 prospect overall. “They’ve been absolutely phenomenal. It’s been a really good relationship (both football and baseball). They’ve been there for a long time and shown love for a long time. It’s going on two years being recruited by them.

“It’s the right fit for me and my family. My family has been a big part of my journey as far as watching me grow up, coming to a lot of my games. I have a very large family. Not just my immediate family can come support. All the stuff worked out with Kentucky.

“It’s just a perfect fit.”

Ponatoski talks Kentucky football

As a junior Ponatoski led Moeller to the state championship game. He threw for over 4,000 yards and 56 touchdowns to just three interceptions.

Offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach Bush Hamdan is the lead recruiter.

“Their system I think is great,” Ponatoski said. “They said it’s been basic the last few years and need a guy to run the system. Coach Hamdan walked me through what it would look like and the situation to come in and play quarterback there. It’s really exciting what we can do.

“I think I can go in there and not turn the program around, they’ve been doing good things, but put it back on the map.”

Ponatoski was one of the top performers at this summer’s Elite 11 Finals.

“Ponatoski looked like the most accurate Elite 11 Finalist throughout the week,” Rival’s Director of Scouting Charles Power wrote. “The Cincinnati native was a smooth operator each day. He made drill work look easy, consistently delivering well-placed, catchable passes. Ponatoski carried that into Day 2, turning in one of the more impressive pro day showings while earning the highest score from the Elite 11 staff. The capped the week off with a solid showing in 7-on-7 that saw him throw three touchdowns. A dual sport star who doubles as a top baseball prospect, Ponatoski is an accurate, rhythm passer with natural timing and feel.”

A look at the Kentucky class with Ponatoski in the fold.

Baseball was a big part of the decision

Ponatoski has a chance to make a big impact in his first season on the diamond as well.

“Coach (Nick) Ming(ione) is phenomenal,” Ponatoski said. “The way he runs his program through Christ is something I value a lot. He’s one of those guys you’d play hard for. He’s just a competitor and guys are going to go out and compete the right way. The coaching staff is young and very energetic. I’ve gotten close to Coach (Austin) Cousi(no) and can’t wait for that relationship to build.”

Now that Ponatoski has made his college decision, once the Major League Draft comes around he’ll ultimately have another one to make.

“It’s definitely something I’m looking at,” Ponatoski has said. “Not because money is a huge thing, but if it’s the right money slot, the teams I’m talking to for football and baseball understand it’s definitely a possibility. I’ll have to keep communicating with them and make my decision when the time comes.”