Blue-chip defensive back Andre Clarke Jr. picks Michigan over Kentucky
Kentucky is riding a wave of recruiting momentum after landing 13 commitments in June. The Cats heated up quickly on the trail but saw a priority target come off the board on the final day of the month.
The recruitment for blue-chip defensive back Andre Clare Jr. came down to Kentucky vs. Michigan. This one was won by the Wolverines. The DMV native will begin his college football career in Ann Arbor.
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Andre Clarke Jr. is the No. 185 overall player in the 2026 On3 Industry Ranking and the No. 6 overall player in Virginia. Kentucky hosted Clarke for both an unofficial visit in April and an official visit in June. Defensive coordinator Brad White made an in-home visit to see Clarke in January. The Cats made a big push for the four-star prospect but fell short when it came decision time.
Kentucky and Michigan have met numerous times on the recruiting trail in the past with each side trading wins. This one went to the Maize and Blue but we should see another battle or two between these programs in the near future.
The Cats currently have three defensive backs committed in the 2026 cycle.
Kentucky’s 2026 high school recruiting class
| Player | Position | High School | Ranking |
| Messiah Tilson | S (6-2, 165) | Rockford (Ill.) Guilford | 4-star (No. 343 overall) |
| Jordan Crutchfield | CB (6-2, 195) | Vero Beach (Fla.) High | High 3-star (No. 424 overall) |
| Dallas Dickerson | WR (6-1, 180) | Bogart (Ga.) North Oconee | High 3-star (No. 467 overall) |
| Lincoln Watkins | TE (6-4, 225) | Port Huron (Mich.) Northern | 3-star (No. 604 overall) |
| Tyreek Jemison | iOL (6-5, 330) | Dallas (Ga.) Paulding County | 3-star (No. 684 overall) |
| Prince Jean | WR (6-0, 170) | Valdosta (Ga.) High | 3-star (No. 727 overall) |
| Garrett Witherington | DL (6-4, 290) | Birmingham (Ala.) Briarwood Christian | 3-star (No. 978 overall) |
| Davis McCray | WR (6-2, 190) | San Antonio (Texas) Cornerstone Christian | 3-star (No. 1,079 overall) |
| Max Mohring | LB (6-3, 215) | Malvern (Pa.) Prep | 3-star (No. 1,287 overall) |
| Delvecchio “Deuce” Alston II | RB (6-0, 200) | Trussville (Ala.) Hewitt-Trussville | 3-star (No. 1,321 overall) |
| Cameron Miller | T (6-5, 310) | Hammond (Ind.) Morton | 3-star (No. 1,375 overall) |
| Ben Duncum | DL (6-5, 250) | Austin (Texas) Lake Travis | Unranked |
| Isaiah McMillian | CB (6-0, 170) | Katy (Texas) High | Unranked |
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