Kentucky 2024 QB target Danny O'Neil is flashing at the National Combine

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Kentucky did not sign a high school quarterback in the class of 2023 and that is not expected to change when the February signing period rolls around. That makes the 2024 recruiting cycle critical for Mark Stoops and the offensive coaching staff in Lexington. An official offensive coordinator hire still needs to be made, but some early work has already been done on targets.

Indianapolis (Ind.) Cathedral quarterback Danny O’Neil accounted for 43 total touchdowns in 2021 as a junior and is receiving legitimate Power Five interest. The three-star prospect received a written scholarship offer from Colorado this week and is currently in San Antonio participating in the National Combine. The rising junior is impressing those in attendance.

Indianapolis Cathedral QB Danny O’Neil hits Myles Craddock for six. pic.twitter.com/XK8U1udHLD
— Steve Wiltfong (@SWiltfong247) January 6, 2023

O’Neil is one of the top quarterbacks at the event and this is the official start of a busy recruiting season for the Indiana native. Purdue has been heavily involved with this recruitment from the beginning and that is not expected to change with head coach Ryan Walters and offensive coordinator Graham Harrell taking over in West Lafayette. Meanwhile, O’Neil has made three trips to Kentucky in the last 10 months while also visiting Cincinnati, Indiana, Louisville, and Wake Forest.

The expectation is that Kentucky will officially announce Liam Coen as the program’s new offensive coordinator at some point next week. One of his top immediate tasks for Coen will be to target a pool of 2024 high school quarterbacks for Kentucky to focus its recruiting efforts on. Danny O’Neil will be one of those players that will receive a thorough evaluation.

The Wildcats are also pursuing one of O’Neil’s teammates. Class of 2023 defensive line prospect Kendrick Gilbert is committed to Purdue but remains unsigned. The Wildcats could be pursuing two Cathedral prospects over the next few months.

Recruiting never stops.