Firios describes why he picked Kentucky over Louisville

Anyone tired of Yahtzee yet? Me neither. Nico Firios' commitment takes the UK 2014 class to FOURTH in the nation. The talented linebacker from Florida was also being courted by Louisville, and opened up to the Orlando Sentinel about his decision to play his college ball in Lexington:

“Kentucky and Louisville were really the final two for me,” Firios said. “When I was at Louisville last week it was great and I like everything about Coach Charlie Strong and what they are doing there, especially with the defense, but then I went to Lexington and visited UK and I was so impressed. That just made me feel like it was the place I needed to be.”

And in case there was any doubt, the staff was thrilled when Firios called to tell them the news only an hour or so ago:

“They were screaming and passing the phone around and Coach [Mark] Stoops was saying he was so excited to have someone with my character and ability joining the team,” Firios said. “He said with my commitment that would probably put them in the top five recruiting classes in the nation for 2014.”

Firios was recruited by Chad Scott, who is quickly becoming one of the hottest recruiters in the SEC, along with Vince Marrow. Firios says he was encouraged by Mark Stoops and DJ Eliot's track record of turning the defense around at Florida State, and was charmed by the "southern hospitality" he received in Lexington:

“A lot of the coaching staff just came from FSU and they just turned the defense around there, so they have a track record of turning defenses around. They also just really showed me how much they wanted me and made me feel right at home. I could just tell they have good intentions and are just good people. Not that Louisville didn’t have that, but I just felt comfortable at UK. ...Everyone on campus was so nice and I guess it was just that southern charm and southern hospitality. They were all just the nicest people I have ever met in my life. It just made me feel like that is where I am supposed to be.”

Welcome to the fam, Nico.