First Down Kentucky: Miller Time

In just over a week, the spring transfer portal window will arrive and that will take up most of the oxygen in the college football space. Every program will get one final opportunity to address its personnel before 2024 rosters get locked in. Kentucky is expected to be an active shopper will the next free agency window arrives.

The Wildcats will likely make some transfer portal moves, but high school recruiting never stops. Kentucky received some positive news at wide receiver regarding a pair of targets on Thursday.

In February, Kentucky appeared in the top eight for three-star prospect Dejerrian Miller. On Thursday, the East St. Louis (Ill.) Cardinal Ritter junior took an unofficial visit to Kentucky. Later that day, KSR+’s Jacob Polacheck reported that Kentucky would host four-star wideout Cameron Miller for an official visit in the second weekend of June. Developments are happening on the trail.

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In Thursday’s edition of First Down Kentucky, we’re taking a look at a surprise commitment and what is going on over at the Nutter Field House during spring practice.

Anfernee Crease is off the board

Junior college offensive tackle Anfernee Crease has emerged as a surprise 2024 target for Kentucky. New offensive line coach Eric Wolford had locked in an official visit after issuing an offer in March. That visit like won’t happen now.

Crease committed to SMU on Wednesday night after taking an official visit to see Rhett Lashlee‘s program.

The line of scrimmage recruiting win for this new ACC program puts the upcoming spring transfer portal window into focus for Kentucky. Expect the Wildcats to be active shoppers in the tackle market after adding Gerald Mincey in the winter transfer portal window.

Josh Kattus is Randy Moss

New offensive coordinator Bush Hamdan has already gone on record to state that Kentucky will throw the ball to the tight end. Vince Marrow has a stacked position where Khamari Anderson, Jordan Dingle, and Josh Kattus are each in position to get snaps with the ones. Kattus has created a strong reputation as a blocker.

However, the Cincinnati (Ohio) Moeller product can also be a threat in the passing game.

Expect the tight end position to get some touches in next week’s spring game and when the real games start in the fall.

Mic’d up with Brad White

Kentucky football’s social media department is hard at work. The Wildcats are pumping out a ton of behind-the-scenes content throughout spring practice. On Wednesday, defensive coordinator Brad White got the mic’d up treatment.

Kentucky’s defense is looking to have a bounce-back season after some rough moments in 2024. White feels good about his unit thanks to a strong front seven and some returning production in the secondary.

Will Levis has a cannon

There have been some big moves made in the AFC South this offense. Tennessee Titans general manager Ran Carthon replaced Mike Vrabel with Cincinnati Bengals offensive coordinator Brian Callahan. To upgrade the roster, the Titans signed wide receiver Calvin Ridley, tailback Tony Pollard, center Lloyd Cushenberry, and traded for star cornerback L’Jarius Sneed.

The moves have been made to compete for a playoff spot and division title in 2024. That means the expectations will be high for former Kentucky quarterback Will Levis in year two. The former second-round draft is entering a big season. The arm talent has not gone away.

Before he ever played a game for Kentucky, a Levis workout video gave us all a glimpse of what was to come. Is a big year coming in 2024 for the former Penn State transfer? The Titans have built an infrastructure for their young QB to succeed this season.