Former Kentucky WR Ahmad Wagner now graduate assistant on UK's staff

On3 imageby:Zack Geoghegan09/16/21

ZGeogheganKSR

Lost in the shuffle of Eddie Gran’s return to the Kentucky coaching staff was an unannounced move that is going to play an important role in the recruitment of one four-star prospect.

According to the official 2021 Kentucky Football Roster, Ahmad Wagner, a former UK wide receiver who played two seasons in Lexington from 2018-19, is now a graduate assistant on the coaching staff. Wagner was most recently a member of the Chicago Bears organization before switching over to coaching. His role will be off the field.

UKAthletics.com

Wagner was an incredibly tough cover during his short time as a Wildcat. Standing at 6-foot-5, he recorded 15 catches for 254 yards to go along with two touchdowns, all of which came during his senior year in 2019. He was well-known for drawing pass interference penalties from defensive backs. In one game along against Eastern Michigan, Wagner drew three pass interference calls.

He originally came to Kentucky after spending three years playing basketball at Iowa. Now, he’ll help contribute as a coach on the gridiron.

Wagner’s hiring goes a little bit deeper than just bringing on board a former ‘Cat, though. His younger brother, Aamil Wagner, is a highly-coveted four-star offensive tackle with serious Kentucky interest. UK associate head coach Vince Marrow initially recruited Ahmad Wagner out of high school and then again when he ultimately came to Lexington, but he also made sure to keep a close eye on Aamil, offering him a scholarship in the eighth grade.

The younger Wagner was on campus for Kentucky’s win over UL-Monroe two weekends ago and came away impressed with what he saw from the new offense under offensive coordinator Liam Coen. Getting his older brother on the staff will surely benefit Kentucky in his recruitment.

Aamil Wagner is planning to make a final decision in January but has said in the past he could move that up. Notre Dame, Ohio State, Penn State, and Maryland are also involved in the mix for the top 150 player in the nation.

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