Kentucky was 'best fit' for 4-star LB Jayvant Brown

Perhaps the biggest surprise of signing day in December was when Kentucky landed a signature from Ft. Lauderdale (Fla.) St. Thomas Aquinas linebacker Jayvant Brown. The four-star linebacker had been committed to Michigan State before taking an official visit to Lexington in December.

Linebackers coach Mike Stoops recorded his first big South Florida recruiting win for the Wildcats and we should expect some more in the near future. This week, Brown is in San Antonio for the All-American Bowl. The class of 2023 prospect caught up with 247 Sports’ Steve Wiltfong to discuss his recruitment.

“They were very interested me and I felt I had a spot in their program where I can show my talents and skills and I also felt it was the best fit for me in the SEC,” Brown told Wiltfong about Kentucky.

Brown took a visit to the University of Kentucky’s campus on the weekend of Dec. 16. The linebacker would quickly decommit from Michigan State following the visit. Now the rising high school senior is excited about his opportunity in Lexington.

“They’re getting somebody thats going to be 100 percent into the program, dedicated and working hard to make the team successful,” Brown said. “Not a selfish person, a team player.”

“I’m a fast linebacker that can play sideline to sideline, really athletic. I’m not a set Mike or set Will I can be switched around. I’d say I’m versatile. They envision me playing Will backer but also said they can see me playing Mike. We’ll see how I fit in the system when I get up there.”

There is a need at linebacker following the departures of Jacquez Jones and DeAndre Square. Jayvant Brown might be able to push for playing time as a true freshman.