Kaden Moorman all-in on Kentucky recruiting multiple running backs
The Kentucky football 2023 recruiting class already has a pair of talented running backs committed. Franklin County’s (KY) Kaden Moorman and Parker’s (AL) Khalifa Keith expect to make up a backfield duo that could have an impact for years to come. But the coaching staff appears intent on adding a third ball carrier to the class.
Let’s back up for a second though. Following the conclusion of the 2022 season, Kentucky is set to lose a trio of running backs in Chris Rodriguez Jr. (who could still go down as the school’s all-time leading rusher), current starter Kavosiey Smoke, and recent transfer Ramon Jefferson, who will all graduate at the end of the year.
There will still be plenty of leftover talent in that room once those three are gone, but it won’t be nearly as deep. That’s where Moorman and Keith come into play, along with the possibility of adding a third tailback. There are a few of names on the radar such as Jamarion Wilcox and Wisconsin commit Jaquez Keyes, among others.
But Moorman isn’t concerned with the potential of more competition among his future teammates. If anything, it’s what he’s been asking for.
“When I was first committed and it was me and Ty Bryant, (the staff) talked about bringing in new running backs, so I just started recruiting around and Kahlifa came in, and we’re gonna be a really good duo,” Moorman said on Friday. “If there’s more running backs that want to come to Kentucky, come on. Kentucky is the move now.”
Moorman was the second player to commit to Kentucky’s 2023 class after Bryant, a three-star DB from Lexington’s Frederick Douglass. Moorman is also considered a three-star prospect by the On3 Consensus and is one of the top overall players from the Bluegrass State. He was actually on campus for Kentucky’s 37-13 win over Miami (OH) on Saturday and talks constantly with the staff.
One might think he would prefer to handle the bulk of the responsibilities at the next level, but he’s all about helping his program win, first and foremost.
The Franklin County product is the exact prototype of running back that Kentucky has craved since Mark Stoops arrived as head coach a decade ago. Moorman is a north-south bruiser at 5-foot-10, 205 pounds. He ran for nearly 1,500 yards and 27 touchdowns as a junior in 2021. At this point in his high school career, he is no secret weapon. Every opposing defense is going to do whatever they can to make someone other than Moorman beat them.
“He’s the best back in the state of Kentucky. Probably one of the best backs in the country,” Corbin head coach Tom Greer said on Friday of Moorman. “When Wisconsin offers you, and that was two years ago — I said ‘Oh my lord. They should fire me for even scheduling with him.’ But he’s a great player and there’s no doubt we zoned in on him. We had two or three checking him all the time.”
Corbin handed Franklin County its second loss of the season on Friday night in Frankfort, running away with a convincing 40-20 victory. Moorman was once again the sole focus of the opposing defense. He still managed to bust loose for a 40-yard touchdown run, but the Redhounds made sure to limit every single one of his carries.
“I’m not gonna lie, since this year started, I’ve been zeroed every game since. I’m not gonna lie,” Moorman added. “I was playing Bryan Station (earlier this season), they did a safety blitz. Like who does a safety blitz? Come on now. But that’s something you got to deal with, something you’ve got to deal with every day.”
Despite Moorman’s best efforts, Franklin County is 1-2 on the season with a matchup against a ranked Ballard squad set for this Friday. But you wouldn’t necessarily know his team is off to a rough start judging by his body language.
Moorman was encouraging on the sideline, even with his team in a hole. He would always help up his teammates and even the opposing players. Once the game was over, Moorman hung back for an extra 15 minutes to shake hands and individually congratulate the majority of Corbin’s team.
What I took from that and the interview that followed is that Moorman is an unselfish person, both on and off the field. Since the moment he committed to Kentucky, he’s been actively recruiting other high schoolers to join him, even though it’ll mean more competition. He might be on the cusp of helping UK land another recruit, too. When asked who he’s been trying to convince to commit to the ‘Cats, he replied with the perfect teaser.
“Stay tuned! Stay tuned!”
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