Kentucky Football 2024 Early National Signing Day Headquarters
Ladies and Gentlemen from around the Big Blue Nation, the December National Signing Day is here. The Kentucky football program has been pounding the pavement to bring in the best prospects around the country from the high school ranks and the transfer portal. Today these players will put pen to paper and make it official.
When the clock struck midnight, Kentucky had 20 verbal commits in the 2024 recruiting class, which ranks No. 25 in the nation. That number grew to 21 when former Missouri DB commit Cam Dooley pledged his allegiance to the Wildcats. Kentucky is also pulled some players from the portal, like Georgia LB Jamon Dumas-Johnson and Florida IOL Jalen Farmer. The school announced four additions last night.
Brock Vandagriff, Quarterback, Georgia
Ja’Mori Maclin, Wide Receiver, North Texas & Missouri
Chip Trayanum, Running Back, Ohio State & Arizona State
Raymond Cottrell, Wide Receiver, Texas A&M
There could be even more surprises in store for the BBN on National Signing Day. Refresh this page throughout the eventful morning to know who is officially on board as the faxes roll into the Joe Craft Football Training Facility.
Tyler (2:23): List of signees thus far
For today, at least, the Cats appear to be done. UK just sent out this list of the players that signed today.
Roush (1:45) Press Conferences with Stoops and Marrow
Roush (12:10) One Final Domino — Mark Stoops’ press conference was interrupted by a fax from Brian Robinson.
Brian Robinson
Film Room and Highlights
About: A man known by man simply as “B-Rob” has been on Vince Marrow’s radar for years. The enormous EDGE from Youngstown transferred to Westerville North outside of Columbus for his final season of high school football. A frequent visitor to Kentucky’s campus, he was a top performer against UK commits entering his high school junior season. Penn State and Michigan battled, but the Big Dog ultimately secured one of his biggest recruiting wins to date.
Roush (11:48) The Final Additions are Here — Kentucky waited until Stoops presser to announce the final fax receipts with one exception, Brian Robinson. Stoops expects to receive that fax later today. The new list includes Willie Rodriguez, who Tennessee tried to pull away in the eleventh hour.
Willie Rodriguez
Film Room and Highlights
About: There’s always at least one sweat on National Signing Day. Auburn and Tennessee made a late push for the talented tight end from Northern Kentucky. He even took an official visit to Knoxville over the weekend, but that trip ended early as he opted to represent his home state school. This fall he caught 29 passes for 488 yards and 12 touchdowns. He also had 48 tackles, 3.0 sacks a forced fumble and fumble recovery to lead Covington Catholic to a 14-1 record and a Class 4A State Championship appearance.
Terhyon Nichols
Film Room and Highlights
About: Michigan, Penn State and Ohio State were heavy-hitters involved in this recruitment. Once he committed to Kentucky, there was no drama. A shut-down corner, he’s not built like some of his predecessors at Kentucky that relied on size and length to eat space in zone coverage. Nichols is agile and explosive with ball skills on the outside. A cerebral player, Nichols can immediately compete for playing time at Kentucky.
Aba Selm
Film Room and Highlights
About: The Kentucky coaching staff loves everything about this offensive lineman from Northern Kentucky. He’s an athlete that moves well, whether he’s pulling down the line of scrimmage or blocking the second level of the defense. He also has the size to potential grow into a tackle. The second commitment in the 2024 class, just because he was locked into Kentucky early, does not mean other programs avoided Simon Kenton High School. Billy Napier really wanted Selm at Florida, but it was Kentucky who received a signature on National Signing Day.
Jason Patterson
Film Room and Highlights
About: Patterson’s star rose following an outstanding junior season when he led the state of Florida in all classifications with 2,721 rushing yards and 35 touchdowns. Also a star in basketball and track, he rushed for more than 1,000 yards this fall. Kentucky lost the first part of the battle, but eventually won the war. Patterson committed to Scott Satterfield at Cincinnati before Jay Boulware flexed his recruiting muscles and made the flip happen. A powerful runner, he has the frame to compete for playing time as a true freshman.
Tovani Mizzell
Film Room and Highlights
About: This has been what you might call a “non-traditional” recruitment. Mizzell was a Top 100 prospect and the fourth-ranked running back in his class when the 7-on-7 standout committed to Georgia in August of 2022. The Boogeyman then transferred schools, leaving Florida to DMV powerhouse DeMatha Catholic. He decommitted the following spring and was courted by some big names before Jay Boulware swooped in.
Mizzell pledged his allegiance to the Big Blue Nation over the summer, moved back to South Florida, then tore his ACL and meniscus. Three months months post-op, he will likely be no-contact until at least the start of fall camp. Mizzell rose to stardom on the 7-on-7 circuit because of his pass-catching ability, something you can expect to see on Saturdays at Kroger Field.
Tyler (11:44): Florida IOL Jalen Farmer commits to Kentucky
The Big Blue Wall just got a big piece. Florida interior offensive lineman Jalen Farmer is coming to Kentucky.
Tyler (11:00): Jonathan Daniels signs with Florida State
Kentucky was hoping to flip the four-star offensive lineman but he is sticking with the Seminoles.
Tyler (10:15): JAMON DUMAS-JOHNSON IS A WILDCAT!!!
Here it is, BBN! Georgia linebacker Jamon-Dumas Johnson just announced he is transferring to Kentucky. Former All-American.
Brock Vandagriff, his teammate at Georgia, is excited Dumas-Johnson is also coming to Lexington:
Let’s all go dowwwwwn to Dumas-Johnson!
Tyler (9:59) Rico Scott signs with Bama
There was some buzz that 4-star wide receiver Rico Scott, teammates with 2025 Kentucky QB commit Stone Saunders, would flip from Alabama to Kentucky but that is not the case. Scott just signed with the Crimson Tide, bringing that speculation to an end, for now. In the transfer portal era, you never know if he’ll reconsider down the line.
Roush (9:22) A Big Leg joins the BBN
Jacob Kauwe
About: The placekicker from Montana garnered interest from Oklahoma and Oregon State, but the offer to be on scholarship for Jay Boulware was the deciding factor in his decision.
“His track record with specialists and the places he’s been in the past is top-notch and the best there is,” Kauwe told KSR+. “He’s gotten guys to the league. He makes people better once they get there. That was really important to me. From the first conversation my dad and I had with him, he led with that we’re going to get you to be that dude once you get here. You’re good now, we’re going to make you great.”
Luckett (9:21) Schlarman to EKU — Lexington (Ky.) Catholic senior Joe Schlarman, son of former Kentucky All-SEC guard and offensive line coach John Schlarman, has signed with Eastern Kentucky.
Luckett (9:15) Waiting on the big developments — Cam Dooley was expected. However, everything else in limbo is still out there. All three transfer portal targets have not made announcements yet. We’re still waiting on Willie Rodriguez. It’s worth pointing out that Florida State has not received the fax from Jonathan Daniels yet. Stay tuned. We’re on coffee No. 3 at the Luckett house.
Roush (9:00) Who We’re Still Waiting On
— RB Tovani Mizell
— RB Jason Patterson
— IOL Aba Selm
— TE Willie Rodriguez
— EDGE Brian Robinson
— CB Terhyon Nichols
— K Jacob Kauwe
Roush (8:27) The Cats got their QB — Don’t overlook the significance of this addition just because he’s been committed for a while. Kentucky has struggled to recruit this position under Stoops and Boley can change that narrative.
Cutter Boley
Film Room and Highlights
About: Kentucky has not had an opening week starting quarterback from the high school ranks since Drew Barker in 2016. Another instate talent, Cutter Boley, is signing to play for Liam Coen and reverse that trend. After beginning his career in LaRue County, the blue chip talent moved to Central Kentucky to play for LCA where he was one of the state’s most prolific passes over the past two seasons. After reclassifying into the 2024 class, he’ll spend at least a year filling into his frame and learning the Kentucky offense behind Brock Vandagriff.
Roush (8:21) Another One
Caleb Redd
Film Room and Highlights
About: Frank Buffano had been kicking the tires in the state of Missouri for quite some time and finally reeled one in from the Show Me State when Caleb Redd committed to the Cats this summer. He chose Kentucky over offers from USC, Oklahoma, Iowa and Kansas State. The talented edge rusher had 21 sacks in 2022, yet he’s only scratched the surface of his potential.
Roush (8:13) — Love a good National Signing Day decision. Cam Dooley is officially on the board and he talked to Jacob Polacheck about how decision.
Cam Dooley
Highlights
About: Kentucky scored a recruiting win on National Signing Day. Vanderbilt was also a finalist when Dooley initially committed to Missouri over the summer. Frank Buffano slowly wedge his way in-between Dooley and the Tigers, bringing the lengthy defensive back to Lexington for a game this fall. He played on both sides of the line of scrimmage at the small Valley High School, scoring touchdowns as a quarterback and showing physicality in the secondary. Similar to Quaysheed Scott, he’s risen up the recruiting ranks as of late, now a four-star prospect according to 247 Sports.
Roush (8:11) — Kentucky adds speed to the Wide Receiver room.
Hardley Gilmore
Film Room and Highlights
About: Gilmore was not originally supposed to sign today. A 2025 talent, he reclassified and his first order of business was an official visit to Kentucky. An explosive player with top-flight speed, he had offers from all of the big names around college football. He took an official visit to Penn State and UCF was persistent, but a close connection with future Wildcat QB Cutter Boley helped seal the deal for the Cats. The four-star wide receiver actually announced his commitment on Boley’s birthday.
“It’ll be great,” Gilmore said. “He’s got the talent and I’ve got the talent. We’re going to put it together and make Kentucky better.”
Roush (8:01) –Terrific Twins. Jacob Smith and Jerod Smith have officially made it official. These guys are dudes who will make their presence known right away.
Jacob Smith
Film Room and Highlights
About: The top-ranked high school prospect in the state of Kentucky, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, Jacob Smith is going to bust heads on Saturdays this fall. Game-wrecker, havoc creator, game-changer, whatever you want to call it, he is one heck of a ball-player. Similar to Jordan Wright, he just has a knack for being disruptive around the ball. How much he’ll be able to contribute right away is dependent on how effectively he rehabilitates from offseason shoulder surgery. He should be ready for spring practice, albeit with contact limitations.
Jerod Smith
Film Room and Highlights
About: Pronounced juh-ROD, the other Smith twin is built to play closer to the football in the trenches. The Somerset native gained notoriety with his brother at a prep school in Connecticut, eventually committing to Michigan. Upon returning to their old Kentucky home in Corbin, they couldn’t turn down Vince Marrow and the Kentucky Wildcats. Even though he’s heavier in the britches than his brother, Jerod is a twitched up interior player that can become a difference-maker. When you watch him play, it’s hard not to get a Josh Paschal feel for his game.
Roush (7:59) — Peach State prospect is in. All three Georgia recruits in the 2024 class are now officially Wildcats.
Devin Smith
Film Room and Highlights
About: Many of the linebackers in Kentucky’s 2024 recruiting class can play multiple positions. That is the case for Devin Smith, who spent most of his prep career lining up outside and using his explosiveness to create havoc in the backfield. He’ll be tasked to play more inside at Kentucky. LSU was among the many heavy hitters in the SEC that unsuccessfully recruited this new Kentucky Wildcat.
Roush (7:43) — Another National Signing Day Addition
David Washington Jr.
Highlights
About: Louisville, Wisconsin and Penn State recruited the talented pass-catcher from Philadelphia. He took official visits to Kentucky and Virginia before ultimately pulling the trigger and committing to the Cats. In 2022 he caught 46 passes for nearly 700 yards and six touchdowns to help his team win a state championship.
Roush (7:37) — Fax No. 6 is here!
Marc Nave
Film Room and Highlights
About: Nave was a standout at Central Catholic in Toledo, where Vince Marrow played college football and coached tight ends. Nave initially committed to play at Ohio State. Once his recruitment reopened, Marrow quickly made the offensive lineman a priority. He announced his commitment just a little over a month later. Even though he’s ranked as an interior offensive lineman, Nave could eventually move outside to play tackle for the Cats.
Roush (7:33) The fax machine is hot on National Signing Day. More EDGE talent from Tennessee is incoming.
Steven Soles
Film Room and Highlights
About: ‘Sack Em’ Soles is a fun football player. Kentucky football fans are desperate for more twitch and burst off the EDGE of the defense. This guy has it. The Powell, TN native eats sack lunches for breakfast, lunch dinner, twice on Sunday and three times on Thursday. The math may not add up, but this will be much clearer: Soles can become a bendy Boogie Watson, if he fills into his frame. A bit of a tweener, his size kept some of the big names away in his recruitment. South Carolina, Mississippi State and Virginia Tech were involved before the Cats went all in, wagering the size and strength will follow and the burst will produce havoc plays for Brad White’s defense.
Roush (7:27) Two National Signing Day additions.
Jiquavious “Quavo” Marshall
Film Room and Highlights
About: Known by most simply as “Quavo,” Florida State was showing significant interest when the Macon, GA native ultimately decided to commit to Kentucky. Another big, long player, Chris Collins showed Marshall how he can excel at Kentucky, by eating up space in zone coverage. “When I was at Kentucky, it was more of a brotherhood than all of the other programs,” Marshall said.
Antwan Smith
Film Room and Highlights
About: Antwan Smith spent his prep career in Atlanta rushing the passer. The top-flight track athlete, just like his mother, will line up at inside linebacker once he gets to Lexington. A smart kid that was pursued by Vanderbilt and Duke, Kentucky is betting on Smith’s top-flight athletic traits. It may take some time for him to develop, but the learning curve will not be so steep after playing in one of the highest levels of prep football in the South.
Luckett (7:19) Quaysheed Scott — The On3 four-star makes it official. What kind of player is he?
Scouting Report: Two-way playmaker for Marion (S.C.) High, Quaysheed Scott flashes 4.4 speed on tape. The athlete runs past defensive backs on vertical routes and closes ground quickly on defense. Playing deep safety, Scott flashes good ball skills. Was an effective nickel blitzer off the edge. Plays a physical brand of football upon contact. Defensive back recruit that feels like a better long-term fit as a nickel/safety.
Quaysheed Scott
Highlights
About: Hand up — this might be the biggest initial missed evaluation of my career. “Why are they taking this guy?” I thought while scrolling my phone in-between hot dogs on July 4. Chris Collins was the only Power Five coach that saw his potential at the time, but others soon caught on. That early eval could secure the stealing of the 2024 recruiting class.
A late riser through the recruiting rankings, Scott has the speed and agility to cover slot receivers, but what pops more on the tape is his physicality. He’s not afraid to stick his nose in there and lower a shoulder. He plays with a reckless abandonment by throwing his body at opponents, something you rarely see in this day and age. It’s why he’ll be a great fit at nickel in Kentucky’s defense. A two-way star in high school, Scott is bringing a high ceiling with him to Lexington.
Roush (7:13) Hayes Johnson calls ‘FIRST!’ — Makes sense. After all, he was the first commitment in the 2024 recruiting class.
Hayes Johnson
Film Room and Highlights
About: Kentucky kicked off its 2024 recruiting class in the trenches. The top-ranked player in the state at the time, the big offensive lineman from Campbellsville announce his commitment on Kentucky Sports Radio. Once the Wildcats entered the picture, he didn’t need to drag out the process any longer. “Just growing up a Kentucky boy, it’s what you dream of doing,” he said. Johnson was a First Team All-State selection by the Courier Journal after helping the Cardinals go 9-3.
Roush (6:57) More on KSBoard — We’re going all in today. Get more updates, insight and conversation in the KSR Community on KSBoard. Not a member? Our National Signing Day Special will knock 50% off an annual subscription. Today is one of the biggest days of the year for the message board. Go ahead, see what your community has to offer. I have a feeling you won’t regret it, but don’t wait too long. The sale is only live for another 24 hours.
Roush (6:51) The Big Dog is ready — Today could be his most successful National Signing Day ever. Get your popcorn ready.
Roush (6:47) — As you probably noticed, Beau Allen was not one of the announced additions from Tuesday night. Those previous four transfers were released after they signed financial aid agreement papers. It’s my understanding that Allen did not sign those papers because he is returning to Kentucky as a walk-on. I’m not sure if we’ll get some form of acknowledgement of his return or not today, but just wanted to share that reminder so there isn’t any sort of panic on National Signing Day.
Discuss This Article
Comments have moved.
Join the conversation and talk about this article and all things Kentucky Sports in the new KSR Message Board.
KSBoard