Kentucky One of Three Finalists for 4-Star Safety

Ahead of the busy summer recruiting season, one talented athlete from the state of Florida is narrowing his list of potential schools and Kentucky remains under consideration.

Keon Young tells On3’s Chad Simmons he is down to three finalists, Kentucky, Ole Miss, and USF. He’s canceled visits to all other schools and will officially visit those three in June. Kentucky will get the last chance to make a significant impression when he travels to Lexington on June 21.

Recruited by Mike Stoops and Frank Buffano, the Wildcats appear to have done an excellent job laying the framework to potentially land the four-star talent.

“Kentucky is a top school because they’ve been in constant contact and showing real love. I like Ole Miss because of the relationship I have with my Coach Wes Neighbors. Since my freshman year, South Florida has been recruiting me hard, so that means a lot.”

A 6-foot safety from Lakeland, FL, Young is considered a four-star talent by all four major recruiting publications. He’s a top 25 player at his position and the No. 241 overall prospect in the 2025 class according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a proprietary algorithm that compiles ratings and rankings from all four primary recruiting media services.

Young stirred up quite a stink last month in the Sunshine State when he announced a commitment to Florida. Shortly after posting the graphic on social media, it was deleted. Apparently, there was some miscommunication between Young and the Gators’ coaching staff, one that appears to have permanently severed the relationship.

Florida’s loss could be Kentucky’s gain. The Wildcats have not gone all in on recruiting in the state of Florida, but have picked up a few prospects over the last two recruiting classes. Mike Stoops flipped four-star linebacker Jayvant Brown on signing day in 2023. Kentucky signed three potential impact players from Florida in the last recruiting cycle, WR Hardley Gilmore, RB Jason Patterson, and RB Tovani Mizell.

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