Top In-State Players Continue to Stay Home
So far in the transfer portal Mark Stoops and the Kentucky Wildcats have concentrated on improving the offense. However, when you look at the incoming 2024 recruiting class most of their top players are on defense. The Cats’ highest-ranked players in the class are a couple of in-state players who just happen to be twins. Let’s introduce you to them and talk about how they’ll fit in as Kentucky signs Jacob and Jerod Smith.
Big Time Flips
Growing up in a military family the twins moved to Somerset to live with their grandmother. In 2020 they transferred to the Loomis Chaffee School in Windsor, Connecticut where they spent two years.. In January of this year, they transferred to Cheshire Academy, also in Connecticut. On April 25th they committed to Jim Harbaugh and the Michigan Wolverines.
However in July returned home, this time to Corbin, Kentucky to play for the Redhounds. Once they came back to the Bluegrass State buzz picked up they would eventually flip to Kentucky. On September 15th that’s exactly what happened. Following a 6-0 win over Frederick Douglass and with Stoops and Vince Marrow in attendance, they made the announcement they were heading up Interstate 75 to Lexington.
Top 300 Players
At 6-3 and 265 pounds, Jerod Smith ranks as the ranks as the number one player in Kentucky by 247 Sports. In addition, he’s the 15th-best defensive lineman in the country and 84th player overall in America.
During the recently completed regular season, he recorded 72 tackles, including 17 for a loss, and eight sacks. His tackles for loss tied him for third in the state. As a result of his strong season, he was selected for the upcoming Under Armour All-American Game.
His brother Jacob stands 6-4 and checks in at 235 pounds. While he’s listed as an EDGE rusher he’s also played linebacker and even corner. 247 ranks him as second best player in the Bluegrass State. They also list him as the 12th best edge rusher in America and 178 best player overall. In addition to Michigan, the brothers held offers from Alabama, Georgia, Notre Dame, and Penn State among many others.
The Cats have two potential big-time players coming in next season. Let’s show you how they could fit in as Kentucky signs Jacob and Jerod Smith.
Pushing For Playing Time
J.J. Weaver who was the MVP of the win over Louisville, is playing his last game in the Gator Bowl. In addition, they’re also losing Keaten Wade, who along with his brother Destin is transferring to Colorado. As a result, Jacob could be pushing for immediate playing time. Kentucky also has Brian Robinson, another highly touted edge rusher in the 2024 class.
While All-SEC performer Deone Walker is returning for 2024 two of their top defensive linemen, Octavious Oxendine and Josaih Hayes are seniors. While the Cats have several underclassmen the opportunity for playing time for Jerod Smith is a definite possibility.
Thanks for checking out our feature as Kentucky signs Jacob and Jerod Smith. We’ll have more player profiles throughout the day here at Last Word On College Football.
