Big Time Transfer Headed To Lexington
Over the last three days, most of the focus on the Kentucky football program has been on the NFL Draft. However, while many former Cats were looking to hear their name called the current squad picked up a big transfer. In fact, he comes from the reigning national champions. Let’s introduce you to him as Kentucky lands DJ Waller Jr.
Winning The Long Game
Coming out of Chaney High School in Youngstown, Ohio Waller was a high three-star prospect. He was the 17th-best player in Ohio and 65th best cornerback in the nation. While the Cats hoped to sign him coming out of high school he chose Michigan and then coach Jim Harbaugh.
Playing in 11 games last season Waller recorded 12 tackles, nine solo, and a pass deflection. As a result, he won Michigan Freshman Defensive Player of the Week five times. He seemed primed to compete for a starting spot for the Wolverines alongside future top draft pick Will Johnson.
He was even drawing rave reviews from new coach Sherrone Moore. Instead of playing for the champs, he put his name in the transfer portal on April 24th. He quickly scheduled a visit to Lexington and is now a Cat.
Great visit 💪🏾💪🏾 @vincemarrow pic.twitter.com/z6JzX01GLP
— Dj Waller Sr (@waller_4gang) April 27, 2024
We’ve told you what kind of player they are getting as Kentucky lands DJ Waller Jr. Now let’s talk about how he fits in.
Help at a Position of Need
During our recently completed early look at the 2024 Cats, we said they had great players but needed depth. The Cats have All-SEC player Maxwell Hairston and former Ohio State transfer Jantzen Dunn. Behind them, the combination of JQ Hardaway, Jordan Robinson, and Nassir Watkins are pushing for playing time.
After missing out on Greedy Vance Jr. the Cats found that big-time transfer at a position of need. In fact, there’s a good chance Waller ends up as the starter alongside Hairston when the season opens against Southern Mississippi on August 31st. Even if he’s not first string Waller’s going to be seeing lots of playing time.
Final Thoughts
It took a while but score another recruiting victory for Mark Stoops and Vince Marrow as the Youngstown to Lexington pipeline continues. Again Kentucky lands DJ Waller Jr., a major pickup for the Cats at a position of need.
Thanks for checking out this and all the great Kentucky content here at Last Word On College Football. We’ll be back soon with a complete recap of how the former Cats did in the 2024 NFL Draft.
