Paducah Tilghman wide receiver Josh Forrest has committed to play football at Kentucky, a decision that has the backing of Blue Tornado Coach Randy Wyatt.

"I think it's an excellent move," Wyatt said. "Josh has the talent to play in the SEC, and I think it's great that he's going to play for Joker."

Wyatt and UK Coach Joker Phillips have known each other for a long time. When Wyatt played at UK in the early 1990s, Phillips was his position coach.

Wyatt thinks Forrest has the makings of a standout college receiver.

"He's got the size (6-foot-4, 215 pounds), he can run (4.6 in the 40), and he's got good hands," Wyatt said. "One thing he needs to work on is route-running. But that'll come."

Forrest helped Paducah Tilghman win the Class 3A state championship last fall.

He had 23 receptions for 407 yards and seven touchdowns. He also starred at free safety, snagging seven interceptions, three in the state finals against Somerset.

Forrest used to think that basketball would be his ticket to a Division I scholarship. He led the Tornado to the Sweet Sixteen last season, averaging 14.7 points and 8.5 rebounds.

"But Josh now understands there are a lot of 6-4 guards in basketball, but not a lot of 6-4 receivers in football," Wyatt said. "He's doing what's best for him."

Forrest has yet to qualify academically, but Wyatt said it's just a matter of scoring high enough on the ACT.

"He's an honors kid, so that shouldn't be a problem," Wyatt said.