Five-star QB might pick UK on Thursday

Announcement pushed back from Tuesday

By Chip Cosby / ccosby@herald-leader.com

The University of Kentucky has already received a commitment from one of the nation's top quarterbacks and could be on the verge of another.

Morgan Newton, a 6-foot-5 220-pounder from Carmel, Ind., will announce his college choice on Thursday. UK is considered the leader for his services, Newton's father, Dr. John Newton, said.

Newton is listed as a five-star recruit and is ranked as the nation's No. 7 quarterback by Scout.com.

Newton had originally set a press conference for Tuesday, but his father said it was rescheduled due to an Indianapolis Colts’ practice that will be held at the school that day.

Newton’s father said Kentucky is still the favorite to land his son, who is also considering Clemson, Florida and Illinois.

“Nothing has changed,” Newton’s father said. “We just decided to move it as a courtesy to the local media who needed to cover the Colts’ practice. We’re ready to get this over with as soon as possible.”

Last week, Dr. Newton said, "Kentucky's right there at the top. They have a lot of advantages. The pro-style offense they run is a big plus, and (quarterbacks coach) Randy Sanders has developed quarterbacks at Tennessee and also worked with Peyton Manning."

Ryan Mossakowski, a four-star QB prospect from Texas, also announced last weekend that he would sign with UK in February.