It has been ‘a blessing,’ but freshman ready to move on from Kentucky football
The University of Kentucky’s future at linebacker looks bright. That future will not include true freshman Tra Wilkins.
Wilkins, a 6-foot, 215-pound native of Stone Mountain, Ga., entered his name into the NCAA transfer portal on Monday. He announced his decision on Twitter. Wilkins wrote, in full:
“My time here at The University of Kentucky has been a blessing. I would like to thank Coach (Mark) Stoops and Coach (Michael) Smith for recruiting and welcoming me into the program. Also I would like to thank Coach (Matt) House for recruiting me, who is now with the NFL . This year with BBN has been a good one but I have had a discussion with my family and have made the decision to enter the portal and transfer from The University of Kentucky to continue my football/academic career elsewhere . Please respect my decision. (sic)“
Wilkins played in two games this season, preserving his freshman-year eligibility. The middle linebacker appeared in Kentucky’s season-opener against Toledo and recorded three tackles (two solo) against Tennessee Martin.
“We wish nothing but the best for Tra,” Stoops told Tom Leach during his Monday radio show. “He’s a fine young man and we’re happy to help support him any way we can to help him get somewhere. … Some attrition is bad and some is very good.”
DeAndre Square and Chris Oats will be juniors next season and project as starters at the middle linebacker spots. Jamin Davis, also a sophomore, played in 11 games as a reserve at the position and saw an increase in his snap count toward the end of the regular season.
Square quickly shared his appreciation for Wilkins on Twitter. Wrote Square (sic):
“My boy my boy (face palm emoji) wish it could be different but I understand (two praying hand emojis) best of luck (100 emoji) I’ll see you at the top. (rock hand emoji) waaahooo”
Wilkins committed to Kentucky over Arkansas, Louisville and South Carolina, and is a cousin of Sam Maxwell, a former all-Southeastern Conference linebacker who played at UK from 2006-2009. He became the second UK player to enter the transfer portal this season, joining redshirt freshman Stanley Garner, a defensive back.
House, who helped recruit Wilkins, is the linebackers coach for the Kansas City Chiefs. He was previously UK’s defensive coordinator.
This story was originally published December 2, 2019 at 4:47 PM.
