UK’s first 2021 commit is from a high school where it hopes to get final 2020 recruit
The University of Kentucky’s first football commitment of the 2021 class hails from a familiar setting.
Devon Williams, an outside linebacker out of Dublin Coffman High School in Ohio, committed to UK via Twitter on Monday night. Williams is rated as a three-star prospect by both 247Sports and Rivals.
“I know for the next 3-4 years this University will help maximize my potential as a student, young man & athlete,” Williams wrote in an image note posted to Twitter. “I will continue to work hard both in the classroom & on the field. I can’t wait to arrive at my new home.”
Rivals rates Williams, a 6-foot-2, 215-pound prospect, as the 26th best player at his position and the 15th overall player in Ohio. Williams is considered the No. 43 outside linebacker and 16th overall prospect in his state according to 247Sports.
Dublin Coffman was the alma mater of Gunnar Hoak, a former UK quarterback who transferred to Ohio State following the 2019 spring semester. It is also from where Michael Drennen II, a four-star all-purpose back in the 2020 class, hails. Drennen, whose school decision is believed to be between Kentucky and USC, is expected to sign with a school next week when the normal signing period begins.
Kentucky has nine players listed as outside linebackers on its roster with spring camp on the horizon. They are, with 2020 eligibility standing in parentheses: Sam Anaele (true freshman), Marquez Bembry (junior), Jared Casey (redshirt freshman), Alex King (junior), K.D. McDaniel (redshirt freshman), Xavier Peters (sophomore), Jamar “Boogie” Watson (junior), J.J. Weaver (redshirt freshman) and Jordan Wright (senior).
Williams had reported offers from, among others, Michigan, Iowa State and West Virginia, which he visited last week. Kentucky offered him nearly a year ago — he reported an offer from the Wildcats on Feb. 16, 2019 — and was the first of two Southeastern Conference schools that had offered him (Arkansas was the other).
This story was originally published January 27, 2020 at 11:29 PM.
