UK was a finalist, but one of nation’s top football recruits picks Alabama
One of the most coveted football recruits in the country made his college decision Sunday and while Kentucky was a finalist, the Cats missed out.
Damon Payne, a five-star prospect from Michigan who is the nation’s No. 1-ranked defensive tackle and No. 32 overall recruit in the class of 2021 according to 247Sports, committed to Alabama during a live broadcast on CBS Sports HQ.
Alabama’s 2021 recruiting class was already ranked No. 1 in the Southeastern Conference by 247Sports before Payne’s decision. His addition will likely move the Crimson Tide from No. 2 to No. 1 in the recruiting service’s national rankings. Ohio State, which was among a list of 10 finalists for Payne’s services, was ranked No. 1 in the country before he committed to Alabama.
Kentucky, which offered the 6-foot-4, 297-pound Payne a scholarship during a visit to Lexington when he was a high school freshman, made his final five, as did Michigan State, Southern Cal and Arizona State.
That Kentucky was even in the final mix for Payne’s commitment seems another example of the program’s steady improvement on the recruiting front under head coach Mark Stoops. Last year, the Wildcats beat out Alabama and others for five-star defensive tackle Justin Rogers, who, like Payne, is from Michigan.
Kentucky’s 2021 class is currently ranked No. 43 overall and No. 11 in the SEC by 247Sports.
Kentucky football 2021 commitments
The following football players have announced commitments to UK as part of the 2021 recruiting class:
▪ Wilson Berry, punter (Prokick Australia)
▪ Dekel Crowdus, wide receiver (Frederick Douglass HS, Ky.)
▪ Adrian Huey, cornerback (Hillsboro HS, Tenn.)
▪ Jordan Lovett, defensive back (North Hardin HS, Ky.)
▪ Chauncey Magwood, wide receiver (Leesburg HS, Ga.)
▪ Paul Rodriguez, offensive tackle (William Mason HS, Ohio)
▪ Kahlil Saunders, defensive end (Grissom HS, Ala.)
▪ Armond Scott, wide receiver (Euclid HS, Ohio)
▪ Kaiya Sheron, quarterback (Somerset HS, Ky.)
▪ Joko Willis, linebacker (Independence Community College, Kan.)
▪ David Wohlabaugh, offensive tackle (Walsh Jesuit HS, Ohio)
▪ La’Vell Wright, running back (North Hardin HS, Ky.)
