It won’t count in the recruiting rankings but Kentucky football got two big commitments Sunday. Starting linebackers Jordan Wright and Jacquez Jones both announced they would stay at UK for an extra COVID year rather than pursue a professional career.
Kentucky recruiting coordinator/associate head coach Vince Marrow tweeted it was like getting a five-star recruit when Wright made his announcement on social media and obviously the same is true with Jones.
If DeAndre Square opts to do the same thing, UK will return all four starting linebackers for next season.
Wright, an edge rusher, posted this statement on social media:
“First and foremost I want to thank God because without him I wouldn’t be in the position I’m in now. It’s a blessing to have earned my degree and to be a part of the historical change of the UK football program. I want to thank my family, coaches, teammates, and Big Blue Nation for all the love and support through the ups and downs through the season,” he continued.
“With that being said, I’d like to announce that I will be returning to further my football endeavors with Kentucky. I have goals that I individually would like to obtain for myself as well as my team. Returning will allow me to grow and develop to pursue my dreams of playing in the NFL and help my team win the SEC.”
He had 30 tackles, one quarterback sack and four pass deflections last season despite being limited by injuries. He has 7.5 quarterback sacks in his career. Wright has played in 42 career games and this will be his sixth year in the program since he was redshirted in 2017.
Jones transferred to UK from Ole Miss for the 2021 season and led UK with 86 tackles, including 3.5 tackles for loss. He missed the Citrus Bowl with an ankle injury.
Jones was a big playmaker last season. He had an interception against Missouri and broke up a potential game-winning pass by Florida in the end zone.
Kentucky also returns linebacker D’Eryk Jackson, Trevin Wallace, and Martez Thrower.
