Mark Stoops Always Wanted Montavin Quisenberry on UK’s Roster

Montavin Quisenberry with his family and Boyle County coaches at his signing ceremony Wednesday at Melton’s Deli in Danville. (Larry Vaught Photo)

The first player that Kentucky coach Mark Stoops mentioned at his signing day press conference Wednesday was versatile Montavin Quisenbeerry of Boyle County.

“I would like to congratulate Quis from Danville for being the (Paul) Hornung Player of the Year. We’re excited about adding him along with all the other guys,” said Stoops.

He was one of 21 signees for Kentucky. The 5-9, 173-pound Quisenberry, a three-star recruit, flipped his original commitment to West Virginia to Kentucky midway of his season.

Quisenberry ran for 4,459 yards and 61 touchdowns in his prep career and had 151 catches for 2,509 yards and 36 scores. He even threw for 1,357 yards and 15 scores along with returning seven punts and six kickoffs for touchdowns. He had 165 tackles and eight interceptions on defense for Boyle, which went 41-2 in his three seasons with two state titles.

Quisenberry admitted when he changed his commitment to UK that he had not felt the “love” from Kentucky early in his recruitment. Some also had questions about his size.

Stoops was asked Wednesday that “finally” convinced him that Quisenberry was a player UK wanted.

“It’s not finally. We always have watched him. He’s a player that’s not afraid to come over here in camp and compete,” Stoops said. “So I just think his versatility, toughness, overall athletic ability. I just want him on our roster.”

Marrow said comparisons to former UK standout/NFL receiver Wan’Dale Robinson are valid.

“This kid is as close to Wan’Dale as I have ever seen,” Marrow said.

Marrow couldn’t believe that Boyle went to Ohio during the season and beat defending state champion St. Edward when Quisenberry ran for 141 yards and three scores, caught six passes for 64 yards, passed for a touchdown and returned an interception 66 yards.

“That team was No. 3 or No. 4 in the country and from my neck of the woods. When they beat them, I was shocked,” Marrow said. “(Boyle coach Justin) Haddix is going to get mad but I was shocked. A reporter there that I trust told me he (Quisenberry) was the best player on the field and how was he getting out of Kentucky (to go to college).

“This kid is underrated nationally. He is actually bigger than Wan’Dale coming out of high school. He’s balanced, powerful. They played him at every position. He is the closest thing to Wan’Dale ever. Even Wan’Dale said that.”

Boyle County athletics director Travis Leffew, a former all-conference lineman at Louisville, called Quisenberry, who picked UK over Michigan, Louisville, Ole Miss and West Virginia, a “once in a lifetime player” during his commitment ceremony.

Boyle receivers coach Tyler Ray has known Quisenberry since the days he was “always running around the gym with a ball in his hands” and knew he would be someone who plays the right way.

“He’s a leader for our young kids and also a leader for teammates on the field,” Ray said. “You never had to worry about him taking a day off.”

Haddix said Quisenberry was a joy to coach and had a special attitude.

“It was never about him. It was always about the team,” the Boyle coach said. “He bought into our culture of what we wanted to do and what a great career he had.

“I think his best football is still ahead of him. He just loved playing football. He didn’t care to do the dirty work. He likes to hit and block. He had a lot of options about where he could go.

“He had a lot of options about where he could go. He went all over the country to camps and competed everywhere. No stage was too big for him and Kroger Field will not be too big for him. I really think his best football is still ahead of him.”