UK defensive coordinator Brad White, left, got a late addition to his 2025 linebacker group. (Vicky Graff Photo)
Kentucky added an intriguing piece to its football team for next season when Nashville linebacker Kris Thompson verbally committed to coach Mark Stoops on Friday.
The 6-0, 215-pound linebacker from Lipscomb Academy announced his commitment on social media but don’t just write it off as probably a player who could not help UK. He is ranked as the No. 150 linebacker in the 2025 recruiting class.
Thompson had over 30 scholarship offers, including some from high profile teams. His 34 offers included Tennessee, Ole Miss, Clemson, Michigan, Louisville, North Carolina, Florida, Ole Miss, Illinois, Miami, Indiana, Georgia Tech and Mississippi State.
Thompson had 90 tackles last season including 19 tackles for loss and nine sacks to showcase his ability to make big plays.
Lee Ann Herring of UK Wildcats Wire for USA Today sports talked to Thompson after his commitment.
He had a unique answer for what drew him to Kentucky: “Well, my actions are not my own; my foundation is in Jesus Christ, and I live for His righteousness. Every decision I make comes from the Spirit of the Lord because He never fails,” he told Herring.
He added that the way the coaches believed in him and how he could contribute to the team impressed him more than anything with Kentucky.
2 Responses
What a relief of fresh air. As long as he keeps his faith in the Lord and works hard anything is possible. He is super fast for a linebacker. He also is only 6’0 so he sets his pad level extremely low which is a sure tackle every time. Great mechanics Great nose for the football. Definitely will need a redshirt year arriving so late but could carve out a role as a redshirt freshman.
Excellent comments! His faith will never fail him because the Lord Jesus never fails.
It’s a boost to the entire program to land a recruit wi hose very presence will release an aura of goth & hope into the locker room & everyone with just a fraction of an opening in their heart.
The DC for UK has done an excellent job. He just needs an OC on the other side of the ball who has the ability & complete package to lead & infuse the offense with confidence, desire and persistence. Unfortunately the offense will remain a lost cause until Stoops changes (unlikely) &/or a new REAL OC is hired. Until then, it’s just going to be an uphill battle for UK with only ornery competent coordinator.
I’ve just about given up looking at any UK articles. whether BB or FB, because of the direction both are headed. Being in the SEC bad been a problem for UK FB for a century and BB has always been ill-treated by the SEC administrators & refs, so it will always be a tough conference regardless of how welll the other teams play.