What the state of Kentucky traditionally lacks in quantity, it again has made up in quality this recruiting cycle with several SEC-caliber recruits, including three who have at least a dozen offers, according to 247Sports Composite Ranking.

The state lacks a five-star recruit, and only OT Jedrick Wills, who has 18 offers, is a four-star. He’s the only player in the state’s top nine ranked in the national top 50 by 247Sports.

The balance of the top nine are three stars. That talent is bunched in the eastern and northern parts of the state. Four of the top nine live in Lexington, and only two are west of Lexington.

There are four offensive linemen, three quarterbacks, a defensive lineman and a wide receiver in the top nine. Three hail from Lafayette High School in Lexington, Ky.

Two have committed, both to Kentucky. Walker Wood, a quarterback, could play a number of positions for the Wildcats. He was recruited as an athlete, and committed in October.

Austin Dotson, a 6-foot-6, 290-pound offensive tackle, became Kentucky’s eighth commitment recently, but the Herald-Leader reported that major programs are just now learning about him.

Dotson is 16, started as a high school sophomore, and his high school coach said has the feet and arms that colleges look for in tackles. His coach told The Cats Pause that because Dotson didn’t have a highlight film together, or Twitter account, he didn’t have as much exposure.

Dotson plays on the same high school team, Belfry, as the No. 2 player in the state, Cole Bentley. Bentley has offers from Army, Air Force, Eastern Kentucky, Florida Atlantic, Miami (Ohio), Tennessee Tech and Toledo. The Herald-Leader reported that the Wildcats are not expected to take as many offensive linemen as previous classes, but one spot will be held for Wills.

It’s not uncommon for an out-of-state school to poach a recruit, but last year only Ohio State landed a player from the Kentucky’s top 10. The Wildcats landed five and rival Louisville got two. In 2015, five-star RB Damien Harris, for example, went to Alabama.

Player Rating Position 247 Sports Prediction
1. Jedrick Wills 4-star OT Kentucky
2. Cole Bentley 3-star OG Kentucky
3. Keyron Catlett 3-star WR None yet
4. Sean Cleasant 3-star DT None yet
5. Tanner Morgan 3-star QB None yet
6. Alex Simpson 3-star OG None yet
7. Walker Wood 3-star QB Kentucky*
8. Austin Dotson 3-star OT Kentucky*
9. Legend Brumbaugh 3-star QB None yet

*Already committed