Big Bluegrass wideout makes first visit

Throughout the recruiting process, Bowling Green (Ky.) Warren Central wide receiver Lonnell Dewalt has kept a tight lid on his list of prospective schools and intentions.

It’s a decision he made early on and has honored all along.

“I just felt like that was the right thing to do,” he said. “I didn’t know where I wanted to go. I still don’t know for sure. So I decided that I wasn’t going to say somebody’s my favorite or name anybody my top school. When I know, I’ll let everybody know.”

Many are anxious to hear that choice.

Dewalt (6-7, 215, 4.55) is not only one of the Bluegrass State’s top-rated prospects, but also one of the most sought-after wideouts in the South. He’s coming off a senior season which saw him grab 43 receptions for 851 yards and 10 touchdowns while claiming first-team all-state honors.

This weekend, he quietly made his first official visit – a trip to Lexington, Ky., that flew under the radar of many observers.

“I took my official visit with Kentucky,” he said. “It went pretty good. I got to hang out with the players and go to the basketball game. That was a good time. They played Vanderbilt, and the crowd was really hyped. It was like that last week, too. I went down there with a friend for an unofficial visit, and we watched the North Carolina game. They’ve got some great fans.”

Dewalt, also a standout on the basketball court, is being offered the opportunity to play both sports by most of the schools recruiting him.

“I got to talk with Tubby (Smith), and he said he wanted me to come out and play for him. He said he’s let people do it before as long as I can do it and keep up with my school work. That’s something I definitely want to try,” Dewalt said.

Asked what some of the highlights of the visit were from a football standpoint, Dewalt said: “I really like their facilities and everything they’ve got there for athletes. The training center and stadium and library are all really nice. I like where the players stay.”

Dewalt’s host for the weekend was former Warren Central teammate Deion Holts.

“We had fun hanging out with the other guys,” he said. “He had a lot of good things to say about the coaches. He said they’re good guys, and they would take care of me if I come there. He’s recruiting me as hard as their coaches now (laughs).”

Before he makes his decision, Dewalt has at least two more stops on the official visit calendar. He plans to visit Louisville on Jan. 23 and Auburn on Jan. 30. He may also squeeze in a midweek visit to hometown Western Kentucky at some point.

“I’m open-minded right now,” he said. “I’m going to take all these visits before I make my final decision.”