Kentucky lands another Memphis native

The University of Kentucky recruiting staff always seems to dig up some sleeper prospects that turn into major contributors in the SEC and the staff has found two of them in Memphis. Fresh off of a commitment from Memphis (Tenn.) Fairley cornerback Martavius Neloms, Kentucky has landed its second commitment out of the city of Memphis in as many days.

Memphis (Tenn.) Christian Brothers defensive end Patrick Ligon committed to the University of Memphis just a few days ago over offers from Kentucky, Louisiana Tech, Miami-Ohio and Arkansas State. However an official visit to the Lexington campus and a realization about his college position has given him second thoughts.

"I was committed to Memphis but I'm committed to Kentucky now," Ligon said on Monday night. "At Memphis, I wanted originally to get a shot at defense but that wasn't really the case. At Memphis they wanted to start me at offense, on the offensive line which I don't really want. I don't mind playing offense, but I want a first chance at defense."

With Kentucky offering Ligon the opportunity to start out on the defensive side of the ball, teamed with a great official visit, Ligon decided to make the switch.

"I took an official visit this past weekend and I've been on an unofficial visit to a football game," he said. "The visit played a pretty good part too. I just liked the campus and everything about the city. I liked the players that I was with.

"I'll play defensive end or maybe defensive tackle and then there's always that possibility that I'll still go to offense but at least I'll have that first shot at trying defense."

Ligon had been in contact with the Kentucky coaching staff for some time and may have committed to Memphis before he was ready.

"I had been thinking about Kentucky," he said. "I kind of felt a little bit of pressure [to go ahead and commit to Memphis] too. Conference didn't really play a big part in it. It was really just where I fit in the best. I really liked Kentucky when I visited."

Now that his commitment is in the books, Ligon plans on getting to work to prepare himself for the next level.

"I'll just continue to keep working out and keep trying to get stronger and faster," he said. "I'll just keep doing what I'm doing and just do it a lot harder and more intense."