Kentucky picks up in-state verbal

Kentucky has picked up another verbal commitment from one of the Bluegrass State's top prospects.

Rockcastle County defensive tackle Jason Leger says he plans to sign with the Wildcats in February pending his academic eligibility.

"I took my ACT on Saturday, and I'm just waiting on my scores now," he said. "If I can get my scores, I'm going to sign with UK.

"Coach Brooks offered me during their lineman camp back in June. He said he loved the way I played with a lot of heart. I'm not as big as some of the other guys they had there, but I play harder than almost anybody. I don't like to get beat."

At first glance, Leger (6-1, 270, 5.0) doesn't have the massive frame of some other defensive tackles, but he possesses tremendous strength. He bench presses 385 pounds, owns a school record squat of 625 and power cleans 310.

"My whole family is pretty stout," he said. "We farm, so I stay pretty active doing that, and when I'm not working I'm in the weightroom."

Through eight games this season, Leger has helped lead the Rockets to a 6-2 record. He's got approximately 50 tackles and eight sacks.

If he signs with Kentucky, he'll be the first player in school history to play in Division I-A.

"I had some offers from EKU and Western, but I really want to play in the big time," he said.

Louisville, Indiana, Cincinnati, West Virginia and Michigan State have also shown interest.

"They're all good schools, but UK is real close to my family and they've always been the home team for me," he said. "Plus, I really like their coaches. Coach Brooks seems like a real good man to play for, and coach Gray, their D-Line coach, was real good when I was up there at camp. He taught me a lot of stuff that's been helping me this season -- how to use my hands and my technique. I've gotten a lot better at pass rushing because of him."