Wildcats add another DL verbal

Kentucky has picked up its second verbal commitment from a defensive lineman in as many days.

Barlow (Ky.) Ballard Memorial standout Brandon Fitzgerald gave his verbal commitment to the Wildcats on Tuesday after being visited by the staff.

“He gave them a verbal commitment,” Ballard Memorial coach Jeff Rush said. “He said Kentucky was the place he wanted to be, and when they offered, he was sure about his decision.”

Fitzgerald (6-2, 260, 4.85) had also been receiving interest from Indiana, Illinois, Louisville, Marshall, Cincinnati and Ohio, although Rush could not confirm who had made official offers.

Rush also noted that Fitzgerald would likely have to take the juco route before playing for Kentucky, but the Wildcats would gladly wait on his talent.

“He’s an exceptional athlete for such a big kid,” he said. “He was about 280 pounds last year, and played this year around 260. He was our quarterback, too. He passed for about 1,300 yards and 10 touchdowns, and rushed for about 600. On defense, he started out at linebacker and finished the year at tackle. He was also our kicker. He kicked a 45-yard field goal. Right now, he’s getting ready for the basketball season. He’s just an all-around athlete.”

Earlier in his high school career, he had also played on the tennis team.

Kentucky projects Fitzgerald as a defensive end or defensive tackle. Late Monday night, they received a verbal commitment from Louisville (Ky.) Eastern defensive tackle Myron Pryor.