Kentucky early enrollees are participating in Gator Bowl practices

Maxwell Hairston Talks Gator Bowl

Kentucky’s class of 2024 high school commits became official members of the football program last week when the early signing period arrived. Among the 21 signees, over half are slated to be enrolled in school next month and on the team for winter workouts and spring practice. Some are getting an early start down in Jacksonville.

On Wednesday on the campus of the University of North Florida, multiple class of 2024 prospects were spotted practicing with the team. Cutter Boley, Jason Patterson, and Hardley Gilmore were active with the offense. Jerod Smith II and Brian Robinson were out there with the defense. Jacob Smith was sitting out with injury. Kentucky’s top-25 class has gotten an early start at the Gator Bowl.

Last year, the NCAA made a rule change allowing for recent high school signees to participate in practice once the national letters of intent are in. This allows some young players to get an early start on their collegiate career.

Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney is a fan of this rule change.

“They changed that rule last year to where guys could come in and get some practice with you and come to the bowl with you the whole deal,” said Swinney. ” [The early enrollees] can’t play, but can be a part of the process. And that’s just really helpful because you go ahead and start getting some guys acclimated.”

On the campus of North Florida, Boley got to get some coaching from offensive coordinator Liam Coen, Gilmore flashed while receiving a ton of reps at wide receiver, and both Jerod Smith II and Robinson got some work on defense. Each player could end up having a big role in spring practice. Before that arrives, the high schoolers are getting active training on how Kentucky conducts practices.

The future is now for Kentucky football.