DeCarlos Nicholson (CBSSports.com Photo)
Not only did a big, loud crowd of Kentucky fans provide a terrific atmosphere for Kentucky’s 35-28 win over Missouri Saturday but it also obviously impressed recruits. Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College three-star cornerback DeCarlos Nicholson announced on Twitter Monday that he had verbally committed to the Wildcats.
That’s a big addition because the 6-3, 195-pound Nicholson is currently ranked as the No. 1 junior college cornerback in the class of 2022 and the No. 3 overall junior college recruit in Mississippi.
Nicholson took an official visit to UK last weekend. He had committed to Mississippi State on July 6 — four days before his UK offer — and also had scholarship offers from Florida State, Baylor, and Mississippi.
Nicholson had two tackles, three pass breakups, and one tackle for loss in his first two games this season after moving from quarterback where he played in 2020 — he completed 16 of 35 passes for 178 yards and ran for 210 yards on 25 tries.
First-year Kentucky defensive backs coach Chris Collins, who came to UK from Georgia State. His defensive coordinator there, Nathan Fuqua, is a Danville native and told me Collins was not only a great coach but also a great recruiter.
Kentucky is short on cornerback depth this season. It has five seniors in the secondary, including cornerback Cedrick Dort. Kentucky has 13 commitments in its 2022 recruiting class including cornerbacks Alex Afari of Ohio and Andre Stewart of Georgia.
Josh Edwards, @CBSSports NFL Draft and Kentucky football recruiting writer, says to remember that Nicholson will need time to develop after he gets to UK.
“He’s only played the position for about eight months,” Edwards said. “Long arms, tall player, but he is still learning to find the ball.
“His tackling technique needs to improve. There is a lot that needs work but you’re banking on his length and natural athletic ability.”
