Kentucky commit Tyreese Fearbry embraces pressure of being compared to Josh Allen

Kentucky's defensive coaches had to be thrilled when Pennsylvania standout Tyreese Fearbry verbally committed to UK last weekend. (Twitter Photo)

At one time he was briefly committed to Penn State. He had also taken official visits to Pittsburgh and Auburn. Wisconsin, Miami, Arizona State, and South Carolina were some of the other schools pursuing elite defensive end Tyreese Fearbry the hardest.

Yet not long after Kentucky’s win over Chattanooga last weekend, the nation’s No. 12 edge rusher and 182nd overall prospect nationally in the 247Sports Composite, gave his verbal commitment to the Wildcats.

The 6-5, 225-pound Ferry cited the culture around the UK program as a big reason for his commitment during his appearance on The Leach Report Tuesday with UK play-by-play announcer Tom Leach.

He said his visit to UK also let him “get a feel” for who he would be around the next four years.

The Pittsburgh Perry Traditional Academy defender was primarily recruited by defensive coordinator/outside linebackers coach Brad White, a former NFL assistant coach, told Fearbry he reminds him of former UK linebacker Josh Allen, the No. 7 overall pick by Jacksonville after he was the consensus national defensive player of the year at UK.

Fearbry said it is both “exciting and a little bit of pressure” to be compared to a player like Allen. White told him they have the same length and speed getting off the ball that can help make him a future NFL first-round draft pick.

“It will take time. Not everyone can have a great first year,” the UK commit said.

He also noted that UK has had other players, including Bud Dupree and Jamin Davis, that show him how a UK career could prepare him for the NFL.