Booker verbals to Kentucky

BOWLING GREEN, KY --- Bowling Green High School linebacker Brad Booker has verbally committed to play football for the University of Kentucky. Louisville, Cincinnati, Arkansas, Tennessee and Toledo were other schools Booker briefly considered before making his visit to Lexington.

"I am committed to Kentucky," said Brad Booker. "I just have always been a big fan and this is a dream come true. Their facilities are great and I always wanted to play in the SEC. Plus, the coaches are now very close. I think I can get an early chance of playing there as well."

Booker, a senior-to-be for the Purples, led Bowling Green’s defense in 2000 with 95 tackles, 64 assists, two interceptions, two fumble recoveries, and two blocked kicks. Booker had three sacks and 13 tackles for losses last season.

Last season, the 6-foot-1, 215-pound, 4.6 (275 bench), linebacker was voted to the Associated Press Second-Team All-State and to the All-SKY Conference team. Booker is also a catcher on Bowling Green's baseball team.

"I think what I do best is go all-out after the football," Booker said. "I read the play and get to the ball. I am a big hitter and a sideline to sideline guy. I trust my instincts to help me make plays. I like to get in there and make something happen. I hope I can go to UK and play early, but mainly I just want a chance to eventually play and help Kentucky."

Booker will enter the 2001 season as a three-year starter for the Purples and will be the first Bowling Green player to sign with the Wildcats since Leman Boyd in 1993. He carries a 2.5 grade point average and has scored a 22 on the ACT.