Central Hardin DL commits to Kentucky

Kentucky received its ninth 2012 football commitment on Monday, from Central Hardin defensive lineman Patrick Graffree.

Graffree, who is 6 feet 4 and 277 pounds, received a scholarship offer from UK on Monday after playing well at the Wildcats' Sunday camp.

"Yesterday was a pretty intense day," he said. "I went up there with the mind-set that I wanted to get an offer because I got my heart broken on Friday by (Western Kentucky) when they put me on their waiting list (after a camp). I went to UK with the mind-set that I was going to do better and get an offer. I started to do well in the drills, and that led to the (one-on-one) competitions, which I excelled at."

Graffree said he spoke with UK coach Joker Phillips after the camp and that Phillips said the Cats were highly interested in him. Graffree said UK reviewed his transcripts on Monday, then made an offer.

"I called him, and he told that I had a scholarship to the University of Kentucky, and I accepted it. He said, 'Welcome to the Big Blue family.' I was very proud."

It is his first scholarship offer for the Alabama native who moved to Kentucky for his sophomore year of school. Graffree said Western Kentucky, where he camped on Friday; Louisville, North Carolina State and Tennessee were other schools that have showed him interest.

Graffree said UK running backs coach Steve Pardue has been recruiting him for a while. UK defensive line coach David Turner was also important in getting his commitment, Graffree said.

Graffree, who expects to play defensive tackle, said he had 91 tackles, including 10 for loss, during his junior season. He had six sacks and an interception.

"I'm big, energetic and love to fly to the ball," he said. "A 100 percent worker who never takes plays off and is just ready to win."