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Miami OT commit still thinking about Kentucky

Zalon'tae Hillery is committed to Mark Richt's program at Miami but he's still thinking a lot about Kentucky these days.

Cats Illustrated first reported that Hillery would be taking an official visit to Kentucky. Those were his plans weeks ago. He's still planning to visit Lexington before National Signing Day and this weekend he caught us up to speed on where things stand.

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Kentucky needs offensive tackles.

Hillery fits the mold of what the coaching staff is looking for.

Highly-regarded player? His three-star (5.6 RR) ranking says yes, as does his offer sheet which includes the likes of major programs all across the country.

Athletic and strong potential in pass protection? You bet. He's 6-foot-5 and a lean 280 pounds with quick feet and more agility than most offensive linemen you'll come across in high school.

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Interested in Kentucky? Absolutely. He doesn't hide that for a second.

"I'm keeping in touch with Kentucky," Hillery told Cats Illustrated on Sunday. "I'm talking to Coach (John) Schlarman and Coach (Matt) House for the most part. They're pretty cool, solid guys. I don't know much about their life outside of football but they seem like great guys and good coaches. They're showing a lot of interest in me and I'm liking them a lot right now. They just seem like good people to me."

Schlarman would be Hillery's position coach if he were to land at Kentucky. House is his area recruiter, as he mans the staff's primary assignment for the important Peach State.

"Recently they've been talking to me like after every game, and before it," Hillery said. "Like before the game they'll start by prepping me up for him, saying 'Good luck,' and things like that. I think they'll either be watching or hearing about how it goes because they'll say, 'Good game,' or, 'Tough loss.' Things like that. Just sharing motivational words with me."

That's going a long way with Hillery, who says that Kentucky is Miami's main contender.

Hillery visited other schools over the summer. He camped at Florida, showcasing impressive feet and athleticism. But he told Cats Illustrated this weekend that his focus is, right now, is mostly limited to Miami and Kentucky. Should he stay or should he flip? That's the question he's mulling over in his mind.

Hillery said he will officially visit Miami when the Hurricanes take on Florida State during the regular season. He's still planning on an official visit to Kentucky, too.

"Hopefully the Kentucky visit will be during the season for a game," Hillery said. "I don't have it set yet but I will be taking that one. I know that."

Just last week Hillery told InsideTheGators.com, part of the Rivals.com/Yahoo! Sports network, that he is still in talks with several other schools.

“I am keeping a very open mind,” explained Hillery. “I am going for educational purposes and keep an open mind when I see others.”

In that interview Hillery said he would consider taking official visits to Michigan, Auburn, Clemson and NC State, in addition to Kentucky. If that scenario plays out then his trip to Miami for the Florida State game might be an unofficial visit. Time will tell.

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