SIGNING DAY PREVIEW: Defensive end Jordan Wright
Cats Illustrated isn't waiting until National Signing Day to get you ready for all the action. We're rolling out Signing Day content all week.
In our new Signing Day Preview series we'll profile every single one of Kentucky's 2017 early enrollees as well as those who won't be signing until Wednesday.
STATUS: Will sign on Wednesday and enroll in June.
RESUME: Dillard finished 6-4 in the 2016 season and Wright was a big reason. He had 45 tackles, 25 sacks and four forced fumbles on defense and also scored six touchdowns from his tight end position on offense. Wright was also an accomplished basketball player for Dillard.
RECRUITING HISTORY: Wright wasn't a heavy Kentucky lean until later in the recruiting process but over the course of that path as a prospect he picked up offers from the 'Big Three' schools in Florida. Miami has made a late push but there's no reason to believe he's close to flipping. John Calipari has told Wright he has the opportunity to walk-on with the basketball team and that's something that appealed to the 6-foot-5 forward and defensive end.
SCOUTING REPORT: Wright is a terror rushing the passer off the edge. His hips help but his length is his best asset. Once he gets his body moving in one direction he has great closing speed. He can continue to improve his ability to explode off the ball quickly but his length still makes him an elite pass rushing prospect. He should be able to bat down a lot of passes. Wright can continue to gain weight and add strength but he's already transformed his body a lot over the past year and there's no reason to doubt that will continue.
CATS ILLUSTRATED PROJECTION: Wright will benefit from a redshirt which should be more of a luxury because of how much Kentucky returns on the defensive line. But he has SEC starter written all over him if he puts in the work and his technique advances. He's one of the better pass rushing prospects Kentucky will have signed in modern times.
| Size | Strength | Explosion | Pass Rush | Defending Run |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
9/10 |
7/10 |
7/10 |
10/10 |
6/10 |
