Kentucky is pursuing South Florida defensive back Aldarius Johnson

Activity on the recruiting trail has slowed down for the Kentucky football program since Matt Ponatoski announced his commitment to the Wildcats on July 6 but this quiet run should be ending soon. The start of another college football season means campus visits can be resumed. The Wildcats are still active down in South Florida.

UK secured a commitment from high three-star wide receiver Denairius Gray when he flipped to the Cats from Auburn. Could another South Florida recruiting win be recorded this cycle? The Cats are making a serious push for three-star defensive back Aldarius Johnson.

“I got a good relationship with the coaches. Even though I was hurt, they were still contacting me. Checking up on what I’m doing,” Johnson told Rivals’ Marcus Benjamin. “They are looking forward to seeing what I do this year.”

“I’ll be taking a visit to Kentucky during the season.”

Plantation (Fla.) American Heritage senior missed time last year due to a season-ending injury but is now back on the field as a senior looking to have a big year and lock in a spot on a power conference roster. Kentucky is in the hunt along with Michigan State and Rutgers. UK offered the defensive back a scholarship on May 1.

This will be a name to monitor throughout the season as recruiting begins to heat up in September. The early signing period in December is inching closer.

Kentucky’s 2026 high school recruiting class

Player	Position	High School	Ranking
Matt Ponatoski	QB (6-2, 190)	Cincinnati (Ohio) Moeller	4-star (No. 241 overall)
Messiah Tilson	S (6-2, 165)	Rockford (Ill.) Guilford	4-star (No. 323 overall)
Jordan Crutchfield	CB (6-2, 195)	Vero Beach (Fla.) High	4-star (No. 389 overall)
Denairius Gray	WR (6-1, 170)	Hollywood (Fla.) Chaminade-Madonna	3-star (No. 401 overall)
Dallas Dickerson	WR (6-1, 180)	Bogart (Ga.) North Oconee	High 3-star (No. 538 overall)
Tyreek Jemison	iOL (6-5, 330)	Dallas (Ga.) Paulding County	High 3-star (No. 563 overall)
Lincoln Watkins	TE (6-4, 225)	Port Huron (Mich.) Northern	3-star (No. 611 overall)
Garrett Witherington	DL (6-4, 290)	Birmingham (Ala.) Briarwood Christian	3-star (No. 823 overall)
Isaiah McMillian	CB (6-0, 170)	Katy (Texas) High	3-star (No. 859 overall)
Ben Duncum	DL (6-5, 250)	Austin (Texas) Lake Travis	3-star (No. 900 overall)
Davis McCray	WR (6-2, 190)	San Antonio (Texas) Cornerstone Christian	3-star (No. 926 overall)
Prince Jean	WR (6-0, 170)	Valdosta (Ga.) High	3-star (No. 949 overall)
Cameron Miller	T (6-5, 310)	Hammond (Ind.) Morton	3-star (No. 970 overall)
Max Mohring	LB (6-3, 215)	Malvern (Pa.) Prep	3-star (No. 1,041 overall)
Delvecchio “Deuce” Alston II	RB (6-0, 200)	Trussville (Ala.) Hewitt-Trussville	3-star (No. 1,222 overall)