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The Kentucky Wildcats have scored another major recruiting pledge.
It comes in the form of four-star athlete Lynn Bowden, who pledged to UK on Saturday. 247 Sports broke the news first.
Bowden, who hails from Warren G Harding (OH), is ranked by 247 as the nation's No. 5 athlete and No. 119 overall prospect. He’s ranked as high as 60th overall by Scout.com, which could make him the highest-ranked recruit to join UK in this class.
Bowden also holds offers from Michigan State, Michigan, Indiana, Tennessee, Nebraska, and Wisconsin among others. Ohio State also showed interest, but the Buckeyes haven't offered thus far as Bowden was ready to pull the trigger, which is great news for UK.
It's unclear what position Bowden will play as a true freshman, but you can bet he'll see the field early and often. He'll most likely be used as a running back and receiver while also getting some occasional Wildcat QB snaps. With Boom Williams and Jeff Badet now gone, Bowden has a chance to take on a major role in this offense next season.
Here is an excerpt of Bowden's ESPN scouting report:
Possesses adequate size in terms of height on a lean, wiry frame that needs to continue to add strength. Is both quick and elusive, but top end speed is just average and he lacks a noticeable second gear. Quicker than fast.
Operates out of the shotgun spread as a wildcat QB and handles the ball very well on zone-reads and designated runs. Must scrutinize ball skills as he is not playing his college position. Very good as a ball carrier.
He's a wide receiver or safety masquerading as a quarterback for the purposes of him handling the ball and the likelihood he is this team's best player.
Has the look of a shifty slot or scatback as a ball carrier. Has a good feel for the game and knows what to do with the ball in his hands. Offensively he is a utility weapon. Has upside as a kick-off return man. Shows a highly competitive temperament.
Here are some of Bowden's high school highlights thus far, of which he's sure to produce many more of judging by the kinds of electrifying plays he's made already:
With this commitment, Bowden joins four-star defensive back Yusuf Corker, four-star linebacker Joshua Paschal, four-star athlete Tyrell Ajian, four-star receiver JaVonte Richardson, four-star defensive end Jordan Wright, three-star athlete Joshua Ali, three-star JUCO defensive tackle Phil Hoskins, three-star quarterback Walker Wood, three-star offensive lineman Nassir Watkins, three-star receiver Isaiah Epps, three-star defensive tackle Quinton Bohanna, three-star running back Bryant Koback, three-star defensive end Alex King, three-star tackle Austin Dotson, three-star defensive end Chris Whittaker, three-star guard Sebastian Dolcine, and three-star linebacker Jamin Davis as part of UK's now 23-man class for 2017.