4-star DB Jay Ward picks LSU over Kentucky

The Kentucky Wildcats seemed poised to score the commitment of four-star cornerback Jay Ward on National Signing Day. However, a late push by the LSU Tigers was enough to secure the commitment of Ward, as he’s signing with the Bayou Bengals.

247 Sports lists Ward as the No. 30 cornerback in the class, and the Wildcats were competing with some stiff competition for his services. After decommitting from Kentucky in November, the favorites became the Tigers, Florida State Seminoles and Texas A&M Aggies.

The 6’2” defensive back became a hot commodity after a strong senior season, and the Kentucky staff had hoped that his visit on the weekend of the SEC/Big 12 challenge could put Kentucky back in the lead for his services.

According to the 247 Sports crystal ball and Rivals predictions, that quickly seemed to be the case, as Kentucky drew a wealth of predictions heading into Ward’s Decision Day.

While Kentucky will be losing stars like Josh Allen and Benny Snell for next season, the position group with the most need is easily the defensive backfield. With Mike Edwards, Darius West, Lonnie Johnson, Chris Westry and Derrick Baity all turning pro and Michael Nesbitt off the team, a player like Ward could step in and compete for snaps immediately.

Alas, the Cats come up just short, but they still have a wealth of defensive backs committed, including Quandre Mosley, Brandin Echols, Moses Douglass, Taj Dodson, MJ Devonshire and Jalen Geiger.

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