Mark Stoops unsure when NCAA will make Xavier Peters decision

Despite bringing in a solid recruiting class perhaps the biggest addition, the Kentucky Wildcats made this off-season was landing Florida State transfer Xavier Peters.

Peters was rated as a four-star in 2018 out of Ohio and chose Florida State over the Wildcats. However, after his freshman season, he decided to transfer to the school he originally turned down to move closer to his son.

Now, Peters is in the process of trying to obtain instant eligibility from the NCAA rather than having to redshirt the 2019 season and wait until 2020 to suit up for the Wildcats.

When asked if there was any update regarding Peters at Kentucky’s SEC Media Days presser on Thursday, head coach Mark Stoops did not have much of an update.

“I don’t have any update on that,” Stoops said. “I’m not sure when we will get a response back on that.”

However, Stoops provided some excitement for whenever Peters it able to play.

“I promise you he looks the part,” Stoops said. “He looks better even than he did coming out of high school. He’s a physical guy, very athletic. We’re excited to have him. Hopefully we’ll have the ability to play him this year, but we will see.”

Assistant coach Vince Marrow previously said he thought there was a strong possibility that Peters would be eligible this year.

If Kentucky can get Peters on the field, he will likely earn plenty of playing time at outside linebacker along with Jamar “Boogie” Watson.

For a defense losing Josh Allen and needing another pass rusher, Peters would be the perfect addition so hopefully, for the Cats and Peters the NCAA rules in his favor whenever they do come to a decision.