Dane Key gives update on recruitment

As the Kentucky Wildcats look to continue building their 2021 class, one big name to keep track of in 2022 is in-state star Dane Key.

Key is a 6-2, 170-pound wide receiver in the 2022 class who’s ranked No. 1 overall in the state of Kentucky. He plays for an up and coming powerhouse program in Frederick Douglass High School. He is the younger brother of current Western Kentucky football player, Devon Key. Their father, Dante is the linebackers coach at the Frederick Douglass program under head coach Nathan McPeek.

Key currently holds scholarship offers from twelve D-1 programs. The list of offers include Kentucky, Cincinnati, Louisville, Oregon, Tennessee, West Virginia, and Virginia Tech. Other schools showing a lot of interest include Notre Dame and Ohio State. He is expected to take a visit to Ohio State in the future.

In a brief interview with A Sea of Blue, Key informed me that he currently does not have a list of favorite schools at this time, but all the schools are showing close to the same amount of interest. He says that he has heard from most of the Kentucky coaching staff, but he mainly talks to Vince Marrow.

Marrow’s pitch to him has been how much of a difference maker he believes Key could make for the Kentucky program.

“I mainly talk to Coach Marrow and he says I could come and stay close to home while being a difference maker for the team.”

When I asked Key what would be the main attraction for him about Kentucky, he was quick to respond that he would have a big fan base and a lot of support because it is his hometown. Key also shared that there will be three deciding factors as to where he will attend college after high school. Those three things are family atmosphere, the best fit for him, and the place he feels will develop him the most.

“I really like Coach Marrow, and I know I would have a BIG fan base and big support because it is my hometown.”

This recruitment is very early in the process, and I do not expect it to end anytime soon. I also expect it to take longer because of the fact that other schools will reach out and offer scholarships.

While I do see Kentucky as an early favorite in my opinion, I do expect Louisville and Tennessee to be major contenders as well. It’s also very possible that Ohio State could offer a scholarship and if they do it could change the outlook going forward.

I would like to thank Dane and his family for allowing me the time to speak with him about his recruitment. I also hope this will give the Big Blue Nation a better look into his recruitment.