Top-30 recruit Monkell Goodwine has UK in his top 2; decision coming this week

While this season is still up in the air, that doesn’t mean the recruiting grind has come to an end.

Mark Stoops and company are still working to establish a top-tier program at Kentucky, and that means bringing in top talent from all across the country, including four-star strong-side defensive end Monkell Goodwine.

Goodwine reigns from Fort Washington (MD), stands at 6-foot-4 and weighs in at 260 pounds. He’s currently ranked 27th overall, per Rivals, and the fifth-best SDE in the country.

On July 25th, Goodwine narrowed his list down to the Wildcats, Clemson Tigers, Alabama Crimson Tide, Texas A&M Aggies, and Arizona State Sun Devils.

Seeing Kentucky on this list with these other schools are impressive, but to take it a step further, Goodwine replied to a tweet stating that Kentucky was actually in his top two.

While it’s good to see Kentucky is in Goodwine’s final two, it’s Alabama who’s viewed as the heavy favorite, as they have nearly every prediction in his Rivals FutureCast and 247 Sports Crystal Ball.

Defensive coordinator and outside linebackers coach Brad White has served as the primary recruiter for Goodwine. In an interview with 247 Sports, the pass-rusher explained why Kentucky made his list:

“Me and Coach Brad White have a great relationship. I think our relationship is gonna go far even if I don’t commit to them. Friendship goes a long way at the end of the day. Just the communication part with me and Coach Brad White has been unbelievable. You wouldn’t even understand what type of communication we have. That’s an understanding on why I have them in my top schools as well,” Goodwine said.

We’ve seen with both football and basketball that the relationship these coaches have with these players always play a vital role.

Goodwine plans to announce his decision on August 15th.

Go follow our Twitter page and ‘like’ our Facebook page for the latest Kentucky Wildcats news and views.