Kentucky announces addition of former 4-star recruit Luke Fulton

With Jamin Davis leaving college early to enter the NFL Draft, the Kentucky Wildcats could certainly use some more depth at inside linebacker.

While there is young talent on the roster, especially with the addition of Trevin Wallace, Kentucky’s coaching staff has decided to add some experience through the transfer market. The most recent transfer to choose Kentucky is Michigan State linebacker Luke Fulton. Kentucky confirmed his addition to the program on the first day of the late signing period.

Fulton was a four-star linebacker coming out of high school in 2019, ranking as the No. 20 overall inside linebacker in the country, according to the 247 Sports. Fulton is a native of Youngstown (OH) and played at Cardinal Mooney, where Mark Stoops and Vince Marrow also played high school football at. Marrow recruited Fulton and offered him a scholarship to Kentucky before he chose Michigan State instead. But he is now headed to Lexington with four remaining years of eligibility.

Fulton sat out his first year in East Lansing as a redshirt season, making an impact as a scout team player and gaining experience, strength, and understanding of the college game. Entering his second season at Michigan State, however, he found himself in some trouble that led to his departure.

Fulton and another linebacker, Charles Willekes, were arrested and charged after a fight at a fraternity house. Fulton accepted a plea deal that granted him Holmes Youthful Trainee Act status. That basically means that his record will be closed to the public as long as he commits no other offenses. Both Fulton and Willekes entered the transfer portal shortly after being suspended for the incident, and neither suited up in 2020.

Since he was a redshirt freshmen going into the 2020 season and all players were granted an extra year of eligibility due to COVID-19, he will have four years to grow and contribute to the Kentucky football program. His development could be a big factor for Kentucky’s defense in the next few years, and he may not be the only transfer making his way to Lexington this summer.

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