Wildcats eye secondary strength with cornerback Kelsey Deriso Jr.

USA Today

20-05-2025

Wildcats eye secondary strength with cornerback Kelsey Deriso Jr.
As summer heats up, the Kentucky Wildcats are poised to hone in on key areas of need within their depth chart and set the stage for an exciting 2026 recruiting class. With the official season now in full swing, Coach Mark Stoops and his team are eager to make significant strides with some of their top targets as we gear up for the much-anticipated June Grind.
One critical area that has caught the attention of elite programs across the nation is the secondary. The Wildcats aim to strengthen this position not only for immediate success but also for long-term stability. Among their priority targets is Kelsey KJ Deriso Jr., a dynamic 6-foot-1, three-star athlete from Whitewater High School in Georgia. Ranked as the No. 80 cornerback in the country and No. 85 overall prospect from Georgia, Deriso may not yet have widespread recognition, but he possesses immense potential waiting to be unleashed under the right guidance.
With 24 scholarship offers already on his plate, schools are keenly vying for his commitment—especially with rising interest from rivals like Jeff Brohm and the Louisville Cardinals. As a versatile player who has made significant contributions on both sides of the ball, Deriso's stats speak volumes: last season alone he racked up 33 tackles, 2 tackles for loss (TFLs), 2 interceptions (INTs), 2 forced fumbles, and an impressive 12 pass breakups (PBUs). The Cats are eager to enhance their slim roster for the Class of 2026; currently standing at just one commitment, Deriso's upcoming visit could serve as a crucial turning point in building momentum.
Recently, UKWildcatsWire had an opportunity to catch up with KJ ahead of his official visit to Lexington scheduled for June 13-15. Since offering him back in mid-January, Kentucky has been diligently nurturing their relationship with Deriso. As his recruitment gains traction, we asked him what he's most excited about during this visit:
I'm looking forward to seeing how Coach White and Coach Collins envision my role within their defense and how I can grow as a player in their system.
As competition intensifies around him, KJ shared what makes Kentucky stand out amidst other suitors:
What really stood out was the genuine relationship I've built through constant communication with Coach Collins and other staff members—it truly makes me feel like a priority.
Deriso's playmaking prowess is undeniable; however, he also knows exactly what he's seeking in a future program:
I want an opportunity to get early playing time along with coaching staff that can develop me into an NFL-caliber player.
With offers pouring in from various schools—including Michigan State, USF, and Louisville—KJ remains focused on finding where he fits best.
When it comes to raw potential, Deriso is the walking billboard —and for good reason! He is already such a dynamic athlete and believes his unique skill set can elevate programs like Kentucky and others vying for top talent. 'I have the ability to turn routine plays into game-changing moments with my speed and athleticism,' he asserts confidently. 'I can change the whole dynamic of the game in just one play.'
But KJ's impact extends beyond just electrifying performances on the field; he has the potential to reshape the future of Mark Stoops' program and significantly influence the trajectory of the 2026 recruiting class. Imagine what his explosive talent could mean for Kentucky's football ambitions!