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The Kentucky Wildcats have secured the services of five-star offensive lineman Landon Young.
@Landon_Young_67 pic.twitter.com/2FKUDYYhts
— UK Stoops Troops (@UKStoopsTroops) February 3, 2016
It's been a long process for UK and the 6-5, 307-pound Young. The U.S. Army All-American, who committed to the Wildcats in June of 2013, was the first player to commit for the Class of 2016. Though his commitment came nearly three years ago, his impact on this class was easily the greatest of anyone.
That's the case when two major recruiting services give you a five-star rating, which is what Rivals (29th-overall prospect) and 247 Sports (12th overall) gave Young.
Oh, and Young plays the all-important left tackle spot, making him an even more valuable commodity to UK, who just graduated longtime blindside protector Jordan Swindle.
That and Young's talent are probably why head coach Mark Stoops said there's "No doubt" Young could play as a true freshman.
Here is Young's official UK Athletics profile:
Landon Young, Offensive Lineman, 6-7, 305, Fr.-HS, Lexington, Ky. (Lafayette) A five-star recruit by Rivals and 247Sports ... No. 1 prospect in Kentucky No. 12 overall prospect in the nation by 247sports ... Named top offensive lineman in the U.S. Army All-American Game for the West squad who won, 37-9 ... Rivals national analyst Mike Farrell said He has tremendous feet and length. Young has always looked the part of a five-star and he was easily the best offensive tackle on the West team at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl ... Helped the Generals average 36.7 points per game and advance to the Class 6A state title game ... Two-time first-team all-state selection by the Courier-Journal and The Associated Press ... A 2015 Herald-Leader Class of Commonwealth honoree ... A phenomenal athlete who wrestles and participates in track and field ... Ranked at the state's top wrestler at 285 after finishing fourth in the state as a junior ... Was the 2014 Class 3-A track and field champion in the shot put and discus ... Named the 2014 Gatorade Kentucky Boys Track and Field Athlete of the Year ... 2013 USATF National Junior Olympics Track and Field Championships runner-up in both the shot put and discus ... Coached by Eric Shaw ... Officer in Lafayettes Future Farmers of America chapter and also a member of the Beta Club and Fellowship of Christian Athletes ... Chose UK over offers from Alabama, Auburn and Ohio State.