Kemp to Kentucky

Florida running back JoJo Kemp announced Friday night that he plans to sign with Mark Stoops' Kentucky program next week. Read more about his decision in this KyScout update.

Kentucky landed the running back at the top of its wish list on Friday when three-star DeLand (Fla.) standout JoJo Kemp announced he plans to sign with Mark Stoops' program next week.

"The reason I picked Kentucky is I felt like it was a real good opportunity for me to go into a program and make a big impact," Kemp said. "They made it clear to me that I was their top choice at running back, and they even stopped recruiting some other guys they were talking to, so when they put all their eggs in one basket for me, that sent a message about how serious they were about me. I really liked that.

"I also liked my recruiting coach, Chad Scott, who is from down here in Florida and has walked the same footsteps as me in his life. He made me real comfortable when he would come to visit and when I was up there on my official visit. I know he's someone who will be looking out for me and will help me get better."

Kemp (5-11, 190, 4.5) is rated the No. 72 running back nationally by Scout. Coming off a senior season which saw him rush for 1,464 yards and 24 touchdowns, he chose the Wildcats over Pittsburgh, South Florida and Tennessee.

Asked how he felt about playing in SEC games next fall, Kemp said: "I can't wait. It's always been something I thought about, what it would be like. Now I get that opportunity. I'm just really excited to help Kentucky get to that next level."

SCOUT PLAYER EVALUATION: At 5-foot-11 and 190 pounds, he has enough size already to grow into a potential 210+ pound running back who will be able to carry the rock 20 times a game and get the tough yards inside. He's a tremendous athlete who can make a lot of people miss in short space, too. He changes directions well. He can catch the ball very well out of the backfield. He's just a good football player with plus athleticism.