Jordan Wright, Jacquez Jones, Colin Goodfellow Officially Earn NFL Minicamp Invites

Jordan Wright, Jacquez Jones, Colin Goodfellow Officially Earn NFL Minicamp Invites

Kentucky football was at the center of the NFL draft last week, as quarterback Will Levis couldn't get the camera away from him in the Kansas City green room as his stock slipped through the first round. 

Eventually, he (Tennessee Titans), along with running back Chris Rodriguez (Washington Commanders) and cornerback Carrington Valentine (Green Bay Packers), heard their names called. Immediately following the draft, two former Wildcats signed official UDFA deals, as linebacker DeAndre Square (Los Angeles Rams) and offensive lineman Tashawn Manning (Baltimore Ravens) each found homes. 

The next day saw cornerback Keidron Smith ink a deal with the Miami Dolphins, bringing the total number of 2022 Kentucky alums to land in the NFL at six. On Tuesday, minicamp invites were officially rolled out, and three more Cats were connected in the next level. 

Linebacker Jacquez Jones has received invites to two camps, the Atlanta Falcons and the Packers:

Congratulations to @ESPN_Jac on his opportunities with the @packers and @AtlantaFalcons!! @UKFootball #ukfootball#bbn pic.twitter.com/fTcH9HH56W

— Done Deal Sports Management (@DoneDeal_Sports) May 3, 2023

Jones transferred to Kentucky before the 2021 season after playing 33 games for Ole Miss, where he made 19 starts. He came to Lexington and finished his career strong, eventually totaling 38 starting assignments, 305 career tackles (182 at Ole Miss and 123 at UK), 17.5 tackles-for-loss, four sacks, six pass breakups, four forced fumbles, two interceptions and one fumble recovery.

Along with Jones, fellow veteran linebacker Jordan Wright has received an invite to camp with the Chicago Bears:

Go be great, Jordan Wright! pic.twitter.com/xHYwMgcEEA

— Kentucky Football (@UKFootball) May 2, 2023

The six-year Wildcat was the heart and soul of the defense in the Bluegrass during his tenure, playing in 54 career games, making 22 starts. The super senior totaled 168 career tackles, 25.0 TFL, 9.5 sacks, 15 pass breakups, 14 quarterback hurries, five forced fumbles, five fumble recoveries and two interceptions.

Over on special teams, punter Colin Goodfellow will look to join Rodriguez in D.C. with the Commanders:

Go be great, Colin Goodfellow! pic.twitter.com/BZOIL1Fi73

— Kentucky Football (@UKFootball) May 2, 2023

Booting balls for six seasons, Goodfellow totaled 77 punts for a total of 3,413 yards across action in 21 games. He finished third in school history with a 44.3-yard average per punt. 

In 2022 against Missouri, he had a season-high six punts for 238 yards and made a game-saving play late in the game to help preserve Kentucky’s win … With UK clinging to a 21-17 lead and 2:34 remaining, the Wildcats faced 4th-and-4 at their own 41-yard line .. The punt snap went over his head, he raced back to the five-yard line and — in one motion – scooped the bouncing ball, whirled and punted while being hit hard by a Missouri player, drawing a roughing-the-punter penalty. Instead of Missouri taking over the UK 35-yard line, the Wildcats kept the ball with a first down and ran out all but 38 seconds of the clock. The result of the play was a season-ending injury.

Observations from Kentucky's final open spring practice HERE.

Safety Zion Childress is emerging as a leader on the UK defense

Kentucky landed a 4-star defensive lineman on National Signing Day. More HERE.

WATCH: Kentucky football's transfer portal signees speak to the media

Devin Leary discusses his decision to transfer to Kentucky HERE.

Ray Davis isn't following former Kentucky RB's footsteps. More HERE.

Want the latest on national football and basketball recruiting, including Cats targets? Head over to SI All-American for the latest news, blogs, and updates about the nation's best prospects.

Sports Illustrated also offers insight, information and up to the minute details for gamblers. Check it out here.