Kentucky Adds D-II Transfer DB Kevin Larkins Jr

Larkins led D-II in interceptions-per-game as a freshman in 2022.

Ah yes, the Livingstone College—University of Kentucky pipeline. 

Remember last season when Kentucky added former Livingstone cornerback Jordan Robinson via the transfer portal a season ago? Well, coach Mark Stoops isn't done exploring the options that the Division-II private school in Salisbury, N.C. has to offer. 

On Tuesday afternoon, Nick Roush of Kentucky Sports Radio revealed that UK has added defensive back Kevin Larkins Jr from the Blue Bears, bringing the Fort Lauderdale, Fla. native to Lexington, joining Robinson. 

PostGradRecruits was originally the first to report on Twitter:

PGR Bowl Alumni and Former @AdvancePrepPG Db @KevinLarkinsJr1 Inks scholarship @UKFootball after stand-out freshman season with @LivingstoneFoo1 ! PG isn't a option. IT'S A 1% mentality! pic.twitter.com/BnTakDfJve

— PostGradRecruits INC. (@PostGradRecruit) May 16, 2023

It's easy to see the appeal for Stoops and defensive backs coach Chris Collins, as Larkins led DII in interceptions-per-game as a freshman in 2022, picking off eight passes in nine games. 

The 6-foot-2, 168-pounder earned multiple accolades for his 40-tackle, eight-INT season that also featured a forced fumble and four pass breakups. He made the Defensive All-Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association Rookie Team, First-Team All-CIAA and was also named the Defensive Rookie of the Year. 

He is now the third DB to join Kentucky via the portal, joining JQ Hardaway (Cincinnati) and Jantzen Dunn (Ohio State), both of whom came during the original portal window following the conclusion of the 2022 season. His frame and excelled skills at the D-II level makes for an intriguing addition to the UK secondary.

Kentucky has added 14 players from the portal, including NC State running back Demie Sumo-Karngbaye, who announced his commitment to the Cats moments after the reports of Larkins also heading to the Bluegrass. 

Stoops and Co. continue a positive offseason as the 2023 campaign inches closer. 

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.

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