Kentucky Flips 4-Star 2023 Defensive Lineman Kendrick Gilbert From Purdue

The Wildcats earn a huge flip on National Signing Day, nabbing the 4-star DL from Purdue

It took until the original National Signing Day date, but Kentucky football has pulled off a monumental flip for the 2023 class. 

Kendrick Gilbert — a 4-star defensive lineman out of Indianapolis Cathedral High School in Indiana — has flipped his commitment from Purdue, opting to head to Lexington to join UK. 

Gilbert was in town over the weekend visiting Kentucky, finishing his final flurry of visits, even coming to the Bluegrass after visiting Purdue again. Ultimately, UK did enough to earn the pledge:

Cathedral defensive lineman Kendrick Gilbert committed to Kentucky this morning. Gilbert, a 4-star prospect on the 247sports composite, was committed to Purdue prior to coaching change.

— Kyle Neddenriep (@KyleNeddenriep) February 1, 2023

The 6-foot-5, 270-pounder originally committed to Purdue on Aug. 28, choosing then-head coach Jeff Brohm and the Boilermakers over Kentucky, Iowa and LSU.

The race seemed to come down to Purdue and the Cats, but Gilbert opted to remain in-state. Things since changed in West Lafayette, however.

Brohm left Purdue to return home to coach his alma mater, Louisville. Seven players have since decommitted from the Boilermakers, leaving their 2023 class in ruins.

Gilbert, the No. 322 player in the class and No. 3 player in Indiana, was not one of those seven, and was the highest-ranked player in new head coach Ryan Walters' sparse class that barely ranks top-70 in the nation.

Purdue officially signed 11 players during the signing period, but Gilbert was not one of them, meaning things had to wait until NSD, where assistant coach Josh Estes-Waugh — Gilbert's primary recruiter at UK — and the rest of the staff locked down a huge win for the 2023 class. 

Here's how 247Sports' National Recruiting Analyst Allen Trieu scouted the newest Wildcat in August 2022, projecting him as a future Power 5 starter:

Has the size and body type to project to more than one defensive line position. Traditional 4-3 strongside end is a possibility, but 3-4 defensive end could also be in his future. Active and plays with good motor. Has plus athleticism and ability to run down plays but he can still get faster and more explosive. Solid get-off and ability to penetrate. Shows he can play on the edge currently, but may outgrow that. Depending on what the role he will play in college is, he may need to continue to add weight and get stronger. We think an inside-outside combo like what he does in high school is very likely. Versatile, with good size and technique, he should be a dependable Power Five starter.

Gilbert joins 3-stars Tavion Gadson and Danville, Ky. native Tommy Zeismer as defensive line additions from the high school ranks, also joining North Carolina transfer Keeshawn Silver. 

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

Former Wildcat Kiyaunta Goodwin has found a new home in the SEC. More HERE.

Devin Leary discusses his decision to transfer to Kentucky HERE.

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

Kentucky's transfer portal tracker can be found 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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