Kentucky Misses on Pair of 2024 3-Stars RB Sam Williams-Dixon and TE Gavin Grover

The Wildcats and recruiting coordinator Vince Marrow went 0-for-2 over the weekend.

The recruiting trail is starting to pick up some more steam in regards to the next crop of talent in the class of 2024. 

Kentucky football has been on the prowl, sending offers and hosting players, but all it currently has to show for its efforts are a pair of 3-star in-state offensive line commits. As it hopes to slowly pull in more and more commitments, other targets are moving off the board. 

Last week, a pair of 3-stars from Ohio both announced their decisions, choosing in-state schools over Kentucky.

First came Sam Williams-Dixon, a running back out of Pickerington North High School in Millersburg, Ohio, near Columbus. While UK made the final five for the No. 655 player in the class (On3 Consensus), he opted to stay closer to home and commit to Ohio State, announcing his decision on Saturday:

Williams-Dixon took two visits to UK, most recently on Jan. 28, 2023. Vince Marrow led the recruiting efforts, and while the Wildcats were thought near the top of the race for the athlete, it was a long shot to pull him away from OSU, which he visited four times.

One day later, tight end Gavin Grover announced his commitment to Cincinnati:

Thank you to all of the Coaches who recruited me thus far. But I’m Home 🏡 @GoBearcatsFB x @OHSBravesFB pic.twitter.com/DmUu3zShWq

— Gavin Grover (@GavinGrover87) April 16, 2023

A 3-star out of Olentangy High School in Lewis Center, Ohio, the 6-foot-6, 226-pounder announced his top three schools on Tuesday — Kentucky, Cincinnati and West Virginia. 

The Wildcats appeared to be the frontrunners, but former Louisville head coach Scott Satterfield — the new HC for the Bearcats — landed the No. 682 player, No. 32 TE and No. 26 player in Ohio. Cincy hosted Grover on four unofficials while UK had him down to Lexington for three. Marrow again led the recruitment.

Kentucky has always done well in the state of Ohio, but it went 0-for-2 over the weekend. 

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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