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Kentucky is adding talent to its secondary for 2023.
The Wildcats have officially landed the commitment of former Cincinnati defensive back JQ Hardaway via the transfer portal. Hardaway had officially visited Lexington over the weekend after electing to leave the AAC program last month.
Hardway played seldom this past season under former head coach Luke Fickell. He recorded 93 defensive snaps and totaled 5 tackles, 1 sack and 10 pass breakups. He will have 3 years of eligibility remaining for Kentucky.
Kentucky is getting Cincinnati DB transfer JQ Hardaway. He had 10 pass breakups as a true freshman this season, good get for the Kentucky defense. #Kentucky #BBN https://t.co/EA1G5GmnvI
— Tom VanHaaren (@TomVH) December 15, 2022
The Wildcats finished 7-5 in 2022 due to their inconsistent offensive production. Under defensive coordinator Brad White, Kentucky produced 1 of the nation’s top pass defenses, ranking 7th nationally while holding opponents to 173.4 yards per game and allowing 9 touchdowns in coverage.
Kentucky’s pass defense was 2nd among SEC programs, trailing only Texas A&M.
Hardaway now becomes the 3rd transfer added for next season in Lexington, joining former Alabama offensive lineman Tanner Bowles and Northern Illinois defensive lineman Marques Cox.
Kentucky is set to face Iowa in the Music City Bowl at Nissan Stadium on Dec. 31 and noon E.T.
Cole Thompson is a freelance writer for Saturday Football who has covered college football and the NFL for multiple websites. Thompson is currently based in Houston, Texas, and also can be heard daily on SportsMap National Radio's 'Just Sayin It' from 3am-6am.
