Head coach Mark Stoops made an exciting announcement on Friday, revealing the addition of seven new players to the team from the transfer portal. These players include offensive lineman Ben Christman, offensive lineman Courtland Ford, defensive back Kevin Larkins Jr., offensive lineman Dylan Ray, inside linebacker Daveren Rayner, kicker Alex Raynor, and running back Demie Sumo-Karngbaye.
The new recruits will join the team later this month and participate in summer workouts. This brings the total number of transfers added to the roster in January and now to 14, strengthening the team’s overall composition.
“We are thrilled to welcome these new additions to the team,” said head coach Mark Stoops. “The three offensive linemen will greatly enhance our Big Blue Wall, while the addition of a kicker provides depth to our special teams. Furthermore, the talented inside linebacker, defensive back, and running back bring valuable skills to their respective positions.”
Ben Christman, a 6’6″, 315-pound offensive lineman from Ohio State, has transferred to Kentucky with three seasons of eligibility remaining. Christman, a four-star prospect in high school, showcased his talent at Revere High School, earning numerous accolades and distinctions in the process.
Courtland Ford, a 6’6″, 305-pound offensive lineman from Southern California, joins Kentucky with two seasons of eligibility remaining. He played in 20 games during his time at USC, making significant contributions to the team’s success. Ford’s impressive performance in high school earned him recognition and honors, including being named to the Associated Press 6A Second Team and All-District 7-6A First Team.
Kevin Larkins Jr., a 6’2″, 170-pound defensive back, transferred to Kentucky after a successful season at Livingstone College. Larkins, who will have three seasons of eligibility remaining, showcased his skills by leading Division II in interceptions and earning various awards such as BOXTOROW HBCU College Football All-American and CIAA Defensive Rookie of the Year.
Dylan Ray, a 6’5″, 293-pound offensive lineman, transferred to Kentucky from West Virginia. With three seasons of eligibility remaining, Ray brings his experience and talent to the team. During his time at West Virginia, he demonstrated his dedication both on and off the field, earning recognition on the Big 12 Commissioner’s Honor Roll and the Garrett Ford Academic Honor Roll.
Daveren Rayner, a 6’3″, 205-pound inside linebacker, joins Kentucky after playing three seasons at Northern Illinois. With two seasons of eligibility remaining, Rayner brings his valuable experience and skills to the team. He showcased his abilities at Northern Illinois, earning starts and contributing significantly to the team’s defense.
Alex Raynor, a 5’11”, 190-pound kicker, transferred to Kentucky from Georgia Southern. With two seasons of eligibility remaining, Raynor adds depth to the team’s special teams unit. He demonstrated his accuracy and reliability as a kicker, finishing as the leading scorer in the Sun Belt Conference in 2022.
Demie Sumo-Karngbaye, a 6’0″, 210-pound running back, transferred to Kentucky after two seasons at NC State. With two seasons of eligibility remaining, Sumo-Karngbaye looks to make an impact in the team’s offense. Despite playing only eight games due to injury, he showcased his versatility and playmaking abilities as the team’s second-leading rusher in 2022.
The addition of these seven talented players from the transfer portal further strengthens Kentucky’s football roster, providing depth and skill to various positions on the field. The team looks forward to the contributions these players will make in the upcoming season.
