Maryland state champion quarterback William Drakeford Jr. is taking his game to the SEC.
Drakeford announced Monday on social media that he has committed to Kentucky, choosing the Wildcats after leading Quince Orchard High School to a Maryland Class 4A football state title last season. He made the news public on X with a short message: "Grateful for the opportunity! #ToGodBeTheGlory"
The senior’s final high school season was a big one. Drakeford helped Quince Orchard finish 14-0, throwing for 1,795 yards and 27 touchdowns while adding 700 rushing yards and 10 more scores on the ground. His production earned him Maryland Class 4A first team all-state honors, Maryland Class 4A first team all-county recognition and All-Met honorable mention.
Kentucky is bringing him in under first-year head coach Will Stein, and Drakeford said the fit felt right.
"It's a great place with great coaches," Drakeford told High School On SI in a text message. "Very experienced group of leaders."
Drakeford is joining the Wildcats as a preferred walk-on. He started his high school career at Westlake High School in Waldorf, Maryland, before making the move to Quince Orchard, where his stock rose sharply.
Recruiting analyst Devon PoV Mason called it "Great move for him," and added, "and it's obvious he wants to be challenged since he chose the preferred walk-on route with Kentucky over offers from Stony Brook, Towson, and Merrimack, among other small colleges."
Drakeford’s father, William Drakeford Sr., also shared the moment online and pointed to the academic path his son can now take.
"To God be the glory! Words can't express how proud I am of Big Will," William Drakeford Sr. wrote in a Facebook post.
"What I love most is he can earn a bachelor's and master's degree in accounting and a minor in business analytics in 5 years due to the new NCAA 5-year rule. Keep grinding, son."
A year ago, Drakeford was still off the radar for most Division I programs. After his senior year at Quince Orchard, that changed fast.
"Going to QO really put him on the map," said Mason. "I think that was a good move for him."
Meanwhile, Quince Orchard is expected to be in the hunt for another Maryland Class 4A state championship. The Cougars will have key pieces back, including Rico Jackson, an Indiana commit; Jaheim Bond, a Pittsburgh commit; and Ryan Drakeford, William Drakeford Jr.'s brother and a highly regarded Division I prospect.
Class of 2028 DB/WR Ryan Drakeford already has an offer list that stretches across the Big Ten, SEC and ACC.
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