Mark Stoops awards Cole Lanter scholarship heading into sophomore season
18 months after making the 37-mile trip from Boyle County High School to the University of Kentucky, sophomore wide receiver Cole Lanter in now on scholarship with the Wildcats.
Lanter starred in his role as a do-it-all playmaker with the Rebels and led his team two consecutive KHSAA 4A State Championships. After passing up multiple scholarship offers to remain close to home, he is now the ninth scholarship receiver on the Wildcats’ roster.
Stoops let Lanter know the news in front of the whole team after practice on Monday, and the cameras were rolling for his special moment.
“This guy came to us from Boyle County. Good ‘ole Kentucky boy right here. He’s been here a year and a half, busting his ass,” Stoops said. “He passed on scholarship opportunities. He came here, he bet on himself, he wanted to be a part of this program and we wanted to reward him with a scholarship.”
Stoops didn’t even get the entire speech out before OL Kenneth Horsey was celebrating in the back. The whole team showered him with congratulations in a massive dogpile. Stoops got out of the mess as quick as he could. Sometimes there’s more to life than just football.
In terms of playing time, Lanter didn’t see any action as a true freshman. He’s been a practice body since arriving on campus, but now has a real chance at finding himself on the field at some point in the season. Expect him to play a role on special teams as well.
His preps career is a completely different story. A four-year varsity letter winner and three-year starter as a slot receiver, Lanter helped lead Boyle County to an impressive 52-3 overall record during his four seasons. He racked up for 2,253 receiving yards and 35 receiving touchdowns during his career, and was also used in punt/kick returns and as a defensive back.
In the 2020 state championship game alone he compiled nearly 20 tackles. As a senior, he put together strong performances away from the offense. He scored on two punt return touchdowns and on defense, amassed 32 tackles and two interceptions.
Lanter isn’t expected to tackle an extended role for the Wildcats on offense this season, but his efforts have not gone unnoticed by his coaches and teammates. Based on their reaction following the announcement, he’s a key asset to the locker room and practice field.
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