Top-200 Safety Andre Clarke on Kentucky Offer: ‘They Put DBs in the League’
Four-star safety Andre Clarke is the latest defensive prospect to hit Kentucky’s radar. The 2026 defensive back made a good impression on UK’s coaching staff this week.
The 6-foot, 165-pound safety from Hermitage (Richmond, VA) told KSR+ that he was offered by Kentucky in person on Tuesday. Both Kentucky’s defensive coordinator Brad White and defensive backs coach Chris Collins came to his school.
“I was really excited,” Clarke said. “Kentucky is in the SEC, so I was really happy with that one.”
Clarke is especially impressed with Kentucky’s NFL pedigree. That was even more cemented with the recent NFL Draft.
“I just know they put DBs in the league,” he said. “They were telling me that they had a third-rounder this year, Andru Phillips, in the draft.”
As far as his own game, Clarke sees himself as someone who can play safety and nickel. His next step is to visit campus, which is expected this summer. What is Clarke looking for on a visit?
“Good coaches,” he said.
His Wider Recruitment
Andre Clarke is enjoying the recruiting process. He’s already picked up offers from the likes of Virginia, Syracuse, Miami, NC State, Florida State, SMU, and Appalachian State, among others.
“It’s been pretty good so far,” he said. “I’m hearing from a little bit of everybody.
Clarke has recently taken visits to Miami, Syracuse, NC State, and Virginia. He has no upcoming visits planned.
“The main thing I’m looking for is being coached up by good coaches,” he said.
Andre Clarke’s Game
Four-star safety Andre Clarke of Richmond (VA) Hermitage is the nation’s No. 138 overall prospect, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. On3 ranks Clarke as the No. 294 player overall, the No. 24 safety, and the No. 12 best player in Virginia.
“My greatest strength is the way I track the ball,” Clarke said. “If it’s in the air in my vicinity, I’m going to go get it. I’m a ball hawk.”
Clarke plays both receiver and safety at the high school level. While he’s being recruited to play safety at the college level, he’s actively working to improve both sides of his game.
“At receiver, [I’m working to improve my] yards after the catch. I can take a hitch to the crib, slants, and all of that,” he said. “At DB, just taking over the whole field and going to get picks.”
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