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Kentucky hosted top 500 tackle Darrin Strey on an official visit over the weekend. It was enough to seal the deal on a commitment.
The 6-foot-6, 295-pound offensive tackle from Paw Paw (MI) told KSR+ that he’ll be done with high school by the start of December. He plans to enroll at Kentucky in January.
“If they make a bowl game, I’m pretty sure I can practice with them,” he said. “I’m fine with redshirting. I believe there’s a chance I could play, but I’m not going to rush the process either. I want to be an All-American, All-SEC, All-Everything. I’m trying to be a drafted tackle. Those are my goals. This staff is the best staff to help me achieve those.”
Strey said he prioritized Kentucky as his first summer official visit. This was his third time on campus.
“It felt the exact same both times I was there previously: welcoming,” he said. “I fit in with the players really well. I love the coaches’ philosophies and how they are, not just as coaches, but as people. Everything lined up and I had this opportunity in front of me.”
Kentucky’s Growing Offensive Line Class
Kentucky has the nation’s No. 23-ranked recruiting class in 2025 with a total of seven commitments. Two of those commits are on the offensive line, Darrin Strey and interior offensive lineman Tucker Kattus.
When Kattus committed in March, he told KSR+ that Strey was someone he was prioritizing. It’s clear Kattus’ impact was felt.
“I got to know Tucker’s story and both of his brothers are there,” Strey said. “We’re really alike. Just getting to know him even more, he’s a great guy. We became friends.”
Kattus did his job, now it’s time for Strey to do some recruiting of his own. That starts with three-star interior offensive lineman Spike Sowells, who was also on an official visit to Kentucky over the weekend.
“That’s the guy I’m recruiting right now,” Strey said. “We’ve got a great class going, why not keep it up? Stay close to home and join us. Everything that you want is here.”
Choosing to Visit at the Right Time
Darrin Strey chose to visit Kentucky for an official visit during one of the program’s biggest recruiting weekends of the year. It just confirmed what he had learned from his other visits.
“Everything felt the exact same as last time,” Strey said. “It’s just really felt like home. Everything went right for me. It all went right.”
It also gave Strey the opportunity to meet some of his future teammates, including some of the defensive commits. However, it was 2025 quarterback commit Stone Saunders who made perhaps the biggest impression.
“He’s an awesome guy,” Strey said of Saunders. “He was already appreciating his linemen before we had even taken a snap together. I got to know him pretty well.”
This wasn’t the first time Strey chose a good time to visit. He also attended Kentucky’s Junior Day on Feb. 2 where he attended the Kentucky vs. Tennessee basketball game.
“One of my favorite moments [of the recruiting process] was definitely the first time I was there, being at Rupp Arena,” Strey said. “It was just a preview of what Kentucky fans are like and the culture and atmosphere there.”
Being a Part of Eric Wolford’s Offensive Line Scheme
After Eric Wolford was hired as Kentucky’s offensive line coach in January, it didn’t take long for Darrin Strey to become a priority. Wolford was a crucial part of landing a commitment from the three-star tackle.
“Coach Wolf told me there’s no better offense than a pro-style offense,” Strey said. “Being a predominant run blocker, he said I also have the speed to play both tackles. That staff believes in me and thinks I have the chance to be great one day with the right coaches and right program where I can get in and have a chance to play.”
Before he enrolls in January, Strey will need to get ready for SEC play. That means getting stronger and faster.
“The SEC is a fast and strong league and I’m trying to turn myself into an SEC player,” he said.
Strey is the nation’s No. 484 overall prospect, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. On3 ranks Strey as the No. 38 offensive tackle and the No. 4 overall best player in Michigan.
“My greatest strength on the field is my mental aspect and how I know play-by-play, step-by-step is how you win games,” He said. “That’s how you create a culture. I just drive to want to destroy the guy in front of me, take him back 15 yards, and pancake him.”
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