Kentucky football continued to add to its loaded roster next season with the signing of defensive lineman Kendrick Gilbert.

Head coach Marks Stoops announced the addition of Gilbert on Wednesday and welcomed him to the Kentucky football family.

“Kendrick is a great addition to our program,” Stoops said in a press release. “He has the size and physicality we are looking for on the defensive line. He also has a great work ethic as he comes from a high school program that is known for winning. I really like his winning mentality.”

Originally committed to Purdue University, Gilbert switched his decision last minute to join Big Blue Nation at his Signing Day ceremony at Cathedral High School in Indianapolis.

The four-star prospect is ranked 219th nationally by Rivals and held 22 offers for the upcoming season including those from Notre Dame, Tennessee, Michigan, Penn State, Louisville and more.

As well as being ranked as the 15th-best defensive tackle, Gilbert racked up 86 tackles and 8 sacks in in high school career and was selected to compete in the Army All-American Bowl.

At 6’5 and 270 pounds, Gilbert was named to the Indiana Football Coaches Association 2022 Top-50 All-State team and helped lead his team this past season to the semifinals of the Class 6A state championships.

With the addition of Gilbert, the Wildcats now have 25 new faces that will be appearing in 2023 season.