Courtesy: East Mississippi CC
East Mississippi Community College cornerback A.J. Stamps (6 feet, 190) signed with the University of Kentucky on Wednesday, choosing the Wildcats over Ohio State. An NJCAA honorable-mention All-American, Stamps discussed his decision with The Courier-Journal.
Why was Kentucky the choice for you?
The relationship I had built with the coaches and all that, I just felt it was the best fit for me and my family. I feel confident. I feel I’ll be a big asset to the team.
What did they tell you about the chance to play early and the kind of needs they had at cornerback.
They told me they needed some cornerbacks, some DBs. They told me I’d be able to come in and compete for a starting position right away.
Kentucky didn’t have a good year this year. What encourages you that they’re building a good foundation or are headed in the right direction?
I can tell from the way the coaches talk and from the history of their staff and how they’ve built rebuilding team, and the recruiting class they’re bringing in this year is quite athletic.
What do you think about (four-star UK juco signee) DT Cory Johnson, who you visited UK with?
Cory is a good guy. On the field and off the field, he seems like he’s a great guy. I watched his film, and I feel like he’ll be a standout on the defensive line this year.
What was UK’s reaction to your decision?
They were very excited. I talked to all the coaches. They were very excited. They said they can’t wait to get me down there.
What other schools did you consider?
Just Ohio State. I visited them earlier.
You were originally a wide receiver and switched to cornerback. Why do you think you are good at that spot?
I actually played defense in high school, too, and I believe I’m a defensive player and am defensive-minded. The feel for the game, it seems to come easy to me on defense.
Your team won the national championship this year. Do you think that will help Kentucky that you’ve come from a winning program?
I think that will help them out. The recruiting class they are bringing in, I see most of them are winners and come from winning high schools. They are bringing in other junior-college players who have had winning seasons, too. We’re all bringing that winning mentality, and I hope it transfers to the guys who are already there.
