[LeeCoUKFan]

Elite Linebacker is open to Wildcats' pitch

Justin Rowland
CatsIllustrated.com Football Recruiting Analyst

Kentucky's coaches are starting to cast their net a little farther from Lexington when it comes to 2015 prospects and the Wildcats recently offered a top 2015 linebacker from Georgia.

Montavious Atkinson is turning a lot of heads down at Fairburn (Ga.) Langston Hughes, and the 6-foot-1, 205-pound junior already claims offers from Kentucky, Southern Cal, Missouri, UCLA, Virginia Tech, Mississippi State, Cincinnati and Georgia State.

Atkinson grew up a Georgia fan and Mark Richt's program is showing some interest but he's not sure how much they like him. He attended a junior day in Athens and it's safe to say he will probably return at some point.

Kentucky offered Atkinson not too long ago and now he's anxious to learn more.

"It was like two Fridays ago when Kentucky offered," Atkinson said. "I found out from my coach. I know a little something about them. I know it's SEC and really that's it."

Atkinson added that it's very likely he will take an unofficial visit to Kentucky at some point but he doesn't know when that trip is most likely to happen yet.

From Wesley Woodyard to Braxton Kelley, Kentucky has had success with linebackers from Georgia recently. And Atkinson will end up more highly touted as a high school prospect than any of them.

In the past the Wildcats would have had a difficult time catching Atkinson's attention, but with commitments from two of the Peach State's top 2014 prospects in Stanley Williams and Jared Tucker the Cats have shown they are more willing and able to go toe-to-toe with top programs for recruits.

Atkinson added that he has "no idea" how west coast schools like USC and UCLA found out about him so early. While he won't rule them out he does like the idea of staying in the SEC's geographical footprint.

"I'd prefer to stay closer to home," he said before adding a caveat. "But when it comes to me actually playing at one of the out west schools, I would do it. At the end of the day it's wherever I can play (early) at."

Playing time is likely to be a big part of Kentucky's sell since the Wildcats should have plenty of it.

Atkinson said he does not have plans to visit any schools in the near future.

http://kentucky.rivals.com/content.asp?C...&PT=4&PR=2