WPIAL
Former Aliquippa DB MJ Devonshire Transferring From Kentucky
The NCAA Transfer portal has been active over the last month and today a local player entered his name into it.
Former Aliquippa star defensive back MJ Devonshire announced that he’s decided to transfer from Kentucky after two seasons. Devonshire was a redshirt freshman this season and will have 4 years of athletic eligibility remaining.
“I would like to thank Coach Stoops and the entire coaching staff at the University of Kentucky for giving me the opportunity to grow as a man. I will forever hold the memories and friendships made while I was there. To the brothers I made I know y’all will ball and make it to the top and I can’t wait to see you all there. Y’all my brothers for life! With that being said I will be entering the transfer portal.”
Pittsburgh Sports Now is told that despite being in the competition to start next season, Devonshire wasn’t happy with his development at Kentucky and with their defensive scheme in which they were using a lot less press coverage than he was told they’d play when he committed there.
Courtesy of MJ Devonshire
Before deciding on Kentucky, the former Rivals 4-star recruit also held offers from Pitt, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan State, Ohio State, Ole Miss, Oregon State, Syracuse and West Virginia.
Devonshire was a redshirt freshman this season and will have 4 years of athletic eligibility remaining.
What do you think Pitt’s interest will be, if any? The Kentucky decision seemed a bit odd to me at the time.
little to none…Narduzzi never really seems interests in kids who made a bad decision. He should have stayed home…probably would have seen the field this season.
Narduzzi should be at his front door right now knocking.
Somewhat confused. Does he want to play press coverage or not? Is he does not lke a press coverage scheme, I don’t think he would fit into Narduzzi’s defense which is maybe why he didn’t go to pitt in the first place.
“Devonshire wasn’t (WAS NOT) happy with his development at Kentucky and with their defensive scheme in which they (WERE USING) a (LOT LESS PRESS COVERAGE) than ( HE WAS TOLD THEY’D PLAY) when he committed there.
So he wanted to play PRESS, they told him they would, then they did not play press coverage. In other words they lied to him.
I agree totally with you Rob. It was confusing as to wether he wanted to play press coverage or not. If he wants to play press coverage then pitt would be ideal, if not, there’s no sense in even talking to pitt or pitt chasing him. Don’t understand the thumbs down, if you watch pitt football
I think the article is pretty clear in saying he was disappointed he was playing a lot less press coverage than he was told he would be. He would be perfect for this defense and would excel in it. His best opportunity to make it to the NFL is playing in Pitt’s defense. I think Narduzzi is smart enough now to not let his ego get in the way. If the young man made a mistake going to KY and wants to come home to play…
he was told he was going to play right away, press or no press coverage. That’s why he jumped at the chance.
Per Rivals, Pitt took 5 DB’s, but has scholarships available. Reopening the Aliquippa pipeline is more important than one too many recruits. Go for it. Would like a kind word from Mike Ditka, Sean Gilbert and Darrell Revis. All Aliquippa grads.
Personally I know nothing about the young man but if he can play and wants to come and understands nothing is promised other than an opportunity go for it.
I do however remember that Kentucky was a very late offer and people criticized Duzz for announcing the recruiting class was done before he announced…ultimately I doubt he ends up here.
Another reason these players need to really consider staying home! The list goes on, and on, and on. They’e told everything they want to hear, but in the end it’s a business and home town players are given a better chance to succeed at Pitt. If he’s willing to earn a spot and has enough speed to play man, I feel Narduzzi should consider him, but if he wasn’t starting at Kentucky, he’s probably not going to make it. H2P