C.J. Conrad Commits to Kentucky: Wildcats Land Big 4-Star TE

Kentucky continues to clean up on the recruiting trail in Ohio. The Wildcats claimed a commitment from 4-star tight end C.J. Conrad Friday afternoon, giving head coach Mark Stoops four 2015 pledges from the neighboring state:

Conrad, a 6'5", 225-pound standout at Keystone High School (LaGrange), is the ninth member of a class that ranks among the nation's top 25 in 247Sports' composite team rankings. His commitment caps off a newsworthy week for the Wildcats, as Stoops received a contract extension through 2018 Tuesday.

The talented playmaker is an improving blocker who already shines downfield as a pass target. He led Keystone in receiving during each of the past two seasons.

Conrad caught 59 passes for 924 yards and 14 touchdowns as a sophomore, per MaxPreps. Those efforts helped him secure scholarship offers from Illinois, Indiana and Toledo before his junior campaign kicked off.

Despite playing in a run-heavy offensive attack, Conrad secured 47 receptions for 579 yards and six scores in 2013. By early spring, his offer list expanded to include Arkansas, Virginia Tech, Pittsburgh, Duke and Syracuse.

Conrad's decision came down to Kentucky and Indiana:

Keystone coach Rob Clarico applauded the dedication Conrad has displayed while developing into a premier college prospect, as per Cleveland.com's Bill Landis:

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The younger kids look up to him like he plays for the Browns. I can tell them about all the hard work he’s put in and that he never misses a workout. If their dreams are to be as big as C.J., they have to work as hard as C.J. did.

"

The Wildcats have made significant offensive strides in the past week. Ohio wide receiver Alex Stump committed to Kentucky over West Virginia and Georgia Tech Saturday.

Conrad is rated No. 9 nationally among tight ends in 247Sports' composite rankings. He is the second composite 4-star commit in Kentucky's class, joining in-state linebacker Eli Brown.

Recruit information and ratings courtesy of 247Sports unless otherwise noted.