3-star recruit makes stunning selection over Alabama, Clemson and Ohio State

Top defensive back recruit chooses SEC, but breaks from the norm.

A coveted defensive back has to chosen to play in the SEC, but his landing spot is a bit of a surprise.

Three-star cornerback Yusuf Corker, out of Woodland High School in Stockbridge, Ga., announced Monday that he'll play his college ball at the University of Kentucky.

The 6-0, 183-pounder had whittled his choices down to Kentucky, Michigan State and Tennessee recently, but said the Wildcats felt like the best fit.

"The reason I chose Kentucky was because I feel most comfortable there," said Corker.  "I love talking to the coaches, I love hanging out with the players and they are like a family...I feel like I picked the school that suits me..."

According to 247Sports composite rankings, Corker is the 38th-ranked cornerback in the country, and the No. 34 overall prospect in the state of Georgia. He chose Kentucky over a host of other programs, including Alabama, Auburn Clemson, Georgia, Ohio State, Notre Dame and Ole Miss.

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Analysis from Scout.com sees Coker as an all-around, physical talent with tremendous potential:

Corker is a cornerback who has shown he can play on and off coverage. He is strong at the line of scrimmage, but he also plays off the ball with his eyes and he can make plays on the ball. Tracking the ball and making a play on the ball is a real strength of his. He is a physical cornerback who is very strong. He looks like he plays — tough. He is strong fundamentally, but he can still improve his footwork and he can become more explosive out of his breaks. Corker is very smart, he loves to be coached, and he is a very hard worker.