"High character" Hart finds his way to Kentucky

By: LARRY VAUGHT

Once Greg Hart decided to transfer from Nebraska, Kentucky recruiting coordinator Vince Marrow figured he might be interested in Kentucky.

Marrow had recruited the 6-5, 240-pound Hart when he played at Dayton (Ohio) Archbishop Alter High School and “established a good reputation” with his family.

“He had a family situation and wanted to get back closer to home,” Marrow said. “He is a big-time talent. He runs in the 4.7 (second) range (in the 40-yard dash). He is a big tight end who can get down the middle. He has redshirted and played a year (at Nebraska). He looks like a college tight end. He is a big, strong young man who is very athletic.”

Former UK quarterback Freddie Maggard calls Hart a “high character young man” who ranked among the nation’s top 30 tight ends in high school.

“He is a significant pickup for Kentucky. Not only can he catch passes over the middle and stretch linebackers, but he can play. He can play a lot of positions,” Maggard said. “He is a physical kid and excellent athlete. What Kentucky gets is a finished product. He will contribute immediately at a critical position of need.”

Hart bio: At Nebraska: Played in nine game in 2014, mostly on special teams … Redshirted his first year with the Huskers … Named to Tom Osborne Citizenship Team in 2014 and Nebraska Scholar-Athlete Honor Roll in the fall of 2013 and spring of 2014 … Coached by Bo Pelini … Active in the community, volunteered his time with Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Uplifting Athletes, Husker Heroes, Husker Hotline and several local hospitals, elementary school and community rec centers while at Nebraska.
High School: Was a standout two-way player at Archbishop Alter High School in Dayton … Behind his efforts, Archbishop Alter posted an 8-2-1 record in 2012 and reached the first round of the state playoffs … Ended his senior season with better than 30 receptions for approximately 300 yards and three touchdowns … All-around athlete who also played defensive end and had better than 60 tackles, including a league-leading 10 sacks and an interception … Earned conference defensive lineman of the year honors and was a Division III All-Ohio choice … Impressive junior season, helping the team to a 10-1 record … Alter ended regular season with a perfect record in 2011 before losing in the first round of the state playoffs … Coached by Ed Domsitz … Coming out of high school, he was regarded as one of the top 30 tight end prospects in the country and one of the top 40 overall prospects in the state of Ohio.

Coach Stoops says: “Greg has the size and toughness needed to play tight end. He also brings some good experience from his two seasons at Nebraska.”