Mark Stoops, Kentucky announce addition of Texas State transfer Zion Childress

Kentucky head coach Mark Stoops spoke about his team’s big addition at defensive back from the transfer portal, Texas State transfer safety Zion Childress. Childress transferring to the Wildcats was made official with a statement from Stoops, where the Kentucky coach praised his versatility on the football field and his starting-level ability as a freshman in the Sun Belt Conference.

Mark Stoops on defensive back Zion Childress

“We are excited to have Zion be a part of our program,” said Stoops. “He played two years at Texas State and he was a proven defensive starter in the Sun Belt Conference. He has the chance to come in and really contribute to our team because he’s so versatile. He can play multiple spots on our defense and with his background of being a former quarterback, he really understands the game. He’s young, athletic and talented, and we can’t wait to help develop him here.”

Childress played in 24 games for the Bobcats and made 14 starts — recording 74 tackles, one interception and two forced fumbles last season. He was a three-star recruiting prospect in the 2020 recruiting class according to the On3 Consensus Rankings, a complete and equally weighted industry-generated average.

As Stoops referenced, Childress played quarterback in high school at New Chaney High School in Houston. He was named two-time District 9-5A-I Most Valuable Player, rushing for nearly 3,000 yards and throwing 21 touchdown passes his senior season. His versatility as an athlete combined with his ability to see things from a quarterback’s perspective is something that Kentucky and Stoops are hoping will translate onto the field for the Wildcats this season.

Kentucky finished last season with their second ten-win season in the last five years, with a 10-3 record overall. The Wildcats ended the season ranked 18th in the final AP poll of the year, and earned an appearance in the Citrus Bowl. Kentucky defeated Iowa in their bowl game with a 20-17 finish, securing one of their best finishes with Mark Stoops at coach.