Stein called him a “really accurate passer and winner” who put up big numbers against good high school competition.
“Cincinnati Moeller is a fantastic school. He is a two-sport athlete. He was Mr. Football and Mr. Baseball. I mean, that’s pretty incredible,” Stein said. “A Gatorade Player (of the Year) in both. I think he is one of like three guys ever to do that.
“I recruited Matt at Oregon. He was somebody that we were super high on, really wanted, ended up taking another kid just because of the timing of it out at Oregon. But had the relationship with him and his dad and mom, great people. He is extremely accurate, throws the ball on time.”
The 6-foot-2, 190-pound Ponatoski joined Pro Football Hall of Famer Randy Moss and National Baseball Hall of Famer Joe Mauer as the only players to be named Gatorade Player of the Year in their state in two sports in the same year.
He had a bevy of football scholarship offers but also drew almost as much interest for his baseball prowess where he could be a high pick in the upcoming Major League Baseball draft.
Ponatoski plans to also play baseball at Kentucky for coach Nick Mingione.
Stein is not worried about Ponatoski maybe opting out of football if he is a high draft pick.
“Everything that he said to me is that he wants to be a big-time college football player. So is it (the draft) concerning? No. I mean, I’m just really grateful to be able to have the chance to coach Matt,” Stein said.
“I think his best years are to come in football. He is obviously an outstanding baseball player and I would love to get him on the diamond here at Kentucky too and let’s do this thing together.”
Notre Dame transfer Kenny Minchey is expected to be UK’s starting quarterback next season but Stein likes other quarterbacks on the roster.
“I like (redshirt freshman) Brennen Ward a lot. I’m excited about Brennen. I’ve gotten to know him more and more just watching his tape from practice here last year and watching his high school tape. Son of a coach. I mean, he can really throw the rock. He has got great intangibles too. I think he is a natural leader, a great communicator. So excited about him,” Stein said.
“We added JacQai (Long) from Marshall, who has played and started games. Carson Cruver from FAU. I think the room is competitive, which is fun. Guys that might not have a ton of experience, but I think the upside of the ceiling on these kids is really high.”
