Riverside 4-star WR/TE Mikkel Skinner announces commitment to Kentucky

In front of a packed auditorium of friends and family on Wednesday night, Riverside WR/TE Mikkel Skinner announced his commitment to play football at the University of Kentucky.

Riverside 4-star wide receiver/tight end Mikkel Skinner announced his committment to Kentucky on Wednesday night.

In front of a packed auditorium full of family and friends, Skinner chose the Wildcats over Georgia, Ohio State, and South Carolina. Skinner racked up 20 Division 1 offers during an illustrious career with Riverside, and had previously committed to Cincinnati before reopening his recruitment last month.

Skinner spoke about what went into his decision to commit to Kentucky.

“[The coaching staff] made it clear that I’ll be able to come in and play early,” said Skinner. “I want to put the work and make a big impact there right away.”

Throughout his four-year career at Riverside, Skinner has racked up over 3,000 all-purpose yards while playing running back, wide receiver and shades of the tight end role in the Warriors’ offense. He hopes to be able to be used as an offensive weapon in any and all facets while playing at Kentucky.

“He’s explosive and can play any position,” said Riverside football head coach Matt Rochester. “It just depends on how you train him. He’s a guy that can do anything for you on the field. His ceiling is very high, and if he continues to grow, the sky is the limit.”

“I’m a hybrid, new type of tight end,” said Skinner. “You can spread me around and play me anywhere. I’ll be ready to line up wherever they need me.”

Rochester said Kentucky is getting as good of a leader in Skinner as he is a player.

“He does all the little things right for us,” says Rochester. “He holds people accountable. He’s taken this role on of a leader. He strives to make his teammates be on the same level as him. That’s something that he’ll take with him to the college level.”

Skinner’s 6-foot-3, 220+ pound frame makes him a formidable figure in any contested-catch situation. His 4.51 40 speed is among the quickest of all South Carolina high school players at his size. Skinner is a multi-sport athlete at Riverside, as well, being named as an all-region power forward for Riverside basketball each of the last two years.

Skinner was all smiles after making his announcement on Wednesday night. One of the biggest names in South Carolina high school football, he’d officially found his home.

“I love the whole coaching staff and atmosphere up there at Kentucky. I can’t wait to get started.”