😇 Kentucky Offers ‘Jesus in Cleats’—But There’s More to SirPaul Cheeks Than Just a Nickname
The Kentucky Wildcats have extended a scholarship offer to SirPaul Cheeks, a 5-foot-9, 190-pound running back from Varina High School in Virginia. Known by his self-proclaimed nickname “Jesus in Cleats,” Cheeks is a three-star prospect in the class of 2026. He announced the offer via social media, expressing gratitude to Kentucky assistant coach Jay Boulware.
Cheeks has been gaining attention for his versatile skill set. During his junior season at Lloyd C. Bird High School, he amassed nearly 1,500 all-purpose yards and 18 touchdowns, earning All-Metro honors from the Richmond Times-Dispatch. He has since transferred to Varina High School for his senior year.
In addition to his football prowess, Cheeks is a standout track athlete, recording a personal best of 10.63 seconds in the 100-meter dash. His athleticism extends to multiple positions on the field, including cornerback, wide receiver, and return specialist.
Cheeks holds offers from several Power Five programs, including Virginia Tech, West Virginia, Wake Forest, Pittsburgh, and Minnesota. He has scheduled official visits to West Virginia and Pittsburgh in the coming weeks.
Kentucky’s offer to Cheeks reflects the program’s commitment to identifying and recruiting versatile athletes who can contribute in multiple facets of the game. As the Wildcats continue to build their 2026 recruiting class, Cheeks’ unique combination of speed, agility, and football IQ makes him a compelling prospect to watch. 
