CARLISLE, Pa. (WHTM) — Bishop McDevitt quarterback Stone Saunders committed to play football at Kentucky on Friday live on abc27. The junior quarterback chose Kentucky over his other top five schools: Georgia, Miami, Michigan and Nebraska. 

Largely considered one of the top quarterback prospects in the Class of 2025, Saunders’ two seasons of high school football have been recognized nationally.

“Kentucky is definitely one of the great schools,” said Saunders. “Playing in the SEC, great coach there, love (OC/QB coach Liam Coen) and (head coach Mark Stoops) what they’re doing, great family atmosphere. Just love it, couldn’t be happier with my decision.”

Saunders says he believes he was Kentucky’s number one player, which made him drawn towards committing to play for the Wildcats.

“I went there a couple of times, had my family there and everybody loved it, I loved it, love coach Coen’s system, and the chance to play early,” said Saunders.

Listen to Stone’s first post-commitment interview

He was named the 2022-23 Pennsylvania Gatorade Player of the Year, a MaxPreps All-American and Pennsylvania Player of the Year, and earned the Class 4A – 6A Mr. PA Football award.

This all came after Saunders and Bishop McDevitt won the 2022 PIAA Class 4A State Championship 41-18 over Aliquippa.

Last season

The QB, along with head coach Jeff Weachter, led the Crusaders to a 13-1 record and the PIAA Class 4A State Championship over Aliquippa. Saunders threw for 3,583 yards and 54 touchdowns. His five touchdown passes against Aliquippa set a state championship record.

After just his sophomore season, Saunders has compiled 100 touchdown passes in his career.

He joins an elite list of recent Pennsylvania winners, including standout Penn State running back Nick Singleton (2021-22 winner from Governor Mifflin).

The junior will look to lead McDevitt back to the playoffs and hopes to repeat as PIAA State Champions.