By Staff Writer Tyler Riley
BirminghamIt felt appropriate that Garrett Witherington of Briarwood Christian was joined by his friends and family when he made his college commitment on a night when one of Shelby County’s greatest was commemorating the pinnacle of his high school football achievements.
At a ceremony held at Moe’s BBQ in downtown Birmingham on Sunday, June 29, Witherington made his decision to play for and attend the University of Kentucky Wildcats, led by head coach Mark Stoops.
“I’m just glad to be fully committed at last,” Witherington remarked. Talking to coaches reminded me that it’s home for me after I committed on Monday of this week.
After Hewitt-Trussville running back Delvecchio Alston, the three-star edge rusher for the Lions is now the Wildcats’ thirteenth commit in the 2026 recruiting class and the second from the state of Alabama.
Witherington, a 6-foot-5, 290-pound athlete, picked the Wildcats over Mississippi State, Georgia Tech, Stanford, and Penn State.
Along with quarterback Christopher Vizzina, Matthew Forester, the head coach of Briarwood Christian, has made two commitments to Power 4 programs during his time in charge of the program.
He conveyed his enthusiasm for Witherington and his contributions to the program.
Matthew Forester, head football coach at Briarwood, expressed his excitement for him and his family. Coach Stoops has done an incredible job building that program up there, and I think Kentucky is a great institution. Garrett’s decision to play in the SEC and become a well-respected defensive coach in the SEC was the result of their intense pursuit and desire for him. It’s quite unique to have that stability and travel to a state like Kentucky. He and our team have me giddy with anticipation. It demonstrates the power of dedication and hard effort.
According to 247Sports, Briarwood’s defensive lineman leader up front is regarded as the No. 115 defensive lineman in the country and the 37th best prospect in the state of Alabama for the 2026 class.
Witherington was an Honorable Mention for the Class 5A All-State team in 2024 and has been a two-time member of the All-County Second Team throughout his stay at Briarwood Christian.
In addition to four sacks and 19 quarterback pressures, the power up front recorded a total of 55 tackles in his junior season, including 30 solo stops and 13 tackles for loss. He was more versatile and enticing since he also played on the offensive side as a blocking tight end in heavy packages.
Witherington talked about how the coaches at Kentucky gave him the impression that he would fit right in in Lexington and that their relationship was attractive to recruiters.
According to Witherington, “Coach Stoops, Coach (Brad) White, and Coach (Anwar) Stewart were all very friendly and wonderful, not only to me, but their relationships with one another really stood out to me and really made it feel like home.”
Witherington talked on how delighted he has been to have Forester as someone he could rely on when he was unsure of something or when he wanted to learn something new, even though the recruiting route is just one of several paths.
Witherington remarked, “Coach Forester has done everything for me.” He has taken me under his wing from my freshman year, and I have always asked him any questions I have had along the line, and it has been fantastic. Without him, I wouldn’t be where I am now.
Now that his recruiting is closed, Witherington is concentrating entirely on the preparations in order to make an impression on the field and prepare for the SEC competition before his final season at Lions Pride Stadium.
Witherington remarked, “I’m glad I’m at last fully focused on my school year.” I have nothing else that will divert my attention from watching movies or preparing for anything. I’m glad to be completely prepared.
