How Josh Kattus developed into a SEC tight end with the help of his father
CINCINNATI (BVM) — On Feb. 12, millions of people were rooting for the underdog Cincinnati Bengals to upset the Los Angeles Rams in Super Bowl LVI. Josh Kattus and his family were a part of this group, however, they had different reasoning than most.
Kattus’ father, Eric, was a fourth round pick of the Bengals in the 1986 NFL draft and would play six of his seven seasons in the league wearing the orange and black.
Following his playing career, Eric would decide to move back to the Queen City and raise his family there. Years later, the Kattus name has emerged once again onto the football scene, as Josh has developed into quite the player himself at Archbishop Moeller High School.
Standing at 6-foot-4 and 235 pounds, Josh is ranked as the 26th-best player in the state of Ohio and a top-40 tight end recruit in the country for the Class of 2022 according to Rivals.
Playing the same position as his father, Josh had the opportunity to have his own personal tight end coach. Not only was Eric able to help Josh’s on-the-field ability, but he was also able to show him the dedication needed to achieve his goals.
“I would not be where I am today without him,” Josh said. “He knows what it takes to get to that level. He’s been through all of the stuff I’m going through right now as a student-athlete. He doesn’t only push me in football, he pushes me in school, the way I carry myself, and the way I treat others.”
With Eric going through the recruiting process once, which landed him at the University of Michigan, he was able to help his son navigate it and ultimately find the right school for him.
On April 20, 2021, Josh made the decision to commit to the University of Kentucky. He had a total of 23 offers, including one from his dad’s alma mater. But the Wildcats wound up winning the race for the young pass catcher.
100% committed to The University of Kentucky!!! Thanks to everyone that made this journey possible! #bbn pic.twitter.com/hRKjrlNiL8
— Josh Kattus (@JKattus) April 20, 2021
“It really just checked off all my boxes,” Josh said.
It also checked off all of his father’s boxes.
During a phone call with Kentucky tight ends coach, Vince Marrow, Eric gave his son a thumbs up and his seal of approval.
“He felt like it would be the right place for me too,” Josh said. “But he obviously wanted it to be my decision.”
When Josh arrives in Lexington, he will not be the only Archbishop Moeller alum in the tight end group. Rising senior Brendan Bates also suited up for the Fighting Crusaders.
When Josh received his scholarship offer from Kentucky, Bates immediately reached out.
“I went down there and he showed me around the campus,” Josh said. “He’s a really good guy and I appreciate all he’s done for me. I know he will always look out for me there. I’m excited to learn from him next year.”
Josh has big aspirations of winning a national championship at Kentucky and eventually having an NFL career like his father, but for now, he is just taking it day by day.
“I obviously have these future goals that I am working towards, but I’m taking it one step at a time,” Josh said. “I’m just gonna get as ready as I can to accomplish these goals.”
