Aaron's UK Football Blog

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

Tee Martin Interview

Tee Martin officially announced

Tee Martin was officially announced as the new wide receiver coach at Kentucky today. Martin will be available to the local media before tonight's basketball game. Check back for quotes and comments. Martin was recently on a talk show and had good things to say about both Joker and Randy Sanders. It also sounds like Martin will recruit Georgia for UK. Again, I feel the addition of Tee Martin to UK's staff is huge (bigger than most realize).

**update** click here to read Larry Vaughts article on Tee Martin.

Recruiting feel good story...

As Jody Demling points out in his article, Nermin Delic and his family have a great story that's about more than football. Delic and his family left Bosnia when he was little and came to the United States. Based on all reports, Delic is a beast on the football field and will be fun to watch at UK. However, I encourage everyone to read Demling's article to learn more about Nermin and his family's journey.

2011 UK Quarterback Targets

Shamir Jeffery is from Calhoun County, SC and one of the top rated athletes in the southeast. Jeffery has received a three-star ranking from Scout. He is listed at 6'2" and 180 lbs. His brother plays for South Carolina (Alshon Jeffery) so many expect the Gamecocks to be the leader for his services. However, UK has offered Jeffery an opportunity to play quarterback which he has stated he wants to do at the next level.

Braxton Miller is from Huber Heights, OH and one of the top rated Quarterbacks in the country. Scout currently ranks Miller No 1 and has given him a five-star ranking. Miller is listed at 6'3" and 200 lbs. He runs a 4.4 forty. Miller is being recruited by Ohio State, Notre Dame, Florida, Michigan and all the big boys. He did take a visit to UK last year and with the changes in the staff don't count out the Cats.

C.J. Uzomah is from Suwannee, GA (North Gwinnett High School) and one of the top rated athletes in the southeast. He is listed at 6'5" and 205lbs. Uzomah has offers from all the big boys in the south, including UK, Clemson, Auburn, Alabama and Georgia. The Cats are also recruiting his high school teammate Brandon McGowan (LB). Both visited UK this past season for the Florida game. Remember the head coach at North Gwinnett use to be the coach at Lexington Catholic and has a relationship with Steve Brown and Chuck Smith.

Kal Prince is from Owensboro, KY and one of the top in-state QB's for 2011. Prince is listed at 6'3" and 195lbs. We recently posted a highlight video of his Junior season. Scout doesn't have him ranked currently. Based on his video, he put a nice touch on his passes. His father played at UK and he has a great last name for Kentucky fans.

Christian Wallace is from Crestwood, KY and another one of the top in-state QB's for 2011. Wallace is listed at 6'4" and 199lbs. Wallace likes to scramble based on his video. He needs to improve his arm strenth to compete at the next level. We also posted a highlight video of him recently as well.

Neal Pawsat is from Mason County, KY and considered one of the top in-state QB's. He is listed at 6'3" and 205lbs. Pawsat is receiving interest from UK, Illinois, Duke and Vanderbilt. He is more of a pocket passer or pro-style quarterback based on feedback.

Some other names to keep an eye on for 2011 are Marcus Graham (Trotwood, OH), Stephen Rivers (Athens, AL), DaMarcus Smith (Louisville, KY),

The Cats return Mike Hartline (Sr.), Morgan Newton (So.), Ryan Mossakowski (Red Shirt Fr.) and walk-on Tyler Sargent. Joker stated they will start Tyler Brause at Quarterback in camp to give him an opportunity. With the addition of Tee Martin, who works the Elite 11 camps, anything is possible in terms of recruiting. If the Cats show a solid passing game this season, recruiting will take care of itself.

Top ranked 2011 in-state recruits

Jody Demling breaks down the in-state 2011 star rankings. Darrian Miller (ranked No 1) is committed to UK and was given a four-star rating. Also, DeMarcus Smith (committed to Louisville) was given a four-star rating. Both Zack West (Lexington, KY) and Lamar Dawson (Boyle County, KY) were given three star rankings. Both players could jump to four-star rankings if they attend any camps this summer and have big senior years. The one surprise is Jon Davis (UK Commit) was not ranked. My guess is Scout doesn't have enough film on him to rate him. He should be ranked at least a four-star recruit. He is currently an ESPNU 150 watch player.

Monday, February 8, 2010

Darrian Miller (UK Commit 2011)

UK 2011 commit Darrian Miller (Lexington, KY) has been rated as a four-star recruit by Scout. According to Scout, Miller is the No 15 OL player in the 2011 class. Miller is currently listed at 6'6" and 275lbs. It will be interesting to see what Rivals ranks Miller when their ranking come out.

Stephenson Pipeline

Most everyone knows of Stephenson High School (Stone Mountain, GA) now that signing day is over. In case your not familiar, UK signed three players from Stephenson in the 2010 class. I encourage you to click on the link above to see the number of players from Stephenson who signed LOI's for 2010. Hopefully this will shed some light on just how big of a deal signing Raymond Sanders, Jabari Johnson and Ronnie Shields was for the UK program. These kids are winners and will bring their winning attitude and culture to Lexington.

Also, below are the names of a few top junior's at Stephenson for 2011 the Cats are likely watching. Now that UK had three Jaguars heading to Lexington, the staff needs to continue the pipeline.

Donald Sellers Jr. (Athlete)
Jordan Tarver (Athlete)
Seyron Willingham (Athlete)
David Stephenson (CB)
Jared Boyd (CB)
Regis Ball (LB)
Tarik Cook (OL)
Willie Davis (RB)

Jerrell Moore (2011 Recruit) Running Back

**Turn down the music**

Jerrell Moore is another in-state commit that as given his verbal to Louisville for 2011. Jerrell plays at Fern Creek High School in Louisville. He is listed at 5'11" and 175 lbs. As you can tell in the video, he is a speedster. It will be interesting to see if UK goes after Moore or continues recruiting kids from South Carolina, Georgia, etc.

DeVante Parker (2011 UK Recruit)

DeVante Parker has given his verbal to Louisville for 2011, however the UK staff hasn't given up on his recruitment. I'm sure the upcoming season will have a lot to do with his final decision. Parker is a very athletic and one of the top recruits in the state of Kentucky. UK needs to show a good passing game this season to bring in top level receivers.

2011 Senior Class

There has been a lot of talk about UK's small 2011 Senior Class. Why? Because a small Senior Class means a small recruiting class. The staff will be extremely picky on the players they take in 2011. Remember, the numbers always work out. The program will lose some to grades, some will transfer and Joker may run a few off too.

Here is a quick look at who the Cats are losing after next season:

Mike Hartline (QB)
Derrick Locke (RB)
Moncell Allen (RB)
Kyrus Lanxter (WR)
Chris Matthews (WR)
Brad Durham (OL)
Ricky Lumpkin (DT)
Shane McCord (DT)
DeQuinn Evans (DE)
Jacob Dufrene (LB)
Brandon Thurmond (LB)
Paul Warford (CB)
Randall Cobb (speculating based on NFL Rookie Salary Cap)

Both Jon Davis (Athlete) and Darrian Miller (OL) have committed to UK for 2011. Davis is projected to play tight end, but that could change. Miller will likely play guard on the offensive line. In addition to Davis and Miller (my opinion), the Cats need one QB, one RB, two WR, one OL, two DL, one LB, one CB and one Safety.

Ideally, the Cats find a way to take a second quarterback and a Punter. After next year the Cats will have Newton, Mossakowski and Brause. My fear is either Newton or Mossakowski transfer after another year to compete for playing time elsewhere. If possible, bring in a punter to redshirt and get stronger before Tydlacka graduates. Of the needs I referenced above, the Cats could potentially pass on a linebacker as the staff has several players currently who could make the transition.

When factoring in scholarships for 2011, everyone must consider Terrell Combs as well. He is currently not on scholarship, but likely will be in 2011.

Scout ranks UK's 2010 class No 38

I saw on Tom Leach's website that Scout has ranked the 2010 recruiting classes and UK comes in at No 38. You can click here to read the full article. Below is UK's portion of the article:

The Class Is Heavy On ... The running game. Last year Rich Brooks made sure the future of the passing game was set by bringing in three quarterbacks, five wide receivers and two tight ends. The future became the present with so many issues at quarterback last season. this year, new head man Joker Phillips made sure the running game was secure with four very good prospects led by Brandon Gainer out of Miami and Raymond Sanders out of Georgia. In an interesting move, Phillips also loaded up on tight bringing in four with Alex Smith a big blocker and Tyler Brause like a big receiver. Don't dismiss the big signing of Joe Mansour, one of the nation's top punting prospects.

Scout points out UK loaded up on tight ends. I'm not so sure I agree with that assessment. In my opinion, Alex Smith appears to be the only sure one to play tight end. I could see several other commits who played tight end in high school playing a different position in college.

I believe UK recruited athletes, guys who can play multiple positions (Priester, Brause, Delic, etc). However, this is the highest ranking I have seen for UK's 2010 recruiting class.

Sunday, February 7, 2010

Patterson signing a big statement by Joker

Larry Vaught has an article that points out Tim Patterson's commitment to UK is a big PR win for Joker. I agree with Larry 100% on this one. Patterson's commitment shut up the Louisville fans and even some UK fans. There is speculation that Patterson may have to grey shirt because of academic reasons. Whether the speculation is justified or not, his commitment is huge for Joker Phillips and "Operation Win". I look forward to watching Patterson suit up in blue.

Super Bowl Sunday

Normally, I don't care who wins the Super Bowl (just want to see a great game). However, I will be rooting for Jacob Tamme because he is a former Cat. As most UK fans, I would love to see him do well. Based on reports from Larry Vaught, Tamme invited UK's Chuck Smith to be one of his guests during the Super Bowl. Smith was blown away by the opportunity to attend the Super Bowl and admits using Tamme's name with recruits to plug UK (smart move). I don't know how many opportunities Tamme will receive tonight as a backup, but it would be nice to see a former Cat earn a Super Bowl ring.

Kal Prince (2011 UK Recruit) QB

Kal Prince is another top in-state quarterback the Cats are recruiting. Prince is receiving interest from several BCS programs.

Saturday, February 6, 2010

Christian Wallace (2011 UK Recruit) QB

Christian Wallace is one of the top QB's in the state of Kentucky for 2011. It will be interesting to watch Joker Phillips and Charlie Strong battle for the Louisville native.

Possible late additions?

The 2010 recruiting class appears to be wrapped by most accounts. However, Joker said during his press conference that the staff wasn't done recruiting. It's still possible to add another player to the class. Two names that come to mind are Patrick Swilling Jr. (New Orleans, LA) and Tyrrell Willis (Murray, KY).

Swilling said he may not decide on signing day as he still had a few visits he needed to take, including one to UK. Swilling is being pursued by several BCS programs and would be another welcome addition to UK's program. Swilling projects to play LB or Safety at the next level.

Willis visited UK for the Louisville game, but then gave the Cardinal staff his verbal at one point. It's unclear if the new UL staff turned him away or he isn't going to qualify. Regardless, UK had some interest. There are some reports that Memphis is recruiting Willis as well. Willis projects as a middle linebacker or defensive end. He also ran the ball in high school so it could be possible he could play full back as well.

Joker has made it clear, UK will not take any players unless they are better than what they already have. Also, with 2011 being such a small class, the staff could elect to save scholarships for next year too.

Friday, February 5, 2010

Why Joker was the right choice

In my opinion, this is why Joker Phillips was the right man for the job. He's passionate and loyal. He has an opportunity to build something special at Kentucky. Even if Joker Phillips is extremely successful at UK, I can't see him leaving. Why? He Bleeds Blue!

Biggest Surprise in Recruiting Class

In my opinion, Tim Patterson's commitment to UK was the biggest surprise of the entire class. More so than Brandon Gainer's commitment. I spoke to Gainer and knew the Cats were an option, but I thought he was headed to UNC because he didn't take an official to UK.

However, with Patterson, all signs indicated he would be a Cardinal. First, his high school teammate, Stefan Robinson, was already committed to UL and his coach even felt they would play together. Second, you had the Charlie Strong factor. Tim had to be caught up in "getting their swag back". Third, there have been reports that Patterson would not qualify and "that' why Joker offered Huguenin".

I guess everyone, including myself overlooked the "Joker Factor". I personally saw Patterson at UK for a few games (never spoke to him). I knew there was interest and during the season and thought he would be a Cat. When it came down to signing day, I thought he would be a Cardinal (for the reasons above).

I'm glad Patterson is a Cat and I'm looking forward to watching him in UK Blue!

Mychal Bailey could return kicks for UK

Larry Vaught has a nice article on Mychal Bailey with quotes from Joker Phillips. Bailey is another La Grange recruit that has already been called "heat-seeking missile". Now Joker is saying Bailey will return kicks too. I can't wait to see him on the field for UK.

Tyler Brause a Valedictorian

Jody Demling has another great article on UK Commit Tyler Brause. The 3-star athlete will get an opportunity to play QB at UK, but may not finish his career there. Brause was recruited as a QB, LB, TE and Safety before committing to UK. Brause will graduate from high school as the Valedictorian. Sounds like another great addition to the program.

Lamar Dawson (2011 UK Recruit)

Lamar Dawson (Boyle County, KY) is one of UK's top in-state recruits for 2011. Dawson is starting to receive a ton of interest from other schools outside the state. Many people feel that Dawson is UK's to lose because of the relationship Chuck Smith has with the coaching staff at Boyle County. However, don't be surprised if Dawson takes his visits and decides after his senior season. Dawson is projected to play linebacker in college, but could also play fullback.

Shamir Jeffery (2011 QB Recruit)

Shamir Jeffery (Calhoun County, SC) is one of UK's top quarterback targets for the 2011 class. Most schools are offering Jeffery as an athlete (receiver) as he has big hands and very athletic. Jeffery has stated he wants to play quarterback. UK the only school at this point (based on what I know) who has offered him a scholarship to play quarterback.

Of course, his brother is Alshon (who killed UK last year for SC) therefore, the Cats will have their hands full in landing his services. Shamir lives about 30 miles from USC's campus and spends a lot of time there because of his brother. Joker has done some amazing things, but in my opinion, it will be hard for him to leave the state of South Carolina.

2011 Recruiting Outlook

With the 2010 recruiting almost wrapped up it's time to start thinking about 2011. The staff has been planting seeds for 2011 and there is more in-state talent next year than in previous years. The staff had to work until the 11th hour to make this year's class happen. As Joker stated, "we were relentless". I don't think that will be the case next season with a full year to work on recruits.

I have already developed a 2011 recruiting "big board". UK is involved with at least 60 players already. The staff will put a big emphasis on recruiting KY, SC, GA, OH, FL, IN, TN. David Tuner has relationships with the Juco's in Mississippi already so don't be surprised if UK brings in one or two recruits in January. The staff will likely put a big emphasis on signing the following positions, Quarterback, Wide Receiver, Offensive Line and Defensive Tackle.

Here are a few of the top 2011 in state recruits UK is involved with currently:

Neal Pawsat (QB)
Christian Wallace (QB)
Kal Prince (QB)
DaMarcus Smith (QB) verbal to UL
Jerrell Moore (RB) verbal to UL
DeVante Parker (WR) verbal to UL
Henry Mitchell (TE)
Darrian Miller (OL) verbal to UK
Zack West (OL)
Dylan Richardson (OL)
Lamar Dawson (LB)
Chris Dukes (CB)
Daylen Hall (CB)
Jamon Brown (DT) verbal to UL
Randall Turner (DT) verbal to UL
Jon Davis (Ath) verbal to UK

I've heard rumors that UK could have 1-2 more 2011 commits in the next couple of weeks. One from Kentucky and one from Indiana. With the 2011 class being so small, the staff will be extremely picky on who they take.

Jabari Johnson (2010 UK Commit) LB

Johnson played linebacker in high school and will start out there with UK. However, don't be surprised if he moves to defensive end at some point in his career. He could be a Johnny Williams type player.

Thursday, February 4, 2010

Justin Henderson (2010 UK Commit) DE

Henderson was UK's first commit in the 2010 class and has already enrolled at school. Since he will work out with the team and go through spring practice he could earn a back up spot next season. Henderson played at a high school in South Carolina that produces a ton of D1 players.