2010 Linebacker Targets for Kentucky

I have studied Kentucky's football recruiting since 2002 and found some really good info. First, let me say this coaching staff has done an awesome job of finding players that slipped through the cracks. Second, the staff has been able to leave the state of Kentucky to recruit better players. With that said, I wanted to take a look at some key Kentucky Targets for 2010. We have already reviewed the entire offensive side of the ball and defensive line targets. You can check my archives if you want to catch up. Now, let's take a look at the linebackers.

Linebackers: Kentucky has extended offers to the following recruits; Jonathan Brown (Memphis, TN), Mike Mirabella (Tampa, FL), Chris McCain (Greensboro, NC), Tim Patterson (Louisville, KY), Nigel Terrell (Pelham, AL), Malcolm McDuffen (Hopkinsville, KY), Avery Williamson (Milan, TN).

• Jonathan Brown*** has received a ton of offers, but currently lists Illinois as his leader followed by Texas Tech and then Memphis. Brown has stated that Louisville, Georgia Tech, Ole Miss and Kentucky are recruiting him as well, but based on the reports he is Ron Zook's to lose. Brown has stated that if he commits during the season it will likely be to Illinois. The longer his recruitment plays out, the better for the other schools. He has been to Illinois' campus and going back this fall again.

• Mike Mirabella** has received interest from several schools including West Virginia, Duke and Western Kentucky. According to Rivals, Kentucky is the lone offer for the linebacker. Kentucky did invite him to summer camp to get a better look at the prospect. Mike said it's a dream of his to play in the SEC, so we will have to see what happens. He is 5'11" and runs a 4.6 40-time.

• Chris McCain**** has over 10 offers from major schools like Alabama, Oregon, Cal, LSU and several others. McCain is from Greensboro, NC and there are three kids from Greensboro who visited Oregon and appear close to committing to the Ducks. Chris could be a TE, LB or even DE in college. He has the size and speed to be a very dynamic player.

• Tim Patterson*** has several offers including Kentucky, Louisville, Cincinnati, Indiana and Arkansas. Based on all the reports out there, this will come down to a Kentucky and Louisville battle. Patterson is the top player in the state of Kentucky. There have been some rumors that his grades may force him to Louiville instead of Kentucky. Also, he plays with Stephan Robinson who is listed as the top WR in the state, but it doesn't appear Kentucky has offered while Louisville has and their high school coach feels they will attend the same school. Also, some reports feel that Patterson will move to DE in college.

• Nigel Terrell*** has several offers, but admits it's a two team race at this point. Terrell is down to Florida State and Ole Miss and it appears that FSU has the inside track to win his services. Kentucky had offered, but it appears the Cats are out of this race.

• Malcolm McDuffen*** is another Kentucky product that has several offers and appears close to making a decision. McDuffen appears to be down to Kentucky and Purdue, but Joker is handling his recruitment so Kentucky fans should feel good about their chances.

• Avery Williamson*** has several schools recruiting him and there have been rumors that he is on the verge of committing to Kentucky. According to Rivals, Avery holds offers from Kentucky and Arkansas State while Vanderbilt, Memphis, Ole Miss, Tennessee are showing interest. Some schools are looking at Williamson as a fullback.

Kentucky fans should feel good about our current depth at the linebacker position. With Danny Trevathan, Ridge Wilson and Qua Huzzie and potentially adding Tim Patterson, Malcolm McDuffen and Avery Williamson the Cats appear to be in great shape for the future.