Friday, January 22, 2010

Here is what I know and speculate...

UK doesn't have the room for as many players as they are involved with now. But that' how recruiting works. If you want to sign 2-3 players, then you recruit 10-12. Also, there are always a few commits that never make it to campus or end up not signing. Here is what I know about the key players involved.

Chris Sharpe (3-star CB) plays with three UK commits from Stone Mountain Georgia. I'm sure the Cats will offer Chris if that gives then a shot at landing Michael Thornton (4-star DT). Stephenson High School produces a ton of players and what a great start to building another pipeline.

Skyler Shofner (3-Star OL) was a huge UK recruit until he committed to Michigan State. There are reports that he may visit UK again as he has become pals with Sam Simpson. However, the Spartan staff met with Shofner again this week trying to keep him from taking any more visits. I would say it's 50/50 he visits UK again.

Jerrell Priester (3-Star Athlete) visited Vanderbilt, who he has committed to and appears to be a lock for Vandy now. I have heard rumors that Priester told a UK player that he was coming to UK, but after his visit to Nashville, it appears he wants to play for Vandy. Jerrell needs to score an 18 on his ACT to get into Vandy and won't get his test results until after signing day. If he signs with Vandy and doesn't qualify, then he could go to a prep school (which he said didn't bother him) or he could petition the NCAA to let him out of his LOI. In that case, he could go to any school that has a scholarship left.

Xavier McFadden (3-star CB) appears to be visiting NC State this weekend. McFadden has stressed to me that he wants to be a Cat, but it appears the staff doesn't have a scholarship for him. Things could change once he becomes qualified academically. The kid has played against some big competition and knows how to make plays.

D.J. Howard (3-star RB) is apparently visiting UK this weekend. If so, look for the Cats to lock up his commitment. Howard committed to Auburn, but likely won't see the field as the Tigers are really deep at running back plus have more commits on the way. Howard wants to run the ball in college and UK provides that opportunity. Also, there is a family connection already on the team which never hurts. If the Cats don't land Howard, look for the Cats to make a push to sign Miles Simpson (3-star RB).

Tyler Robinson (2-star TE) appears to be listening to the new coaches at Tennessee. It would not surprise me if Robinson changes his mind if UT offers. The kid has grown up following UT football, but hopefully Randall Cobb can keep the fellow Alcoa friend locked up for the Cats. Really this is no big surprise as the UT staff has to make up some ground and going after guys like Robinson, Avery Williamson and Tim McAdoo give them the best opportunity to lock up late commitments.

Dale Trimble (3-star CB) wants to be a Cats and loves the coaching staff. Trimble, in my opinion, is one of the top 3-4 players in the entire 2010 recruiting class for UK. Trimble is receiving interest from Auburn and Ole Miss late and could take visits late. The biggest factor for Trimble is he will soon be a father and being close to home could be a factor. Either way, he has to make the best decision for him and his family.

Maudrecus Humphrey (3-Star WR) is down to three schools. Humphrey will choose between Arkansas, Mississippi State and Kentucky. Most reports lead you to believe Humphrey will choose Arkansas in the end. Also, many people feel that Humphrey is still holding out for an offer from Alabama.

Tim Patterson (3-Star DE/LB) is down to UK and Louisville. Many people feel that Patterson would have committed to UK already if Charlie Strong hadn't made such a great impression. While I would love for UK to win the in-state talent battle, I don't think the Cats will win this one. Patterson will likely play for the Cards with his high school teammate Stefan Robinson (WR).

Sam Gibson (3-Star Athlete) received an in home visit from Joker Phillips based on reports. Gibson has committed to LSU and would be another huge addition for the Cats. Gibson could play several positions and could compete at QB as well. Still, there is no word on his final decision and he could wait until signing day.

As far as additional coaches, I have heard rumors that Ray "The Rock" Oliver will be the next strength and conditioning coach. "The Rock" has ties to UK and currently working in the NFL. I have also heard rumors of Gerad Parker (Tenn-Martin) coming to UK has the receivers coach. Parker has coaches in the SEC (Georgia) and played at UK. Finally, everyone has heard the rumors of Tee Martin coming to UK. Nothing has been confirmed, but I would be very happy if Martin ends up in Lexington. He would be another great recruiter for the staff.

2 comments:

  1. You don't petition the NCAA to be let out of your NLI. You petition the school.

    ReplyDelete
  2. You are correct, the school has to let you out. Also, I believe a student athlete can only sign one NLI.

    ReplyDelete