Monday Afternoon Recruiting Update

Signing Day is around the corner (17 days) and Joker Phillips has not been able to secure his first commitment since being named the head coach. Based on reports, Bryce Callahan committed to Rice over UK this weekend. Also, Rajaan Bennett visited UK this weekend and didn't commit. Bennett will visit Vanderbilt next weekend and Tennessee has gotten in the mix for his services.

Many UK fans are nervous because Charlie Strong is making some noise up the road in Louisville with recruiting. The Cats are in the driver's seat with recruiting. Chuck Smith said a while back UK would sign around 22 players. The Cats don't have much room for more commits in the 2010 class. The Cats are clearly looking for a running back, wide receiver and another cornerback as Dale Trimble's commitment doesn't appear to be as solid as many think.

The Cats are still in the mix with Miles Simpson (RB) and Rajaan Bennett (RB) as additions to the back field. The Cats were recruiting Brandon Gainer (FL), but it doesn't appear he has an official visit scheduled and the Cats got in late for his services. Also, the Cats are still recruiting D.J. Howard (AL) and Trevaughn Brooks (FL). In the end, I think the Cats land either Bennett or Simpson.

From a wide receiver stand point, the Cats are still recruiting Dyjuan Lewis (Indianapolis, IN) and Maudrecus Humphrey (Hoover, AL). Of course anything could happen, but look for Lewis to go to Notre Dame if he gets an offer. If not, many are speculating he will end up at Purdue. As far as Humphrey is concerned, many people feel he is the Razorbacks to lose at this point. If UK is unable to land either of these recruits, they could offer Duncan McGriff (Juco) from Massachusetts. The Cats have expressed interest in him as well.

From an athlete standpoint (receiver or cornerback) the Cats are still in the mix with Jerrell Priester (Allendale, SC), Lamar Ivey (Mebane, NC) and Sam Gibson (Prattville, AL). Priester is still committed to Vandy and was suppose to visit one more time to make sure he is making the best decision. Priester needs a higher ACT score to get in there and could land in Lexington if not. The Cats got in early on Lamar Ivey, but many are speculating Ivey wants to play for either UNC or N.C. State whom he still has to visit. Gibson could play several positions and Joker Phillips was rumored to be making an in-home visit Gibson to try and secure his commitment. If so, he would be another huge addition.

Then there is Tim Patterson (Louisville, KY) who the Cats have been recruiting for a long time. UK has received commitments from several linebackers and defensive ends for 2010. Many project Patterson to play defensive end in college. Based on the success of Charlie Strong, many feel Patterson will end up at Louisville. Also, there have been rumors that Patterson's grades could keep him from getting in at UK. The other "x-factor" is playing with his high school teammate (Stephan Robinson) who has already committed to Louisville.

In the end, the state of Kentucky is quickly becoming a football state. Charlie Strong had to make up ground and many knew he would. There are several UL commits that UK never offered. Strong needs to fill his class for 2010, but the Cats are still the best team in the state.