In case you haven't been following the Cats 2010 recruiting class, here is a breakdown. The Cats can sign as many as 28 players (SEC rule), but can only enroll 25 players in the class. The Cats had two early commitments who enrolled early in Justin Henderson (DE) and Josh Gibbs (FS). UK currently has 20 verbal commitments who have not signed LOI's. The odds of UK signing all 20 current commits is slim and none. I would be very surprised if everyone signs on signing day.Remember, the Cats only have 12 scholly's for 2011, therefore they are not expecting to sign a full class on Wednesday. The Cats are only taking players in 2010 they feel will be difference makers. The staff is not going to sign a full class just for the sake of doing so. The 2011 class appears to have more in-state talent than the 2010. UK already has two of the top in-state players committed for 2011 in Jon Davis (ATH) and Darrian Miller (OL). In my opinion, the 2011 class will be the best class (on paper) since the Rich Brooks era began.
Below are the players UK has been involved with and actively recruiting. I believe the staff signs one running back, one receiver and one lineman. Joker expects David Turner and Mike Summers to have an impact on this class, therefore a new name could pop up on signing day, so don't be surprised.
DJ Howard (RB)- It's between Auburn, Clemson and UK. He wants to run the ball in college and UK gives him the best opportunity. He either stays with Auburn or goes to UK.
Miles Simpson (RB)- It's between Indiana, Illinois and UK. If Simpson ends up at UK, it's by default in my opinion. This recruitment is a lot like Deuce Finch's last year. I think Simpson ends up with Ron Zook & Co.
Jerrell Priester (ATH)- I have spoken to Jerrell several times and my gut says he will sign with Vandy. Jerrell's family hasn't visited Lexington and the Vandy staff met with him on Friday. Jerrell has been a soft commit to Vandy for quite some time.
Mike Thornton (DT)- Thornton visited UK with his teammates and three of them are already headed to Lexington. Either Thornton picks Georgia or UK. My gut says Georgia because they have been recruiting him longer, but his friends trying to drag him to Lexington.Tim Wynn (OL)- UK has a shot in my opinion because they are his best offer at this point. However, the Cats had to make up a lot of ground as they got in on him late. The staff did meet with him in person last week.
Patrick Swilling (LB)- UK has been involved due to connections (Joker and Bill Curry). Swilling is considering LSU and Auburn as well. In my opinion, it will be hard for the Cats to land Swilling. He could announce on signing day, but if he doesn't, then the Cats have a better chance. Swilling still needs to visit Lexington.
Alex Smith (TE)- Just like Bill said, I continue to hear rumors that he could sign with UK on signing day and leave the Tar Heels in the dust. Smith has visited UK several times and likely enamored with Joker as head coach instead of Rich Brooks.
Tim Patterson (DE)- I continue to hear grades are an issue and will sign with Louisville. However, I hear he won't make it to campus. It's likely Patterson's scholarship went to Farrington Huguenin (DE). While many people are freaking out about Huguenin's commitment due to his star ranking, I'm not. The kid posted an amazing shuttle time (faster than most RB's) therefore the coaching staff is impressed.
Jackie Williams (WR)- The staff has struck out on their key targets for the 2010 class, but if they are determined to sign a high school wide receiver, Williams could be their guy. It's unclear if UK has extended an offer yet, but Williams has stated he likes the Cats based on reports.
Skyler Schofner (OL)- The staff tried to get Schofner back on campus for another late visit, but it appears the visit never happened. The Michigan State staff has been on Schofner hard to keep his recruitment solid. However, Schofner has visited UK and also developed a friendship with Sam Simpson based on feedback. It's possible Schofner could sign with UK, but unlikely in my opinion.
Based on reports, Joker Phillips has stated the Cats would not accept any more Juco players in the 2010 class. Therefore, guys like Duncan McGriff (WR), Ron Gaudin (WR) and Kimbrell Thompkins (WR) have to be taken off the board.
This week will be crazy and rumors will start flying left and right. We will know for sure on Wednesday were most kids are going. We are planning on having another live blog on Tuesday evening at 8pm. On Wednesday we will have coverage all day regarding commitments and projections for the 2010 class. As always, feel free to email me with any questions.
GO CATS!
You say that your gut tells you Priester goes to Vandy and Thornton to UGA, and that you think it is "unlikely" that Schofner signs with UK. I have no problems with these assessments and have no reason to disagree.
ReplyDeleteBut, just yesterday, you felt that Priester and Schofner were 60% to UK and Thornton 65% to UK. Has somethng changed, or just your gut changed?
Those were Bill's posts and not mine. Sometimes we tend to disagree. Bill has a few different sources than I do.
ReplyDeleteI have spoken to Priester a couple of times. I wouldn't be shocked to see him pick UK, but I think it's unlikely since his family never visited UK. They did visit Vandy and he has been a "soft commit" for a while.
If Schofner made it back on campus in the last 10 days, then UK has a good shot. Based on my sources, the Michigan State staff did an in home and convinced him not to take any more visits.
Thornton to UK is unlikely in my opinion. I'm not close to this situation at all. Bill has a source that claims there is a real good chance. If Thornton picks UK, I would be suprised. He does have three teammates going to UK. I believe if UK had offered Chris Sharpe (another temmate too) then Thornton would be coming to UK. I believe Sharpe's offer was contingent on Thornton.
I think if UK gets one of the players above they are lucky and most likely to sign Priester of the three. Following by Thornton and then Shofner.
That's one thing we try to do on the site is bring more than one perspective.