Junior Day Notes

I will have more later, but here are a few notes from Junior Day today. DeAnthony Arnett did make the trip and said the visit went "real well'. Both Jamon Brown was on hand and I believe Jerrell Moore was with him.

Zach West had a good visit with Louisville and feels their staff is "top notch" and spend a long time talking to their offensive line coach. Also, Lamar Dawson didn't make the trip to Louisville due to personal matters.

I'm sure more reports will start coming out, but I wanted to give a quick update. Stay tuned!

2010 Recruiting Rewind- Tyler Robinson

Tyler Robinson (TE) is another Aloca, TN pipeline connection. Some schools recruited Robinson to play offensive line, however the Cats expect to play him at tight end. UK signed two other tight ends in the 2010 class (Alex Smith and Ronnie Shields). Some people feel Robinson was overlooked because his high school team didn’t have to throw the ball very often. He could be a sleeper this summer and one who could end up seeing some action. Robinson is likely No 4 or 5 on the depth chart so he could redshirt as well. He brings Alcoa's winning tradition to UK.

2010 Recruiting Rewind- Josh Gibbs

Josh Gibbs (S) is a Juco player from California who has enrolled early and already working out with the team. Gibbs is expected to compete for playing time at the Strong Safety position. Gibbs is faster than Matt Lentz and based on his film is always around the ball. He should be a factor on special teams as well. Typically the key for Juco players is learning the system. In Gibbs' case, he will participate in spring practice which is huge. I believe going forward, UK will try to sign Juco guys like Gibbs. It's important to find players who can enroll early and be ready to make an impact once fall arrives.

2010 Recruiting Rewind- Mychal Bailey

Mychal Bailey (S) was initially expected to enroll in January based on reports, however will enroll this spring or summer instead. Bailey signed with UK out of high school, but had to attend Junior College for academic reasons. Bailey is another La Grange, GA pipeline product who has a reputation of being a big hitter on defense. Joker Phillips stated Bailey could see action returning kick offs as well. Look to see him make an impact on special teams and add speed to the secondary. Bailey received some big accolades coming out of Junior College (All-American). In my opinion, way underrated as a two-star recruit.

Here's the latest on Junior Day

Contrary to other reports, Below are guests for Junior Day at UK this weekend. All have been confirmed by myself or from very credible sources. Will try to keep this thread updated until Sunday.

Confirmed

DeAnthony Arnett (WR)
Kiaro Holts (OL)
Kris Harley (DL)
Jarrett Grace (LB)
Brad Carrico (DE)
Glen Faulker (CB)
Clint Tucker (DL)
Eilar Hardy (CB)
Antonio Poole (LB)
Jamon Brown (DT)
Jerrell Moore (RB)

On the fence

Christian Wallace (QB) will not be attending

Going to other schools

Lamar Dawson (LB) visiting Louisville
Zach West (OL) visiting Louisville
Nick Temple (S) visiting either Illinois or Michigan State
Cody Robinson (OL) visiting Arkansas

2010 Recruiting Rewind- Teven Eatmon

Teven Eatmon (OL) has one of the most exciting highlight videos of any recruit in the 2010 class. It’s amazing to watch a 280 lb tight end running down the middle of the field. Most people feel Eatmon will become an offensive tackle due to his size. If this is the case, he will need to get stronger to make the switch. He is another very interesting player who has a tremendous upside. Some reports suggest he will compete for playing time and other suggest he is destined for a redshirt. I think the latter is probably most accurate. Eatmon was also high school teammates with Tyler Brause.

Patrick Coyne 2011-QB Receives offers

Per my tweet last night, Patrick Coyne (2011-QB) from Cincinnati, OH received offers from Boston College and West Virgina. Coyne is listed at 6'2" and 220lbs with a 4.7 forty yard dash time. Based on some reports, UK has shown interest in the quarterback.

2010 Recruiting Rewind- Tyler Brause

Tyler Brause (QB) was recruited as an athlete, but UK is going to start him out at QB. I've heard some comparisons to Tim Tebow. I hate to put that type of pressure on him, but I think most are referring to his work ethics and throwing style. If Brause is to play QB at UK, he will have to work on his mechanics and arm strength. Some feel he will make a position change at some point during his career. The staff wouldn't give him an opportunity to play QB if they didn't see something in his game that warranted a shot. He was also his high school Valedictorian.

DeAnthony Arnett will visit UK this weekend

Per Jeff Drummond, highly touted wide receiver DeAnthony Arnett (Saginaw, MI) picked up his offer from Kentucky today. Arnett told me recently that he was planning a visit to UK this weekend for Junior day. However, Drummond reports the visit will occur on April 9th now. He is likely their No 1 receiving target in 2011.

**update 3/5/2010 8:15AM**

DeAnthony Arnett's brother emailed me to confirm they will attend UK's Spring Practice on April 9th.

**update 3/5/2010 8:43PM**

DeAnthony Arnett's brother confirmed tonight they will visit UK on Sunday.

2010 Recruiting Rewind- Tim McAdoo

Tim McAdoo (OL) could end up as a greyshirt or not on campus based on reports of grade issues. Some feel that is why Tennessee never offered him a scholarship. Many people felt McAdoo wouldn’t sign with UK as he was considered a "soft commit" until he inked with the Cats. Also, many people were blown away when the staff announced he would start out on the Offensive Line. McAdoo is a beast and will be tough to move at 300 lbs. Many people are comparing him to Larry Warford already. You can't teach size, but he will need to learn technique. He is likely headed for a redshirt season if he makes it on campus.

2010 Recruiting Rewind- Raymond Sanders

Raymond Sanders (RB) was initially overlooked by major schools due to his size; however his performance on ESPNU quickly proved he was one of the best running backs in the Southeast. Sanders reminds many of Dion Lewis (Pitt) in the way he runs. He is very shifty like Randall Cobb, but faster. The staff has stated they expect to use Sanders on punt returns and line him up all over the field too. He will be one of the most exciting players to watch every time he touches the ball. Assuming he stays healthy, look for Sanders to see action as a true freshman.

2010 Recruiting Rewind- Joseph Mansour

Joseph Mansour (K) will make an impact as soon as he arrives on campus. Mansour can consistently kick field goals from 50+ yards and will make a huge impact on kick- offs. He was rated very high as a Punter too! He can flip the field position which is crucial in every game. Some reports suggest Mansour runs a 4.4 forty-yard dash; therefore he is a threat for fakes as well. Mansour was named to the Georgia All-Decade team.

2010 Recruiting Rewind- Justin Henderson

Justin Henderson (DE) was the first commitment in the entire 2010 class. He comes from a high school program that produces a ton of talent. He also was a Shrine Bowl selection (NC/SC All-Star Game). The staff feels he will be ahead of most due to the coaching he has already received. Henderson was the only freshman who enrolled early, therefore he will have a huge jump on the rest and will likely not redshirt next season.

Mississippi State Reports Violations

Reports came out yesterday stating Mississippi State had committed secondary violations and will lose 7 of 56 official recruiting visits in 2010. You can click here to read the entire article.

January 1st SEC Bowl Games

ESPN breaks down the new Jan 1st Bowl Schedule for 2011. There will be three SEC schools playing on January 1st. The Bowls involved are Capital One, Gator and Outback. It's tough to think about it now, but UK was really close to playing in one of these last year.

Combine Update

There are a ton of combines starting to take place all over the country. A lot of players who's names have been mentioned in connection with UK will be attending many of them.

Here is a snapshot of a few of the upcoming event:

Nike Combines

March 6th at Paul L. David Training Center (Massillon, OH)

March 13th at Mallard Creek High School (Charlotte, NC)

March 14th at Halford Stadium (Atlanta, GA)

March 21st at Max McCook Expo (Chicago, Ill)

March 27th at Traz Powell Stadium (Miami, FL)

Schuman's National Underclassmen

March 7th at Tri-Cities HS (Atlanta, GA)

March 13th at Pearl HS (Pearl, MS)

March 14th at Duncanville HS (Duncanville, TX)

March 20th at Eugene Ashley HS (Wilmington, NC)

March 21st at Tates Creek HS (Lexington, KY)

March 21st at Jefferson HS (Tampa, FL)

March 27th at Searcy HS (Searcy, AR)

March 27th at Yonkers School (Yonkers, NY)

March 28th at Dutch Fork HS (Irmo, SC)

Creative Recruiting Tactics

Mike Herndon from the Press-Register in Alabama has a great article that provides insight into college football recruiting. Herndon points out Auburn's Big Cat Weekend last year and Nick Saban's "run-ins" as creative recruiting tactics. Auburn reported some secondary violations and the NCAA created the "Saban Rule" for head coaches after these events occurred. I agree with Mike on this one. Until the NCAA makes an example out of someone (school), coaches will continue to push the envelope with recruiting.

Click on the link above to read the article.

Tee making an early impact

The Cats received their third verbal commitment of the 2011 class today in Glen Faulkner. First off, Glen is a legit talent and UK got on him early. He had several other offers and schools are likely not done recruiting him. The key here is Martin, UK hasn't pulled anyone from this area in a while. East St. Louis High School is another good school to create a "pipeline".


The program produced several three and four star recruits in the 2010 class and they have just as much talent for 2011. Clint Tucker (DT), John Clay Jr (OL), Kevin Gettis (RB), Keante Minor (WR), Charles Tigue (DE), Duke Robinson (CB), Donte Holman (OL) and Vincent Arterbridge (RB) are names to watch going foward. Based on reports, both Faulkner and Tucker will take visits to UK this weekend and more could follow.

Syracuse offers Cody Robinson

Cody Robinson (2011-OL/DL) informed tonight that Syracuse has extended an offer to him for 2011. When I interviewed Robinson a while back, Syracuse was high on his list. He also has received an offer from Duke as well. He plans on visiting Arkansas this weekend.

DeAnthony Arnett (2011-WR) Videos

DeAnthony Arnett (Saginaw, MI) plans on visiting UK this weekend for Junior Day. He could play both football and basketball at the next level.

Glen Faulkner picks UK

Reports are coming out that Glen Faulkner (2011-CB) from Illinois has committed to Kentucky. He could attend UK's Junior Day this weekend.

UPDATE: Glen had 7 Ints last year, with 2 of them returned for TDs, so it looks like he makes plays on the ball! by bigbluebill

Current vs Former Players

Much discussion has been generated which says that UK is not getting improving in expanding the talent base for the football team.

Here is a list of current players and a "mini" critique of their legacy as a player for the CATS.

OFFENSE:

Randall Cobb: one of the Top 3-4 "All Around" playmakers over the last 30 yrs.

Derrick Locke: One of the Top 6-7 "All Around" playmakers over the last 30 yrs.

Mike Hartline: One of the Top 5-6 QBs over the last 30 yrs (He does have a winning record at UK, over his career while many who might be mentioned do not).

Morgan Newton: See M Hartline

Brad Durham: one of the Top 7-8 O-Linemen over the last 20 yrs.

Stuart Hines: One of the Top 3-4 O-Linemen over the last 30 yrs.

Up and Coming: (Must have substantial Playing Time)

Larry Warford: Looks to be possibly the best O-Linemen out of KY since Warren Bryant (but the jury is still definitely out)

B J Murphy: Looks to be a starter for the next 2 yrs. This would put him among the Top 4-5 Linemen over the last 30 yrs.

Please feel free to add comments or correct me where I am wrong.

Joker in Athens last night

It was reported by Larry Vaught that Joker Phillips was in attendance at the UK vs. Georgia game last night in Athens. As Vaught pointed out, this was very smart recruiting move by Joker. First, I'm sure Georgia had a few football recruits at the game and they saw Joker behind the bench. Second, it associates the football program with the basketball program which is never a bad thing. Lastly, I'm sure Calipari will be seen at a few away games next year. UK isn't just selling a program, they are selling a brand too!

Kendall Walker (2011-OLB) Recruit Update

This evening I had a nice interview with Kendall Walker who plays at Moeller High School in Cincinnati. Kendall informed me he currently has offers from Air Force and Indiana. However, there are a ton of other schools showing interest. Based on our conversation, the schools recruiting him the hardest are West Virginia, Boston College, N.C. State and Cincinnati.

Kendall recently attended Cincinnati's Junior Day and may attend Alabama's as well. He has also been invited to Michigan for a visit. When asked which schools were his favorite he said, "Ohio State and West Virginia". The biggest factors in choosing a school are distance from home, academics and playing time.

In a perfect scenario, Kendall would like to have his decision made over the summer. He currently does not have plans to attend any summer camps or combines. All schools are recruiting him to play Outside Linebacker. He is currently 6'0" tall and weighs 210 lbs. He runs a 4.6 forty-yard dash.

Kendall said, "I'm one of the hardest workers out there and work hard at everything I do". Because he grew up an Ohio State fan, it would seem hard to turn down the Buckeyes if they extend an offer.

Nick Temple (2011 Recruit) Safety Update

2/22/2010

This evening I had a great interview with Nick Temple from Indianapolis, IN (Pike HS). He is receiving a ton of interest from Alabama, USC, Illinois, Arkansas, Purdue, Indiana, Wisconsin, Michigan State, Nebraska, Colorado, Notre Dame and Kentucky. Nick has received offers from Iowa and Ball State and expects more schools to extend offers in the future.

When asked how the recruiting process is going he said, "Great". He told me, "I just got back from Cincinnati". He plans on taking more visits and has already been to Ball State, Indiana and Purdue. He was supposed to attend UK's Junior Day, but couldn't make it due to weather. He said UK is supposed to reschedule and "the linebacker coach" was handling his recruitment.

Nick plans on attending the Nike Combine on May 1st at Ohio State and plans on attending camps at Arkansas and Purdue for now. He may attend some others as well, but hasn't decided. Some schools are recruiting him to play Outside Linebacker while others are recruiting him to play Strong Safety. Nick is currently 5'11" tall and weights 212 lbs and runs a 4.6 forty-yard dash.

When asked about the factors in making his decision he said, "I'm trying to get out of Indiana. I want to compete for playing time and academics are important". Nick plans to take all of his visits and make his decision after his Senior season.

**3/3/2010 UPDATE**

Nick has just received offers from Cincinnati, West Virgina, Louisville and Toledo. He now has six total offers and more will likely follow.

"Sweet Sixteen" in-state 2011 watch list

As most UK fans know, the state of Kentucky doesn’t produce many SEC caliber football players on a yearly basis. On average the state produces about six players and UK usually signs a few. However, in 2011 things are a little different. The state could produce more than double than years past. Joker Phillips has even acknowledged the Bluegrass State is loaded for 2011.

Below are 16 names to keep an eye on for the 2011 class. Some of the players below have given verbal commitments and most have already taken unofficial visits to schools. Look for some of these players to be on campus this weekend or attend spring practices in a couple of weeks.

If you feel someone is missing from the list, please let us know.

1. Darrian Miller-OL (Bryan Station)
2. DaMarcus Smith-QB (Seneca)
3. Jon Davis-ATH (Eastern)
4. DeVante Parker-WR (Ballard)
5. Lamar Dawson-LB (Boyle County)
6. Zach West-OL (Lexington Christian)
7. Jerrell Moore-RB (Fern Creek)
8. Jamon Brown-DT (Fern Creek)
9. Kal Prince-QB (Owensboro)
10. Jalen Harrington-CB (Fern Creek)
11. Mitchell Henry-TE (Elizabethtown)
12. Ryan Smith-DT (Henry Clay)
13. Zack Templin-OL (East Jessamine)
14. Bubba Tandy-WR (Christian County)
15. Flo Hardin-CB (Ballard)
16. Christian Wallace-QB (Ballard)

Bubba Tandy (2011-WR) Recruit Video

I've heard UK has shown interest in Tandy. It's early in the process, but he could be a sleeper in 2011.

ESPN Report on SEC Combine Players

ESPN's Chris Low has a quick article on the SEC players at the NFL Combine. Based on reports, Micah Johnson, Corey Peters and John Conner impressed on certain drills. However, it appears Trevard Lindley's stock is falling. I still think Lindley gets drafted based on his "body of work" alone.

Jarrett Grace to visit UK this weekend

Jarrett Grace (Cincinnati, OH) will be visiting UK this weekend for Junior Day. Grace is currently rated a four-star linebacker by Scout. He is listed at 6'4" and 230lbs. He is also being pursed by Ohio State, Notre Dame, Michigan State and Michigan among others.

Mitchell Henry receives first offer

The Memphis Tigers have extended an offer to Mitchell Henry (2011 TE) from Elizabethtown, Kentucky. Other schools are showing interest including Cincinnati, Western Kentucky and Louisville. UK hasn't really gotten in the mix for his services. Mitchell is very athletic and also plays basketball in high school.

Trevard at the Combine

Trevard Lindley, former UK cornerback is one of many former players who are displaying their skills at the annual Combine in Indy. So far, he has 9 reps on the benchpress (he should have had at least 14-15), and ran a 4.53 (which is very average time). He is rated the #19 CB in this class and rated to go somewhere around Round #4 or #5 (he was ranked as a 2nd rounder after last year, but had an ankle injury that somewhat limited him).

He was considered UK's shutdown corner for the last 3 yrs.

Shon Carson Video (2011 RB)

UK showing interest in running back

Shon Carson (Scranton, CA) has offers from Kentucky, Alabama, USC, Tennessee, South Carolina, Florida State and UCLA. He wants to find a school that will provide him with a good education, but find a system that uses the running back a lot too.

Junior Day Update

Based on reports UK will have approx 15 football players on campus this weekend for Junior Day. One report out of South Carolina claims Shamir Jeffrey will visit Clemson this weekend now. Right now we are expecting DeAnthony Arnett (WR), Kiaro Holts (OL), Kris Harley (DL) and maybe Nick Temple (S) to be visiting. Also, look for UK to bring in more in-state players as well. In my opinion, getting players to come during spring practice is a much bigger deal.

Chuck Smith on 2010 Recruiting Class

This is one of the less publicized videos regarding the 2010 UK recruiting class. Coach Smith gives some insight into the recruiting process.

ESPN's take on Junior Days

ESPN has a nice article on Junior Days. While the article doesn't mention UK, it talks about how the landscape of recruiting in college football is changing. It's a very good read in my opinion. UK will be hosting football recruits this weekend for the basketball game. It wouldn't surprise me if UK brought in 20-30 recruits for Junior Day.

C Peters at the NFL Combine

Along with M Johnson, Corey Peters is at the NFL Draft Combine in Indy this week. So far, he has run a 5.02 40 yard dash. By comparison, Gerald McCoy, one of the top DTs at the Combine, of Oklahoma ran a 4.96, and Jeff Owens of UGA ran a 5.00.

Mike Mayock of the NFL Network says that he could be a 3-4 round prospect. By contrast, the NFL Draft Scout says that he is a 7th round prospect and is rated #21 out of 186 DTs for this class

Johnson at the Combine

Micah Johnson (former MLB at UK) is in Indy for the annual NFL Combine. At this point, he has bench pressed 225 lbs 31 times which is very good (good enough for 3rd place among linebackers). His 40 times are a very slow 4.99 and 5.00 (usually these times are seen in Linemen). Additionally, his has very short arms at 32 in..

Per Scout, Micah is rated as the #6 MLB for the '10 NFL Draft.

Aaron and I wish Micah and All of the Former CATS the best of luck for the NFL Draft.

Redshirt Report

Below are the players who red-shirted last season. There are several players who will compete for playing time and others will have back up roles. We will take our best guess based on feedback and reports as to each player’s role for 2010. One thing is clear, UK is building depth within the program.

Brian Adams (WR) had to sit out 2009 due to heath concerns. Adams played quarterback in high school and is currently working out with the UK baseball team. In watching Brian’s film, he is a very good athlete. He will play receiver at UK and some feel he will make an impact immediately. I don’t believe Adams will start, but he should see action on special teams and work in the receiving rotation. The Cats didn’t sign any receivers in the 2010 class, but technically are adding one in Adams.

Dakotah Tyler (S) came to UK as a running back and spent the 2009 season working in the back field. However, Joker Phillips announced Tyler requested a move to Safety. My guess is prep star from Indiana saw the writing on the wall with the UK backfield and figured his opportunity for playing time would come in the UK secondary. Tyler has a good frame and will add more speed to the secondary. He will have his work cut out to earn playing time. However, he should make an impact on special teams.

Jarvis Walker (S) and his brother came to UK from Louisiana. Based on reports, Jarvis will play strong safety at UK. He does have the size to make a move to outside linebacker at some point in his career. He will need to have a big spring to move up the depth chart and compete for playing time this fall.

Jonathan George (RB) spent the 2009 season working on the UK scout team. George has good speed and there was no reason to waste a year of eligibility with UK having several running backs in 2009. George will back up Derrick Locke, Moncell Allen and likely Donald Russell heading into spring practice. Look for George to see action on special teams as speed is crucial for success.

Jordan Aumiller (LB) came to UK as an athlete that many felt could see action at tight-end. However, in 2009 the Boyle County athlete worked as a linebacker on the scout team. Aumiller needs to have a big spring and huge fall in order to compete for playing time. Outside of Danny Trevathan’s position, the other two spots are wide open. My guess is Aumiller spends 2010 as a back-up to Qua Huzzie, Ridge Wilson or Ronnie Sneed.

Kevin Mitchell (OL) will likely back up in 2010, but with UK losing four seniors the starting jobs are wide open. UK didn’t sign many offensive linemen in the 2010 class so Mitchell will be another freshman, except he should be stronger and understand the game plan a year later.

Mister Cobble (DT) earned the respect of his coaches and teammates after being named the scout team Defensive Player of the Year. Ricky Lumpkin will anchor one side of the interior line. However, the Cats lost Corey Peters and his job is open heading into spring. I believe Mark Crawford, Shane McCord and Cobble will battle for playing time. There have been some rumors that Chandler Burden could move to the interior line from defensive end. Cobble has a very low center of gravity and plays hard on every down. He needs to have a big spring and should be a factor heading into fall camp.

Myron Walker (DL) came to UK with his brother Jarvis (see above) and spent last season working on the scout team. Myron is a load up front at 260 lbs and been described as “bowling ball” because he is 5’10”. There have been some reports that suggest Myron could be leaving the program. I can’t confirm, but am just passing along what I have heard. If he sticks around at UK, expect him to back up Ricky Lumpkin, Shane McCord and Mark Crawford.

Patrick Ligon (DE) will likely back up at the defensive end position. Ligon could possibly move to the interior line at some point in his career. He is approx 6’5” and 260 lbs. Joker has stated many times, UK needs to get longer at the defensive end position to interfere with passing lanes. With Ligon’s height, he can do just that. However, he may not be as athletic as some of the other ends on campus.

Qua Huzzie (LB) came to UK as another under-the-radar recruit from LaGrange and many schools over-looked him due to his height. In watching Huzzie’s film, what he lacks in height he makes up in speed. Huzzie attacks the ball and plays up field. He also has the speed to match up with running backs coming out of the back field. Look for Huzzie to compete for the starting job this spring and fall.

Ryan Mosby (LB) came to UK as a three-star recruit from Texas. Mosby fits the OLB mold as he is 6’ tall and 200 lbs. Mosby has a good speed running a 4.5 forty-yard dash. Ryan will likely back up Danny Trevathan and compete for playing time this spring. Mosby could be one of the more underrated players heading into spring practice.

Ryan Mossakowski (QB) could be the top recruit from the 2009 class and will battle with Mike Hartline and Morgan Newton for the starting job in 2010. The staff has been impressed with his decision making ability and he could win the starting job this fall. The Texas star has always had great arm strength and needs to show his is fully recovered from his shoulder injury. Many people have written Mossakowski off because of Morgan Newton’s performance last year, but don’t count him out.

Sam Simpson (OL) was one of the prize recruits in the 2009 recruiting class for the Cats. The center could have earned playing time last year, but the staff had some depth and decided to use a red shirt on him. Simpson will compete for the starting job this spring and will likely battle Matt Smith for the starting center job.

Tristian Johnson (DE) is another LaGrange prospect Joker Phillips pulled out of Georgia. With UK’s depth at defensive end in 2009, there was no reason to waste a year of eligibility. Johnson will have to compete for a back up role behind DeQuin Evans, Taylor Wyndham and Collins Ukwu.

The 3 Headed Monster?

The competition at UK for the starting QB position is beginning to get national exposure. Looks like the people over at College Football Talk are getting into the discussion as well.