UK's 2010 Outlook and Recruiting Update

I have received emails and request from followers to give my insight to the 2010 recruiting class and UK’s roster for next season. UK had another good season finishing 7-5 and will play in their fourth consecutive bowl game. UK has a chance to be very good again next season and move up the SEC ladder. Winning is the key to recruiting and UK's recruiting will only continue to get better. UK's best recruiting class was 2009 since 2002 based on star ranking. The 2010 class is another solid class for the program.

The coaching staff has taken some criticism this season for their recruiting efforts. UK's staff does not buy into “star rankings”. The coaching staff has their own evaluation process and ranks players accordingly. UK looks for players that fit their system and style. Typically programs create a recruiting board by position and rank the players they want. As a player commits or the coaches feel they have no shot, they scratch the player off the board. In UK’s case for 2010, the coaches are more concerned about signing the best available athlete more so than a specific position. Of the current 21 commits, there are seven players that could potentially play multiple positions. UK is currently involved with about 20 solid recruits and many of them could play multiple positions.

Scholarships are an issue at this point with returning players and verbal commitments. There will be some players on the current roster that will graduate early, transfer or not play due to academic issues. Remember, the numbers always work out. UK did not want to take a bunch of early commitments in case higher profile players became available. If higher profile recruits become available, then the staff will encourage some current commits to take other visits or stop recruiting them. Once a player commits, the coaches don’t stop recruiting them unless there is a better option. Sometimes recruiting is not fair, I have personally been through the process and sometimes it’s not fun for the player or the coaches.

In my opinion, here is a quick breakdown by position for 2010. Based on the numbers, UK would already be over the NCAA maximum 85 scholarships for 2010 if nothing changed today.

Quarterback- UK needs to take one player as Newton or Mossakowski will not want to be a backup for their tenure. Also, Will Fidler is likely not returning for his senior season. It’s always good to take a quarterback in every class. UK is involved with Dominique Blackman (Juco), Jamius Gunsby and Hutson Mason for 2010. The Cats are also recruiting Greg Franklin from Georgia, but he could play receiver or cornerback as well. Franklin has stated he would like to play offense in college. The Cats received a commitment from Tyler Brause who plays quarterback, but is likely to change positions at UK.

Running Back- UK needs to sign at least two in this class. Derrick Locke is the “X” factor in my opinion. Locke could skip his senior season and turn pro. If that happens, expect Moncell Allen and Donald Russell to carry the load. Raymond Sanders is currently committed and UK is involved with 4-5 others. UK plays in the SEC and needs depth. Potential commits are D.J. Howard, Austin Collinsworth, Rajaan Bennett, Miles Simpson and Trevaughn Brooks.

Full Back- This position is hard to predict in my opinion. UK needs a good blocking back. Someone has to take the place of John Conner. The Cats list three returning players on their roster, but none have much playing experience. One of the linebackers could potentially move to this position next season. Also, UK is recruiting Lamar Dawson from Boyle County, KY who could play either fullback or linebacker. Moncell Allen has the frame, but I don’t know if he has the blocking ability to get the job done. It is very unlikely that a true freshman would start at fullback next season.

Wide Receiver- UK needs to sign at least one quality receiver in this class. However, this position is not a must in my opinion. UK returns 11 receivers for 2010 including a red shirted Aaron Boyd and Brian Adams. Selling recruits on playing time will be tough, unless they are a very special player. UK is in the mix with 3-4 recruits who could play receiver in the SEC. Potential commits are Dwayne Frampton (Juco), Duncan McGriff (Juco), Maudrecus Humphrey, Robert Johnson and possibly Dyjuan Lewis again.

Tight End- UK will return three players and currently have several commits that could end up playing tight end. Also, Terrell Mitchell who committed to UK last year could possibly grey shirt and enroll in January. If Mitchell lands on campus, expect him to contribute immediately. Some people want Aaron Boyd to move to tight end, but I don’t think Boyd has the strength to block on a consistent basis. UK has received commitments from Tyler Robinson, Nermin Delic, Teven Eatmon and Ronnie Shields. In my opinion, UK’s offense will really open up if someone will step up at this position for 2010.

Center- The Cats are lacking some depth at Center. The Cats red-shirted Sam Simpson this season, but it appears he will back up Matt Smith for 2010. Also, there have been some reports that UK commit Tyler Robinson could potentially play Center instead of tight end or defensive end. UK really needs to sign one center in this class and any potential recruits are flying under the radar.

Guard- UK is returning five guards and I expect Stuart Hines, Jake Lanefski and Larry Warford to receive the bulk of playing time. UK had offered O.C. Brown (Memphis, TN) and Eric Mack (St. Matthews, SC) for 2010. Brown has committed to Southern Miss and Mack has committed to South Carolina. I’ve heard grades could be an issue for Brown and Mack will likely stay in South Carolina for family reasons. UK is still recruiting Brandon Clark from Georgia, but it’s unclear if the Cats have extended an offer. It would be great to see UK sign one player for 2010.

Tackle- The Cats return six tackles, including Billy Joe Murphy, Dave Ulinski and Brad Durham. These three will receive the bulk of playing time. This is another area where UK needs to improve depth. UK missed out on Skyler Schofner (Michigan State), but are still in the mix with Kenarious Gates from Georgia. UK also has Trevino Woods, Kevin Mitchell and incoming freshman Teven Eatmon could potentially make the switch.

Defensive Tackle- The Cats lose Corey Peters and his presence will be missed. The load will be carried by Ricky Lumpkin, Shane McCord and Mark Crawford. UK returns seven players and has received commitments from Tim McAdoo and Brice Laughlin, who both have great upside. UK is still actively recruiting Jared Morse who is currently committed to Vanderbilt and Byron Bennett who appears to be a long shot.

Defensive End- The Cats have built some depth at defensive end. DeQuin Evans, Taylor Wyndham, Collins Ukwu and Chandler Burden should receive most of the playing time. UK returns sevens players and has two commitments from Justin Henderson and Alvin Davis. UK has great pass rushers, but need guys to step up and stop the run as well. The Cats are also involved with Kyle Sharman (Juco), Tim Patterson, Trevaughn Faircloth, Kendrick Frazier and Mike Douglas for 2010. Donte Rumph is rumored to enroll in January as a grey-shirt. He could compete for playing time as well.

Strong Linebacker- This position is tough to project as players could easily move from strong to weak side, etc. I’ll take my best guess. UK returns four players in Jacob Dufrene, Ridge Wilson and Jordan Aumiller. The Cats have received a commitment from Jabari Johnson for 2010. If Ridge Wilson has a good spring, he has a chance to start next season. The Cats are still recruiting Patrick Swilling, Curtis Weatherspoon and Marcus Thomas for 2010 as well.

Middle Linebacker- The Cats lose Micah Johnson, but linebacker coach, Chuck Smith, feels that Ronnie Sneed could be the next Sam Maxwell. Qua Huzzie had to red shirt this season due to an injury, but was competing for a back up position during camp. UK has also secured a commitment from Avery Williamson for 2010. Williamson looks like could contribute early too based on his ability. Again, players can move around based on needs.

Weak Linebacker- Danny Trevathan started in 2009 and has the job locked up until he leaves. UK returns four players and has received a commitment from Malcolm McDuffen for 2010. McDuffen is pretty raw and I expect him to red shirt next season. I expect Brandon Thurmond and William Johnson to back up Trevathan.

Cornerback- The Cats lose Trevard Lindley, but return some experience as well. UK will likely start Paul Warford and Randall Burden in 2010. However, I expect Cartier Rice and Martavious Neloms to receive playing time as well. UK returns five players and has received commitments from Eric Simmons, Anterio Sloan and Dale Trimble. The staff has sold recruits on competing for playing time and all three recruits have great ability. UK put emphasis on recruiting speed and covering abilities. The future looks bright for UK at cornerback. Other potential commitments could be Xavier McFadden, Lamar Ivey, Jerrell Priester and Tee Howell for 2010. Both Ivey, Priester and Howell could play other positions as well.

Free Safety- Winston Guy started in 2009 and that won’t change in 2010. UK returns Taiedo Smith and has three commits who project to play safety in college including Juco transfer Mychal Bailey. Davin Hawkins commitment flew under the radar due to an injury, but he was receiving interest from other SEC schools. Also, Ryan Smith is listed as an athlete and could play multiple positions, however most project him as a safety in college.

Strong Safety- UK returns Matt Lentz and Jarvis Walker for 2010. Lentz should receive most of the playing time. Personally, I think Lentz should move to linebacker as sometimes it appears he does not have the speed to play safety in the SEC. UK has received a commitment from Josh Gibbs (Juco) for 2010. Steve Brown loves to run the Nickel package so the Cats need to identify their play maker at this position for 2010.

Kicker & Punter- UK returns Ryan Tydlacka and Craig McIntosh for 2010. McIntosh is a walk-on and mainly handled kick offs for UK. Many expect Joe Mansour, UK commit, to make an immediate impact next season. I have watch video of Mansour and he has a very strong leg. However, McIntosh will push Mansour during camp next fall. It's great to have competition for the kicking job.

Chuck Smith (UK's Recruiting Coordinator) stated the Cats would sign 22 players for 2010. He made the statement before Will Fidler announced he would not be returning. Coach Smith is likely assuming Locke doesn't turn pro. Right now, the Cats have 21 commitments for 2010. UK is in a great position with verbal commitments and available recruits. Of the recruits mentioned above who are still uncommitted, I would like to see UK sign six of them for 2010 (QB-1, RB-2, OG-1, OT-1, DE-1, Ath-1). As Rich Brooks has said, UK will continue to sign players who can win in the SEC. The future looks bright for UK and the program's best days are ahead.