There has been a lot of talk about UK's small 2011 Senior Class. Why? Because a small Senior Class means a small recruiting class. The staff will be extremely picky on the players they take in 2011. Remember, the numbers always work out. The program will lose some to grades, some will transfer and Joker may run a few off too.Here is a quick look at who the Cats are losing after next season:
- Mike Hartline (QB)
- Derrick Locke (RB)
- Moncell Allen (RB)
- Kyrus Lanxter (WR)
- Chris Matthews (WR)
- Brad Durham (OL)
- Ricky Lumpkin (DT)
- Shane McCord (DT)
- DeQuinn Evans (DE)
- Jacob Dufrene (LB)
- Brandon Thurmond (LB)
- Paul Warford (CB)
- Randall Cobb (speculating based on NFL Rookie Salary Cap)
Both Jon Davis (Athlete) and Darrian Miller (OL) have committed to UK for 2011. Davis is projected to play tight end, but that could change. Miller will likely play guard on the offensive line. In addition to Davis and Miller (my opinion), the Cats need one QB, one RB, two WR, one OL, two DL, one LB, one CB and one Safety.
Ideally, the Cats find a way to take a second quarterback and a Punter. After next year the Cats will have Newton, Mossakowski and Brause. My fear is either Newton or Mossakowski transfer after another year to compete for playing time elsewhere. If possible, bring in a punter to redshirt and get stronger before Tydlacka graduates. Of the needs I referenced above, the Cats could potentially pass on a linebacker as the staff has several players currently who could make the transition.When factoring in scholarships for 2011, everyone must consider Terrell Combs as well. He is currently not on scholarship, but likely will be in 2011.
You know, I usually agree with much of what you say, but i am not so sure this time.
ReplyDeleteBarring an All-SEC season, which I suppose could happen, I do not see Cobb leaving early. i think his size will continue leave doubts in NFL minds. Nor do i see newton or Mossakowski transferring, regardless of who ends up the starter.
As for recruting needs, unless a RB falls into our hands that we simply cannot turn down, I do not see us going after one next year. I think we load up on BOTH lines -- especially the OL. It seem we have an opportunity to grab a number of good OL next year, and i think we will take as many as we can get.
I agree we will need a QB in the class, and after getting none this year, we will definitely need a couple of WR.
I think LB is a position we could stand firm on if the numbers make it necessary to do so. We have signed a bunch of LB and LB types the last 2 years.
I agree with the above comment concerning Cobb. I think he will stay around for his senior year. I think he has a shot at Competing for All-American honors the next two years.
ReplyDeleteI think we will load up on offensive line players as well. I would love to land Lamar Dawson at LB and some solid WRs.
Where do you get that we'll take 2 O-Linemen next year? We only signed one this year after losing four seniors. Our O-Line numbers are down, below what they should be for a Division I-A Program (15-17 O-Linemen). By my count, we need to sign 4 or 5, unless Chandler Burden, Tyler Robinson, etc. become Offensive Linemen.
ReplyDeleteThis is how I see the 2011 class shaping up. Obviously, this is JMO.
ReplyDeleteTerrell Combs will go on scholarship in 2011 and Ryan Wallace in 2012. The 12 seniors you mentioned will expend their eligibility a year from now.
Randall Cobb will play four years at UK. But 5-6 more scholarships will open up through attrition. Some will be current Cats who can't keep up academically or otherwise, but about 3-4 members of last week's signing class won't make it to campus.
A year from now, Joker will sign 17-18 prospects. None will be JUCOs. There might not be room for any January, 2011, enrollees.
Alex Smith's commitment means Jon Davis will not play TE at UK. I would look for Davis to be developed on the defensive unit, either at SLB or DE.
OFFENSE
QB (1)
WR (2) (Shamir Jeffrey)
OL (4) (*Darrian Miller, Zach West, Nick Martin, Kiaro Holts)
DEFENSE
DE (2) (*Jon Davis)
DT (3)
LB (2) (Lamar Dawson)
CB (1) (Ronnie Harris)
S (2)
* - current UK verbal
I don't think Joker will take a scholarship punter in UK's 2011 class because there just aren't enough scholarships available next year. He can either try to develop a walk-on as UK's future punter, or else he can devote a scholarship to a punter in 2012.
Wow! I think this is one of the most commented threads I've ever started. Good thing we can all express our opinions and make valid points and not take heat for it.
ReplyDeleteIn reference to Cobb, I personally feel he should stay at UK. He needs to have a monster year and show NFL scouts his receiving abilities on a consistent basis. However, I'm suggesting to keep the NFL rookie salary issue in the back of your mind. Cobb is likely a pre season All-American in my opinion.
As far as a punter is concerned, the Cats should consider taking the right one if available. Ideally one that doesn't take a scholly.
UK plans on using McAdoo on the OL, Teven Eatmon will likely end up on the OL instead of tight end. Remember, Va. Tech recruited Tyler Robinson to play center. He could end up on the OL at some point too.
The Cats need to take a QB, Shamir Jeffery is their favorite based on what I've heard. He wants to play QB. He likely would make a better receiver (in my opinion). I think UK gets one of the KY in state QB's for 2011.
I'm suggesting that it's possible for either Newton or Moss to transfer. I'm not saying it will happen. Again, it's another thought to keep in the back of your mind.
I agree with the last poster. UK will end up taking more than 12-13 recruits next season. The intent of my post was based on the current roster, etc.
Thanks for following the site.
Aaron
We need OL (4-5) for sure in the '11 class. And always add at least 2 DT's in each class. 2-3 WR in '11 dependeing on how certain players (Adams, Boyd, Fields) develop this season.
ReplyDeleteWasn't Mansour rated a pretty good punter coming out of high school this year in addition to having a great kicking leg? Just a thought, but if we have him do it all after Tydlacka graduates, we could save a scholarship for another position
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure about Mansour's punting ability, but that would be awesome. Typically guys don't handle both duties.
ReplyDeleteYes, Mansour is a heckuva punter and I believe he has a 4.4/4.5 40 time, which presents opportunites for a fake or two.
ReplyDelete