Alex Smith (TE) recruitment was very interesting as he initially committed to Cincinnati, then decommitted to choose North Carolina before finally signing with Kentucky. In the end, Joker Phillips seemed to be the reason Smith picked the Cats. Smith is UK's highest rated recruit in the 2010 class. He has the size and speed to be a real playmaker at Tight End. UK needs someone to step in at tight end to make plays and Smith could be the guy.My guess is Ryan Wallace will be the starting Tight End against Louisville with Smith competing with Anthony Kendrick and Jordan Aumiller for playing time. It appears Smith grew up a UK fan and is now living out his dream of playing for UK. Like most UK fans, I'm anxious to see Smith step on the field and play.
What I want is a TE that can catch the ball! Blocking is a plus, but for once I'd like this position to have a great pair of hands, we don't need a Jacob Tamme we need them to be themselves, feel comfortable within themselves. Know the position, know the routes, know the blocks and quit leaving the catchable ones on the ground. As a one time coach told me "Your gonna get hit, might as well catch it anyway." No brainer there geez!
ReplyDeleteA couple of other points should be made about UK's TEs.
ReplyDeleteFirstly, walk-on Nick Melillo is the only TE on UK's 2010 roster who has ever played before in a D-1 game. We should not forget that.
Alex Smith and Ryan Wallace are likely to become UK's top two TEs in 2010 because they are the biggest, most athletic TEs on UK's roster. But neither has ever played in a D-1 game before. Wallace has an opportunity to get in some work in spring drills, while Smith will have to wait until August camp.
But Wallace is more of a blocker than a pass receiver. Wallace can catch a pass, of course, but he won't ever be the same kind of receiver as Smith. Smith has enough speed and athleticism to get downfield and catch passes all over the field, while Wallace will not be much of a receiving threat.
The question is not so much who will start. All of these kids should be viewed for now as "situational" players. Wallace will get snaps in spring drills, and should come out of the drills as a viable blocker. But Wallace's receiving skills are a work in progress.
Kendrick and Aumiller are very raw, and not big enough to be impact blockers at this stage of their careers. I expect Kendrick to play before Aumiller, but Kendrick will have to compete with Melillo for snaps as the "flex receiver". Because they are much lighter, none of those three can compete with Wallace (or Smith) when it comes to blocking in UK's running game.
Smith is the one and only athlete in the rotation who is a potential every-down TE. Smith is big enough to block and athletic enough to become a serious receiving threat. Joker will need to work Smith into his offense quickly because Smith can directly help the QB, whoever that turns out to be. Smith is obviously inexperienced, but he is the only potential difference-maker in UK's 2010 TE rotation.
With that said, John Connor's graduation means Joker will use more two-TE sets in 2010.
Alex smith will set records at UK undoubtedly. He is the biggest and top recruit because that's where he wants to be. I can't wait to watch him play. He has never wanted to be compared to Tamme, the media handled that one. Is it nice being "like" someone that's made it to where he is trying get (nfl) but in reality that is his own personal goal. He will shock everyone with his tremendous success and maturity on the field wait and watch.
ReplyDeleteThis Kid was on ESPN.... In HIGHSCHOOL. AMAZING! For the person who said he wants a TE tht can catch check him out. YouTube: Alex Smith Lakota West vs Dayton Wayne ESPN number 8 on the count down!!! P.s he had two broken bandaged Fingers with Dr. Restrictions not to play. The kid took the cast off himself and chose to play in the game.* I'm pretty sure that's heart* any more comments?????? :0) didnt think so
ReplyDeleteAppreciate it you guys believe it or not this is me see you all this season. I love fans this is what makes up kentucky athletics.
ReplyDeletealways
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