WBN Nightcap: Farewell Sam Simpson

 Well another scholarship has opened up for Kentucky’s recruiting class. It looks like Junior Center Sam Simpson is giving up football due to the back injuries that have hampered him for a couple of years. One would assume Simpson learned that his condition would not improve or that it was inadvisable for him to continue to play. He’s a smart, tough, coach’s kid from Lexington’s Henry Clay HS, he wouldn’t quit for no reason. He will stay with the team as a student-assistant for this season. It will be a good start in case he decides to follow in his father’s footsteps. Sadly this situation brings to mind the Josh Minton situation; UK beats out powerhouse programs for a top-rated Kentucky recruit but he gets injured in practice and never plays a game. A shame as both players could have really helped the program on the field and off. Best of luck to Sam as he moves to the next phase of his life.

As far as the scholarships go, this should bump them up to 18 available. It’s still not a full class but there will likely be 2-3 more defections before signing day.  UK’s coaches are being selective with who’s verbals they are accepting right now and I think that is prudent. When you are working with a smaller group to sign, it could be devastating for late flips to occur or to fill up early with developmental prospects when you need early-impact players.

Speaking of which, Bleed Blue Kentucky tweeted today that there may be a new commitment this weekend. No indication who it is but if I had to guess I would say it’s among : ATH Darren Dowdell, WR Tyree Harris,  DB Solomon Warfield, or OL Ramsey Meyers. Of course there is always the chance of a mystery recruit or player who hadn’t indicated strong interest in UK. Alvonte Bell came out of left field. Reese Phillips only generated buzz in the days leading up to his commitment.  Despite what you may have heard, it is an exciting time to be a Wildcat football fan. #WeAreUK