WBN Nightcap: Meet the 2012 Kentucky Football Walk-ons

Ozzie Sheehan looks good in blue & white.

Here at WBN we have been featuring the incoming class of freshman football players for 2012. It’s a stellar class for Joker Phillips and staff and that praise stretches beyond the 25 scholarship guys signed in February. Tonight we are going to take a look at notable freshman walk-ons for the 2012 class.

WR Austin Sheehan – This name shouldn’t be new if you have followed UK recruiting. Sheehan is a Kentucky boy by way of Highlands HS in Ft. Thomas, where he teamed with new quarterback Patrick Towles to form a potent passing attack. Sheehan committed as a walk-on despite some lower-level scholarship offers and a preferred walk-on offer from Ohio State. He has a bright future and could see the field sooner rather than later.

DB JD Harmon – Another Kentucky product from Paducah, Harmon was very close to getting a scholarship offer but agreed to walk-on this year and try to earn his ride. An explosive athlete many expected to play receiver, was listed as a cornerback when camp opened.

DB Cody Lewis – Lewis is a hard-hitting defensive back from Alcoa, Tennessee. Alcoa has been kind to UK, sending Randall Cobb and DJ Warren to Lexington. Lewis was TN Class 4A All-state. His highlight tape is impressive.

WR Latrell Wilson – Wilson is another guy from Kentucky whom many expected to get a UK offer, but the Cats were in on bigger fish and Wilson was left out. After weighing multiple preferred walk-on offers he decided to become a Wildcat. Wilson is an excellent athlete who may have a better chance at playing defensive back, but will start at receiver.

OL Damon Sprouse – Sprouse was a bit of a surprise, even to those who follow these things closely. He is the highest-rated of this group, holding a 3-star ranking by the major services. He also held scholarship offers from Louisville and Southern Miss, so it is a bit of a mystery why he elected to walk-on.  He is expected to play tackle for Kentucky.

QB Jeff Witthun – Witthun is a big bodied quarterback from Bowling Green, Kentucky. (Greenwood  HS) While his size and QB highlight tape are intriguing, he is likely to chance positions in college. A versatile player, Witthun could grow into a tight end, fullback or linebacker and has experience at those positions in high school.