by Kyle
Kentucky has historically struggled in the defensive secondary more than in other position groups, but in the past few years fans have seen an injection of talent and better coaching, producing better play. Losing seniors Trevard Lindley, Ashton Cobb, and Calvin Harrison was a blow to an already thin secondary, but the addition of several new recruits should help boost the overall athleticism of the unit and add depth.
MYCHAL BAILEY – LAGRANGE, GA
6’0 185
Since he originally signed with Kentucky in 2008, Bailey has drawn rave reviews from scouts and coaches alike. He is a “head-hunter” style safety that has the speed to cover receivers on passing plays, and the strength to come up and thump runners on rushing plays. As a testament to his big-hit ability, some scouting services even consider him a candidate to play linebacker. After much anticipation, it was learned that Bailey would not enroll in January, putting his eligibility into question. If everything goes well and he is able to enroll for summer camp, most fully expect Bailey to be a contender for one of the two starting safety positions.
JOSH GIBBS – VALENCIA, CA
5’10 190
Gibbs enrolled at UK in January, which will give him a considerable advantage in the battle for one of the starting safety jobs. He is fast, but not a blazer. He’s strong, but not a brute. Gibbs does stand out on video for reading plays well and locating the ball. With the loss of two senior safeties, Gibbs should be expected to contribute heavily on nickel and dime packages as well as a key special teams performer at the very least.
JERRELL PRIESTER – ULMER, SC
5’9 170
Being committed to Vanderbilt for months didn’t stop Joker Phillips from continuing to pursue Priester. He has elite speed for any position, being clocked in as fast as 4.31 seconds in the 40-yard dash. The main knock on Priester is his marginal height, but after it was announced that he would start off as a defensive back, that became less of a factor. Kentucky’s website lists Priester as an ATH, so don’t be surprised to see him lining up on offense at various positions at some point in his career. His biggest dividends might be paid on special teams where he has the ability to take a punt or kickoff to the house at any time.
ERIC SIMMONS – ATLANTA, GA
6’0 185
Simmons started out the season as the overlooked teammate of four star Clemson commit Darius Robinson. After bringing Robinson and Simmons to Kentucky for a visit, the cats decided to offer Simmons a scholarship and he accepted shortly thereafter. He began the season unranked on almost every recruiting service, and now ESPN has him listed as the #25 cornerback in the country. He has speed and agility to burn, and his size will allow him to match up nicely to taller SEC receivers. He also has potential in the return game.
DALE TRIMBLE – GADSDEN, AL
5’10 175
Trimble was probably the recruit Kentucky fans were most worried about changing his mind at the eleventh hour. The cornerback from Alabama opened some eyes during the season, but afterwards in the AL/MS all-star game, he outplayed much higher ranked players on his way to earning MVP. Trimble should be an immediate factor in the defensive backfield, and barring injury, most would be shocked if he does not make the cornerback rotation as a true freshman.
Keep following www.http://wildcatbluenation.com for the best in Kentucky basketball and football news, rumors, and opinions. By Kentucky fans for Kentucky fans