Recruiting update: Offensive Line
By Paul Jordan
Let’s take a quick look at where Kentucky is in recruiting. So far, we’ve secured commitments from the following players.
Jon Davis – ATH – Louisville, KY
Darrian Miller – OL – Lexington, KY
Glenn Faulkner – DB – East St. Louis, IL
Darien Thomas – ATH – Theodore, AL
Josh Forrest – WR – Paducah, KY
Theltus Cobbins – QB – New Orleans, LA
Antonio Cannon – WR – Central, SC
Looking at these players you can clearly see that Kentucky has made speed and athleticism at the skill positions a top priority. I would expect the Cats to add a couple of additional multifaceted athletes that could play a couple of positions on offense or defense through national signing day.
Now the concern turns to the trenches. Joker and company did a great job of bringing in some skilled defensive linemen last year and I’ll include Tim McAdoo on that list because I think Defensive Tackle is where he eventually ends up. The Offensive line needs a boost now, and I thought I’d identify several potential targets for Kentucky to pursue that casual fans may or may not be familiar with.
Zach West – Lexington, KY – 6’5 300
Has grown up a Kentucky football fan, but he’s taking his visits and letting the recruiting process play out. He could play Tackle or Guard in college.
Zack Templin – Nicholasville, KY – 6’4 290
Relatively new name on the scene. He doesn’t have an offer yet, but he has good size and speed. Could play Tackle or Guard.
Nick Martin Indianapolis, IN – 6’5 275
Dad played for Kentucky, which helps UK. His brother plays for Notre Dame, which doesn’t. Martin would be a big pickup for Kentucky and he grew up a UK fan. He will be a Tackle in college.
Mitch Smothers Springdale, AR – 6’4 280
Coach Summers has been recruiting Smothers since he was at Arkansas. Smothers has good feet for a player his size, but the competition will be stiff. He’s a Tackle prospect.
Tarik Cook Stone Mountain, GA – 6’2 300
Cook plays at Stephenson high school, and has multiple connections to the team. He would be an option to step into the offensive line rotation immediately in college. He could be a Center or Guard in college.
Jonah Austin – New Orleans, LA – 6’7 300
He is a massive prospect with overwhelming natural strength. Just about every school in the south eastern US has offered, so UK is in for a long ride. His teammate Trai Turner as already committed to LSU. He is a Tackle prospect.
Zach DeBell – Tarpon Springs, FL – 6’7 280
Another tall and long player. Debell has great speed for his size and a long reach. Kentucky is recruiting against almost every school in the south east, but has more playing time to offer than some other schools. He is a Tackle prospect.
Pat Flavin – Lisle, IL – 6’7 265
Another 6’7 player with above average athleticism. Flavin has to put some weight on to effectively run block in college. The competition isn’t quite as steep for him as some of the other players Kentucky is after, but pulling a player out of Big 10 country is a hard feat to pull off.
Kiaro Holts – Indianapolis, IN – 6’5 270
Kentucky has been after Holts for a while and his recruitment continues to heat up. He is rumored to be a Virginia Tech lean, but he isn’t officially tipping his hat one way or the other. He is a Tackle or Guard prospect, but also shows promise as a Defensive Tackle.
Cody Robinson – Mc Minnville, TN – 6’4 310
Robinson has some ties to UK. He doesn’t have an offer, but will be attending camp in Lexington this weekend and could get one. He projects as a Guard in college.
Ryan Kelly – West Chester, OH – 6’5 280
He is from Lakota West high school, the same school that produced UK Tight End Alex Smith. He has several offers to choose from and Kentucky is among them. He projects as a Center or Guard in college.
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