Kentucky Wildcats Football: Recapping Kentucky's current commitments

It’s Sunday and you just got done with the big post-church lunch. I know what you’re thinking… You wish someone would give you an extremely long breakdown of the Kentucky Football commitments so you have something to read while you sit in your vegetative state waiting for all the food to digest. Distress Not! I hear your pleas and have compiled an extensive breakdown of said players along with their various ratings and rankings in the four primary football recruiting databases. Enjoy!
*Note: Number in parenthesis indicates rank at respective position nationally

Patrick Towles – QB – 6’5 / 235 – Ft. Thomas, KY
Rivals: 3-Star QB (#14)
Scout: 3-Star QB (#33)
ESPN: 4-Star ATH (#41)
24/7: 4-Star QB (#10)

The Patrick Towles vs. Zeke Pike debate started over a year ago and has played out in Kentucky’s favor. While Pike was more highly regarded initially, Towles has surpassed him in two of the four major recruit databases as of today. Towles is the grandson of former major league baseball player Jim Bunning and reportedly ‘bleeds blue’ as a lifelong UK fan. While he may need some polishing when he arrives in Lexington and will not be able to enroll early due to his school district’s policies, Towles looks to have as much upside as any quarterback from Kentucky in a long time.

Dy’Shawn Mobley – RB – 6’0 / 215 – Powell, TN
Rivals: 3-Star RB (NR)
Scout: Not Rated RB
ESPN: 2-Star RB (#109)
24/7: 2-Star RB (NR)

As the Wildcats’ most recent commitment, Mobley actually cast his lot with Joker and company prior to the win over Tennessee. He was waiting on an official offer from Kentucky and as soon as he got it, he was in the fold. Shortly thereafter, Mississippi State and other BCS schools tried to get into the picture, but Mobley has remained committed. His addition to this class helps ease the loss of Shadrach Thorton (who decommitted) and he will hopefully be the power-back the Wildcats have been missing since Atrose Pinner graduated.

DeMarcus Sweat – WR – 6’2 / 185 – Stone Mountain, GA
Rivals: 3-Star WR (NR)
Scout: 3-Star WR (#122)
ESPN: 3-Star WR (#88)
24/7: 3-Star WR (#127)

Sweat committed to Kentucky way back in May and has seen his stock rise considerably since then. With a lack of proven playmakers at the wide receiver position, he will likely have an opportunity to play very early in his career at Kentucky. Noted for his speed and big play ability, there’s a good chance that we see Sweat returning kicks for the Wildcats too.

Jordan Watson – OG – 6’4 / 285 – Fayetteville, GA
Rivals: 3-Star OG (#50)
Scout: 3-Star OG (#41)
ESPN: 3-Star OG (#76)
24/7: 3-Star OG (#39)

Of all the commitments Kentucky has received so far, perhaps none are more exciting to true football fans than Watson’s. He is a throw-back type of guard that has the size and strength to be a devastating run blocker, yet the athleticism to pass protect and pull from the line of scrimmage. He will be rejoined with former teammate Josh Clemons and the two could be a formidable duo for SEC defenses for years to come.

Zach Myers – OG – 6’4 / 290 – Miamisburg, OH
Rivals: 3-Star OG (#49)
Scout: 3-Star OG (#83)
ESPN: 3-Star OG (#75)
24/7: 2-Star OG (#80)

When Myers first committed to Kentucky, it was met with very little fanfare. His stock has risen considerably since then as have his rankings, finalized with a top 50 rating from rivals. His father is a former Kentucky football player too, so the pedigree is there. Myers will come to Lexington at the most opportune time as well. With four graduating seniors along the offensive line, playing time may come sooner rather than later for Myers.

Darone Bailey – OG – 6’6 / 315 – Cleveland, MS
Rivals: 3-Star OG (NR)
Scout: 2-Star OG (JC)
ESPN: Not Rated OT (NR)
24/7: 3-Star OG (NR)

Do not let the rankings fool you; Bailey is one of the key cogs for the Kentucky recruiting class. He will be enrolling at UK in January after two years in junior college and will be in Lexington for spring practices. Bailey did suffer a set-back in the form of a knee injury that he will have to overcome, but with four graduating seniors and the possible departure of Larry Warford to the NFL, Bailey will be needed right away. Take his ratings with a grain of salt, as JUCO players do not typically receive the billing of incoming freshmen from recruiting services.

Jon Toth – OL – 6’5 / 290 – Indianapolis, IN
Rivals: 2-Star OT (NR)
Scout: 3-Star OT (#60)
ESPN: 2-Star OT (#168)
24/7: 3-Star OG (#30)

Versatility is the name of the game for Toth. With so many holes to fill along the offensive line, Toth’s ability to play guard or tackle in college will be a huge advantage to both himself and the Kentucky team. Like most freshmen offensive linemen, Toth will probably need a redshirt season to improve his strength and prepare physically for SEC play. Once he is ready though, he could be one of the surprise players in this class.

Jordan Swindle – OT – 6’8 / 310 – St. John’s, FL
Rivals: 3-Star OT (#71)
Scout: 2-Star OT (NR)
ESPN: 3-Star OT (#102)
24/7: 2-Star OT (#117)

As a mountain of a human being, Jordan Swindle is almost certainly headed for offensive tackle in college. His 6’8 frame will allow him to reach smaller defenders that a shorter tackle could not. Swindle will be coming to Lexington at a great time for a tackle too. With Chandler burden graduating and Darrian Miller looking like the starter at left tackle, Swindle could potentially take over after his redshirt sophomore season…or sooner if Miller leaves early for the NFL.

T.J. Jones – OT – 6’5 / 275 – Myrtle Beach, SC
Rivals: 2-Star OT (NR)
Scout: 2-Star OT (NR)
ESPN: 2-Star OT (#109)
24/7: 2-Star OT (#173)

Every year Kentucky gets a “WHO?” commitment from a player that most fans didn’t even know they were recruiting. The 2012 recruiting class’s version of that guy is T.J. Jones. After a flurry of offensive linemen committed to the Wildcats, Jones cast his lot with Kentucky as well and shows the potential to be very good. He is a little light by SEC standards (as most high school seniors are), but a season or two in Rock Oliver’s strength and conditioning program could have him ready to play sooner than anyone expected.

Thomas Chapman – DT – 6’4 / 290 – Louisville, KY
Rivals: 4-Star DT (#20)
Scout: 3-Star DT (#38)
ESPN: 3-Star DT (#58)
24/7: 3-Star DT (#31)

It’s kind of surprising how much respect Chapman has received from all of the recruiting services. It isn’t that he’s not talented at all, but players that commit to a school as early as Chapman did usually don’t get the love that he has. To add to that, he also missed his junior season with a knee injury. Regardless, Chapman has been committed to the Wildcats since junior day back in February and has never waivered. With the move to the new 3-4 defensive looks and the need for bigger and stronger linemen, don’t be surprised if Chapman is on the field as a true freshman.

Tyrone Pearson – DT – 6’ 2 / 275 – Louisville, KY
Rivals: 3-Star DT (#36)
Scout: 3-Star DT (#84)
ESPN: 3-Star DT (#37)
24/7: 3-Star DE (#40)

Pearson has had a whirlwind surrounding his recruitment from the beginning. He originally committed to Louisville, then he decommitted. Then he committed to Louisville again and moved from the city to Indianapolis. He then decommitted again, and then moved back to Kentucky before finally giving the Wildcats his verbal. All the while, there has been a concern that he may not qualify academically to enroll wherever he chooses to go to school. If everything works out and Pearson is able to make it to campus, he is one of the recruits fans should be most excited about. His blend of size and speed will remind some of a young Warren Sapp on the interior of the line and he should be able to compete at both defensive end and defensive tackle in Kentucky’s defensive scheme.

Patrick Graffree – DT – 6’4 / 275 – Cecilia, KY
Rivals: 3-Star DT (NR)
Scout: 2-Star DE (#157)
ESPN: 3-Star DT (#100)
24/7: 3-Star DT (#64)

Like many of the other Kentucky verbals, Graffree didn’t get a lot of notice until he committed to the Wildcats. He went largely unnoticed after moving outside of Elizabethtown from Alabama and flew under the radar of not only fans and scouts, but also many coaches. After a huge showing at one of Kentucky’s camps, Graffree was offered on the spot and committed to joining the Wildcats’ 2012 class. With the departures of both Mark Crawford and Luke McDermott, Graffree should have a chance to come in and compete early in his career. His versatility will allow him to play defensive tackle or defensive end in college.

Daniel Ross – DE – 6’5 / 280 – Jeffersontown, KY
Rivals: 3-Star DE (NR)
Scout: 3-Star DE (#82)
ESPN: 2-Star DE (#215)
24/7: 3-Star DE (#34)

Ross was rumored to be a Kentucky commitment long before news broke that he had indeed given a verbal pledge to the staff. As a jumbo defensive end, Ross is another versatile defensive lineman that should be able to move inside to tackle when needed or could bulk up and become a defensive tackle full-time. Uncertainty about his ability to qualify has probably scared off bigger schools, but their loss looks to be Kentucky’s gain. If he is able to

Langston Newton – DE – 6’5 / 240 – Carmel, IN
Rivals: 3-Star DE (#40)
Scout: 3-Star DE (#96)
ESPN: 3-Star DE (#69)
24/7: 3-Star DE (#28)

Most Kentucky fans will recognize Langston as Morgan Newton’s little brother first, but there’s much more to him than that. Langston will be playing on defense when he gets to Lexington and might have a higher upside than his brother has because of the position differences. He’s an excellent thrower in track and field and has been offered scholarships to compete in track at multiple schools. Newton will probably need a year or two to put on the weight required of a defensive end in Kentucky’s scheme or he might be plugged into the hybrid defensive end/linebacker role currently manned by Ridge Wilson and Bud Dupree.

Daron Blaylock – LB – 6’0 / 220 – Marietta, GA
Rivals: 3-Star S (NR)
Scout: 3-Star OLB (#92)
ESPN: 2-Star OLB (#115)
24/7: 3-Star ILB (#30)

As the bigger half of the Blaylock twins, Daron looks destined to play linebacker when he gets to college. He’s a big, tough player with a nose for the football and a knack for making plays. At 220 pounds, he’ll come to Lexington a lot bigger than most of Kentucky’s linebacker recruits have over the past few years, but don’t let his size fool you. He is fast for a guy his size. Blaylock will be big player for Kentucky in the not-to-distant future, but is likely headed for a redshirt season with the current roster’s depth of young linebackers.

Kadeem Thomas – LB – 6’0 / 230 – Tallahassee, FL
Rivals: 3-Star ILB (#38)
Scout: 3-Star MLB (#45)
ESPN: 3-Star ILB (#38)
24/7: 3-Star ILB (#32)

The Wildcats are sure to miss the production of Danny Trevathan, Winston Guy, and Ronnie Sneed after all three have exhausted their eligibility. Thomas might be one of the few incoming freshmen that might be able to play immediately due to his natural athletic ability and already having the type of size necessary to play linebacker in Kentucky’s defense. Thomas will have some big shoes to fill, but as a guy that is a consensus top-50 player nationally at his position, he has plenty of talent as well.

Josh Harris – DB/LB – 6’1 / 205 – Maysville, KY
Rivals: 3-Star S (NR)
Scout: 3-Star RB (#59)
ESPN: 3-Star OLB (#86)
24/7: 3-Star ATH (#93)

It seems like the scouting services can’t really decide on a position to designate Harris to. He’s listed as a safety, running back, and linebacker by three of the four websites. The 24/7 sports network probably did the most prudent thing by just tagging him as an ‘Athlete.’ Due to Harris’ versatility, he will have the opportunity to do various things for the Wildcats when he gets to Lexington, but all indications are that he will be playing on the defensive side of the ball. He probably fits best into the role of a safety/linebacker hybrid that was manned by outgoing senior Winston Guy this season. Harris will be coming off of a foot injury when he gets to campus though, so a redshirt year is likely for him to get back to 100% and learn the new position.

Fred Tiller – DB – 6’1 / 180 – Homerville, GA
Rivals: 3-Star ATH (#47)
Scout: 3-Star CB (#66)
ESPN: 3-Star ATH (#90)
24/7: 3-Star ATH (#92)

The general consensus amongst the databases is that Tiller is just an ‘Athlete.’ The guy can do a little bit of everything and would have a bright future at either wide receiver or defensive back. It appears that Kentucky is planning on playing Tiller at defensive back and due to the departures of both Jerrell Priester and Dale Trimble from the 2010 recruiting class, Tiller may be on the field sooner rather than later if he sticks at cornerback. He has top-flight speed and the ability to return kicks or punts as well. No freshman is ever a lock to play right away, but barring injury, Tiller is pretty darn close.

Zach Blaylock – DB – 5’11 / 185 – Marietta, GA
Rivals: 3-Star S (NR)
Scout: 3-Star S (#51)
ESPN: 2-Star S (#106)
24/7: 3-Star S (#70)

Zack is a little smaller and more athletic than his brother Daron, and probably figures to play in the defensive backfield in college. Like his twin, he has excellent speed and athletic ability and can reportedly jump out of the gym too. With a father like former NBA point guard Mookie Blaylock, that’s not exactly surprising. With the departures of Taiedo Smith and Mychal Bailey to graduation, Martavius Neloms and Mikie Benton both slated to be seniors in 2012, and 2011 recruits Ashely Lowery, Glenn Faulkner, and Eric Dixon all playing as true freshmen, Blaylock could see the field as a true freshman to provide depth or may redshirt to get some separation between the other players at his position.

Jonathan Reed – DB – 5’10 / 180 – Indianapolis, IN
Rivals: 3-Star CB (NR)
Scout: 3-Star CB (#94)
ESPN: 3-Star CB (#42)
24/7: 3-Star CB (#74)

The depth at cornerback for Kentucky is border lining on desperate after sophomore Jerrell Priester and redshirt freshman Dale Trimble both left the team in 2011. Luckily, Reed will come in this fall as a capable replacement and has the type of speed necessary to keep up with SEC receivers. The task of grasping the playbook is always tough for a freshman, but Reed has the type of ability that can overcome inexperience and he will be a threat to take any interceptions back for a touchdown on every play. Normally it’s ideal to redshirt as many players as possible, but talent and need could force Reed onto the field right away.

Shawn Blaylock – DB – 6’0 / 180 – Stone Mountain, GA
Rivals: 3-Star CB (NR)
Scout: 3-Star CB (#74)
ESPN: Not Rated (NR)
24/7: 3-Star WR (#134)

For a player from Stephenson High School’s standards, Blaylock has flown under the radar throughout his senior season. As a receiver and noted return man, Blaylock has garnered attention with the ball in his hands, but all indications are that he is headed to the defensive side of the ball in college. As mentioned above for Reed and Tiller, the timing couldn’t be better for Blaylock. A lack of depth could push him ion the field early, but Blaylock is a raw athlete with a ton of upside. A redshirt season would do him a lot of good.

Jacoby Glenn – DB – 6’1 / 175 – Prichard, AL
Rivals: 3-Star CB (NR)
Scout: 2-Star S (NR)
ESPN: 3-Star S (#66)
24/7: 2-Star S (#90)

Glenn will travel to Kentucky from Tee Martin’s backyard down in the Mobile Bay area. He’s a defensive back all the way, but he could fill in for the Wildcats at both corner and safety similar to what his former teammate Eric Dixon did this season. Prichard has great height for a cornerback and his athletic ability will help him compete with the bigger SEC receivers for jump balls. If he sticks at Safety though, expect Tiller to redshirt and add some weight before contributing. Wither way, Kentucky is adding another talented player to a need position.

Landon Foster – K/P – 6’2 / 180 – Thompson’s Station, TN
Rivals: 2-Star P (NR)
Scout: 3-Star K (#8)
ESPN: 2-Star K (#41)
24/7: 2-Star K (#8)

Kickers and punters often get overlooked in recruiting, but as Alabama can tell you, they can be the difference between a huge win and a loss. Foster has the ability to play kicker or punter in college and will probably be placed at whichever position current Wildcat Joe Mansour is NOT playing. With kicker Craig McIntosh slated to be a senior next season and punter Ryan Tydlacka having exhausted his eligibility this season, I would bet Mansour works as Kentucky’s primary punter and Foster is groomed to take over for McIntosh with the placekicking duties. Either way, a redshirt season would be the best thing for Foster’s development.

Austin Sheehan – WR – 5’10 / 160 – Ft. Thomas, KY
Rivals: Not Rated WR (NR)
Scout: 2-Star WR (#194)
ESPN: Not in database
24/7: Not in database

The oft-forgotten walk-on commitment in the 2012 class, Sheehan will rejoin his high school quarterback, Patrick Towles, at Kentucky. While he isn’t the biggest or fastest player the Wildcats will have at receiver, he might be one of the most productive pass-catchers in Kentucky high school history. He was injured against Johnson Central late in the season, but through the first twelve games of the season Sheehan was able to put up astonishing numbers. He had 29 catches for 1,013 yards and eight touchdowns. That’s 34.9 yards per catch. If he can get healthy, he could very well be THE surprise player from the 2012 class.