Kentucky Wildcats Football Recruiting: Trying to figure out who the surprise recruit might be.
By Kyle
Each year Kentucky gets a ‘surprise’ commitment on national signing day that no one saw coming. In years past, guys like Jonathan George, Collins Ukwu, Brandon Gainer, Alex Smith among others have picked the Cats when few people even knew Kentucky was in consideration. So who might the surprise recruit be this year? I don’t have any idea, but here are a few guesses…
Jarnor Jones – DB – 6’4 / 190 – Lithonia, GA
While there is a chance that Jones could be the mystery recruit, I don’t think it’s him. He plays a position Kentucky could use some help at and is a talented player, but word of his visit traveled quickly and now most fans are aware of the mutual interest between he and the Wildcats.
Sterling Wright – DB – 6’1 / 205 – Charlotte, NC
Similar to Jones, Wright would be a great addition to the class. He plays safety, where the Cats could use some help, and is a talented option to add to the defensive backfield. That said, his visit is now well known and a commitment from him would probably not surprise anyone.
K.J. Maye – ATH – 5’10 / 193 – Mobile, AL
Maye’s name popped up suddenly this week. The Minnesota commit is from Tee Martin’s hometown of Mobile and could actually be plugged in at a couple of different positions in college. It’s unclear exactly how difficult it might be to flip him, but you have to think the mild winters in Lexington would be more appealing than the brutal winters of Minnesota to a kid from Mobile.
Jalen Whitlow – ATH – 6’3 / 200 – Prattville, AL
The interest in Whitlow has just picked up for Kentucky and he might seem like a curious option at first glance. With Patrick Towles already in the fold, the Cats don’t really need another quarterback in this class…but Whitlow might be an exception. Whitlow is athletic enough to play multiple other positions and from a national powerhouse in Prattville High School. He is a serious possibility to be the mystery recruit, but he’s still publicly committed to Arkansas State.
Anthony Wales – RB – 5’9 / 170 – Louisville, KY
I highly doubt that Wales would be considered a surprise by anyone who follows recruiting.
MeKale McKay – WR – 6’6 / 192 – Louisville, KY
He’s been committed to UTEP for a while, which made sense. McKay is from Texas and UTEP has offered him an opportunity to play basketball and football. While he probably won’t get the opportunity to suit up for the basketball team at Kentucky, McKay has the type of talent to make a big impact for the Wildcats in the toughest conference in the country. I think he’d be a good option as the mystery recruit. Plus, most UK fans have probably forgotten about him.
Trae Clark – DT – 6’4 / 320 – Cincinnati, OH
He’s currently committed to Ohio, but the draw of competing in the SEC and doing it only an hour from home might be enough to flip him. With the status of Tyrone Pearson and Daniel Ross still uncertain, Kentucky could sell Clark on being the center cog in Minter’s three-man front. That all being said, there are some eligibility concerns with Clark, and Kentucky has more pressing needs than another defensive tackle.
Jake Meador – OT – 6’7 / 305 – Whiteland, IN
The interest was certainly there, but Kentucky has five offensive line commitments. I think the ship has sailed for Meador and my guess is he ends up in Wisconsin.
Travares Copeland – ATH – 5’11 / 175 – Port St. Lucie, FL
Kentucky’s interest in Copeland has fluctuated over the past few months, but he’s still a very talented player. He’s probably not in the forefront of most UK fans’ minds, so he’s a decent option. I have my doubts that he’ll leave the state of Florida though.
Harding Harper – LB – 6’2 / 212 – Montgomery, AL
Harper’s name flared up in December, but then died down quickly. You have to think that the Cats wont be looking to add Harper if they can get Khalid Henderson, but if they strike out, adding Harper would be a great consolation prize.
Josh Harvey-Clemons – ATH – 6’5 / 208 – Valdosta, GA
I can dream, right?
Tre’ Banks – LB – 6’0 / 224 – Mobile, AL
Kentucky has been a known suitor of Banks for over a year, but he’s never pulled the trigger on his offer. If he wanted to commit to Kentucky, I’d be happy to get him because he is a talented player in the mold of a young Danny Trevathan. That considered, I doubt he’s the surprise recruit because a two-star player who’s only offers are UK, Southern Miss, and WKU is probably not going to get most fans too excited.
So there you have my best guesses at the surprise recruit this season. Of course players from pipeline schools like Alcoa, Central, Stephenson, Milan, and other programs Kentucky frequents are safe bets too. Regardless, NSD should be quite the ride this year.