For Kentucky Football, Neal Brown’s Offense Needs One Key Thing: Recruits

October 27, 2012; Columbia, MO, USA; Kentucky Wildcats quarterback Patrick Towles (14) passes the ball during the third quarter at Faurot Field. The Missouri Tigers defeated the Kentucky Wildcats 33-10. Mandatory Credit: Dak Dillon-USA TODAY Sports

For the past few days, Big Blue Nation has been celebrating wit the news of UK-alum Neal Brown returning to the Bluegrass to become the offensive coordinator. Brown brings an exicting scheme with this famed “Air Raid.” While there is no doubt that the Air Raid will certainly boost the ability of Kentucky Football over last season’s injury-riddled offense, Neal Brown needs his style of players for the offense to execute like it did at Texas Tech where the Red Raiders were top 10 nationally. Luckily, there are several recruits still considering the Cats that would be perfect additions into Brown’s offense.

(Player’s name is a link to recruiting video)

Ryan Timmons (ATH/WR/KR)

Timmons out of Frankfort, KY is an excellent player who plays under the same scheme in high school as Brown currently uses. He is lightning quick with a 4.40 40 yard dash and can hurt you running or catching the football. In his junior and senior years combined, Timmons recorded 2688 rushing yards, 2104 receiving yards and 80 combined offensive touchdowns. On top of his offensive stats, Timmons also had 3 kickoff returns. His blazing speed makes him a perfect downfield target to fit into the passing attack next year. He is being recruited hard by Ohio State and reached out to Neal Brown upon his hiring.

James Quick (WR)

James Quick is another Wide Receiver high on Kentucky’s wish list. The Trinity wideout had 1206 yards for 16 touchdowns this year. He is the top-ranked recruit in the state of Kentucky and a top ten wide receiver nationally. Charlie Strong and the Louisville Cardinals have long been the leaders for the Louisville native, but the possibility of being apart of Neal Brown’s pass heavy scheme could be enough to entice Quick to commit 70 miles east of his hometown.

D.J Gillins (QB)

Gillins is a 2014 dual threat quarterback who verbally committed to Texas Tech before the departures of Tuberville and Brown. Many analysts expect the 4 star QB to decommit from the Red Raiders, and he was heavily recruited by Neal Brown and Chad Scott who have joined Coach Stoops’ staff.  Gillins had 2667 passing yards  and 31 touchdowns in his junior year.

Dominique Booth (WR)

Booth is a Indianapolis native who was being recruited heavily by Joker Philips before his departure. The 2014 4 star wideout has long list of possible schools, but Neal Brown’s scheme would certainly seem to fit the style of play Booth wants. He recorded 853 yards for 13 touchdowns this season as a junior. If Stoops and Brown continue the pursuit that Philips started, there is no reason why the combination of Brown and new WR coach Darin Hinshaw cannot attract this standout wideout to the Bluegrass.

Clearly, wide receivers are absolutely key for Brown’s offense to succeed. With the multiple years of eligibility left for Maxwell Smith and Patrick Towles, the quarterback position seems relatively stable for Brown to build on. The new coaching staff must put an emphasis on placing weapons around the quarterbacks to allow the Air Raid to excel. With the current calls and visits that Brown and Stoops have been making for the offensive side of the ball, it appears they have plan to bring in the speed and talent necessary for success.