Kentucky football is usually done being talked about on October 15th when the basketball team starts practice. Yes, Kentucky fans will always show up to the football games on Saturday, but most of the time our focus is on basketball. That’s not the case anymore, with the hiring of Mark Stoops the football team hasn’t saw this much buzz around the program since the years of Andre Woodson. Coach Stoops has brought new energy to an almost dead program, and with all the recruits that are visiting this coming weekend and later weekends in January the future looks very bright for Kentucky football.
I recently got to speak with another big time recruit who has Kentucky as one of his final schools along with Baylor. Nate Willis is the #3 ranked JUCO corner in the nation, and will be taking a visit on January 18th to Kentucky before making his decision on February 1st. Willis is a 3 star prospect according to rivals.com, but some other sites have him listed as a 4 star. Like I said earlier Willis is down to Baylor and Kentucky, but had a lot of other big schools after him. Kansas State, West Virginia, UCLA, South Florida, Miss. St, and Kansas were some of the schools that offered him.
Here is what Nate Willis had to say about his upcoming visit to Kentucky, and what has him interested to possilby Kentucky Wildcat next season.
WBN: What about Kentucky has made them one of your final schools?
Nate Willis: I seen a great opportunity to play for a great coaching staff and be able to showcase my talent in the SEC against the teams I admired.
WBN: We’re you even considering Kentucky before Coach Stoops was hired, and does his defensive background mean something to you?
Nate Willis: No, I never heard from Kentucky before he got there, and his background is the only reason I am thinking about Kentucky. The whole Stoops family is successful in coaching so that builds up confidence in the program.
WBN: I saw today where you moved your visit up to the 18th of January, is your decision going to be pushed up as well or are you still doing it in early February.
Nate Willis: I am signing on February 1st, which is also my birthday.
WBN: I know you have heard about how crazy Kentucky fans are about our athletic program… Is that something you like or not?
Nate Willis: I love loyal fans.
WBN: Who on the coaching staff for Kentucky has contacted you the most or who have you built a relationship with?
Nate Willis: The safeties coach(Bradley Dale Peveto). After I talked to him he didn’t have say no more, once I heard who the coach was going to be.
If Kentucky can land Willis the cornerback position that we have struggled with ever since Trevard Lindley went pro, will finally be solid. I would expect Willis to come in and start right away along with Jaleel Hytchye. Coach Stoops is not only bringing in recruits, but he is bringing in recruits that will make a difference right away.