WBN Nightcap: A Look at Top In-State Football Prospects 2014

Dec 2, 2012; Lexington , KY, USA; Kentucky Wildcats head coach Mark Stoops spoke with reporters with Athletic director Mitch Barnhart (left) and University of Kentucky President Eli Capilouto (right) at the Nutter Field House. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports

With the 2013 recruiting class in the books and the Spring Game two months away, fans are turning their attention to the 2014 recruiting class and the bounty Kentucky’s staff may land.

While there are a bunch of very talented kids who have interest in the Wildcats from new recruiting grounds Florida and Ohio, Kentucky fans always love their homegrown talent regardless of sport.  So tonight we are going to look at the top Kentucky football players for 2014:

Drew Barker QB Conner (Hebron)

Easily the best prospect in Kentucky next year, Barker is a player who could develop into a national recruit. Until Stoops and Neal Brown came on board he wasn’t really considering UK. Now the Cats are right in the mix with South Carolina and Ohio State. Barker is a great passer but also has some mobility. He is currently rated as a 4* prospect and plans to decide in the spring. He should be the top target for 2014.

Nacarius Fant WR Bowling Green

Fant is another slot-receiver prospect who doesn’t have an UK offer yet but will likely be one of the most sought-after players on Kentucky’s board. He is similar to Ryan Timmons because he is so versatile. A good friend of Drew Barker, they could come to Lexington together.

Matt Elam DT John Hardin (Elizabethtown)

A monstrous 6’6” 350 as a high school junior, Elam possesses two things you simply can’t teach: immense size and quick feet. He is receiving interest from numerous programs across the nation.  Kentucky has already offered and is likely in good position with Elam.
Reggie Bonnafon ATH Trinity (Louisville)

Bonnafon is a Trinity kid who has committed to Louisville early in the process. In previous years UK coaches would simply stop calling. Not anymore. Bonnafon recently stated that he would consider the Wildcats. It remains to be seen whether the Cats will offer him. He is listed as a quarterback by most services but Kentucky would likely recruit him as an athlete.

 Darrius Spivey-Nunn Athlete Paducah Tilghman

Spivey-Nunn is a player who could end up at corner or receiver. He is the type of  raw athlete that you see programs take a chance on to coach him up. He has 4.4 speed and comes from a high school that has been friendly to UK but does not currently hold an offer.

Nick True TE Fort Thomas  Highlands

Tight end should be a priority in the 2014 class based on pure numbers. True is a local talent with great size and soft hands. It remains to be seen if he is fast enough to play in the SEC.

RJ Taylor DBTates Creek (Lexington)

Taylor is as local as they get for UK. He was invited to the staff first Junior Day but doesn’t currently hold an offer. A strong senior season could change that. Taylor is 6’0” but could add some bulk to his 158lb frame, but in a way that retains his 4.5 speed.