Kentucky Wildcat Basketball commits already getting a feel for each other

Oct 6, 2012; Columbus, OH, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers running back Braylon Heard (5) runs the ball in the first quarter against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

Remember when John Calipari came to Kentucky and brought DeMarcus Cousins with him, bitter Memphis fans started calling UL the “Memphis Wildcats”? Well, if Vince Marrow keeps doing his job, Nebraska fans may call UK the “Kentucky Cornhuskers”. Or something like that. Just a couple of months ago, Kentucky snagged former Nebraska commit Marcus McWilson to Lexington and now Braylon Heard is transferring to UK. We talked about it yesterday, but this is a huge snag. Glenn Logan tells us more:

"Heard was slated to move up to the #2 running back on the depth chart at Nebraska, and by the time he puts on the Blue and White, he will be a mature player ready to compete for the starting position immediately. He will have plenty of competition for the starting spot if things stay as they are, however, but he would be the highest ranked recruit that Kentucky has at the position. Heard’s commitment will shore up the backfield for the next couple of years. It is one more step in Mark Stoops’ rebuilding of the moribund Wildcats program, and one of his highest-profile successes so far."

Oct 13, 2012; Fayetteville, AR, USA; Kentucky Wildcats running back Dyshawn Mobley (33) rushes against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports

Heard will not see the field this year, but Dyshawn Mobley could be one of the players pressing him for playing time when he can play. Although much hyped, Mobley rarely saw the field in 2012 under the old regime. It’s a new day in Lexington though and Mobley talks about this year and his role on the team:

"Question: How has spring practice been for you? Mobley: “I am starting to pick everything up better now, so everything is pretty much fun. Overall, it has been good.” Question: How does a bigger, stronger back fit into Neal Brown’s offense? Mobley: “When he first got here, he said he used a bigger back at Texas Tech. They had a guy who was 220 (pounds) and he ran good. I can play it, too.” Question: Did you worry how you might fit into this offense when Brown was hired as offensive coordinator? Mobley: “It didn’t worry me at all. I am a ballplayer. I am just going to learn whatever they want me to learn and play wherever.” Question: How frustrated were you last year not to play more? Mobley: “No, I was okay for the most part. I know I have to play my role with the team and do whatever it takes to help my team get some wins. So I was fine waiting my turn. I did do a lot in high school, but those opportunities for me will come. I just have to play my role. I know my time is coming.” Question: How have you improved since you got to Kentucky? Mobley: “I have dropped weight. I was too big. I was like 230 when I first got here. I have dropped down to 215. I am quicker, faster. That helps a lot in this offense. I am a lot faster and I can still put my helmet on people and run over them. I can do that, too, but I can make them miss.” Question: How are your receiving and blocking skills? Mobley: “We catch the ball quite a bit in this offense and I can do that. We have to pick up blocks. (Running backs) Coach (Chad) Scott helps us a lot with our techniques. Once we get our technique down, we can pick up any defensive end that comes through there.”"