Former Kentucky Wildcat John Wall signs a max deal and Mark Stoops has 5 newly ranked Top 300 in the 2014 Class

Jul 3, 2013; Beaverton, OR, USA; Quaterback Drew Barker (15) passes the ball during the Nike 7on7 elimination play at Nike World Headquarters. Mandatory Credit: Steve Dykes-USA TODAY Sports

I’m not sure if Mark Stoops’ involvement with recruits results in subsequent higher HS rankings like it seems to with John Calipari but ESPN recently released their Top 300 players for the 2014 class and there are five (5) future Kentucky Wildcats on it.

"Florida defensive lineman Denzel Ware is UK’s top commitment, according to ESPN. The 240-pound prospect ranks as the No. 89 overall recruit in the country and the ninth-best defensive end. Next comes Conner quarterback Drew Barker, who is considered the No. 160 overall recruit. Barker is the only Kentuckian in ESPN’s Top 300 — there’s no Matt Elam — and he’s listed as the No. 6 pocket-passing quarterback in the nation. The three other UK commitments named by ESPN were Ohio receiver Thaddeus Snodgrass (No. 191), Georgia running back Boom Williams (No. 211) and Ohio defensive back Darius West (No. 258). All five of those players are considered four-star recruits for Kentucky, which ESPN ranks as having the No. 14 class in the country. UK commitment Nico Firios — a linebacker from Florida — is also listed as a four-star prospect. Two uncommitted wide receivers on UK’s radar also made the Top 300 — Josh Malone (No. 99) and Moral Stephens (No. 193). Malone was mentioned in an accompanying article that noted the biggest “movers” in the new rankings. The Tennessee wideout jumped 26 spots in the latest update. Elam, though not among ESPN’s 300 best prospects, is considered a four-star recruit and the No. 37 defensive tackle in the nation."

I’ve always wondered what coaches look for in recruits, other than talent, that tells them they’re worth an offer; worth all the blood, sweat and tears necessary to be a success on and off the field.  Fortunately for me, and you, we have Neal Brown as our new Kentucky Wildcats OC and he’s been kind enough to fill us in a bit on what they look for while recruiting players.

"Offensive coordinator Neal Brown says “academics and character” are given characteristics UK looks for in any recruit. “Then we look for specific traits at each position,” said Brown. He then broke down some of the things he looks for at each position on offense: — Offensive line. “You have got to have long arms and be tall in the line. You have got to protect the quarterback. Inside at center and guard, we need girth. We need powerful guys. Defensive tackles in this league are like 300 pounds or more. Our center does a lot for us, so we need a smart, athletic guy there,” Brown said. “At tight end, we want a small or power forward in basketball type. We want guys in the 230-250 (pound) range that can run. We want athletes. We want guys who can run routes. We can teach them to block.” — Receiver. “We are looking for guys that can make you miss (tackles) and take it to the house (end zone). We want tall guys on the outside mixed with guys that can really run. We want guys 6-3 or better out there, something we are lacking on our roster. Then we can push the defense and blow the top off it,” Brown said. — Running back. “We always want to carry at least one big back. We also always want a couple of all-purpose guys that can do a little bit of everything,” Brown said. — Quarterback. “We are looking for great decision-makers and then accurate passers. We will also take the better athlete, but he does not have to be a runner. If one kid can run and one not run, then we will take the runner if they are equal throwing the ball,” the UK offensive coordinator said."