Kentucky Wildcats Football: Picking Up Steam

Following today’s commitments from Darius Fullwood and Jabari Greenwood, Kentucky is once again sitting pretty

in the recruiting rankings. Some had begun to express concern about UK’s lack of commitments and the number of high-level player that chose to go elsewhere this Summer. The reality is that Kentucky was simply in the mix for more high-level players this go round and it did take a while to get started but the recruiting momentum is back on. The Cats have recently secured a four star offensive lineman, and defensive end to go with a high three star wide out. They could very soon add a three star corner like JK Britt or Kei Beckham, or convince four star Damon Arnette that Lexington is the place for him. Not to mention four star offensive lineman George Brown who moved up his decision date and is likely leaning toward Kentucky. Also, former safety commit Marcus Walker plans to visit Lexington in July and now remains open to joining the class again.

Just like last year, I expect us to see a snowball effect starting with today’s announcements. Partially because Fullwood is a personality and he will be effective in recruiting. Partially because the class has started to fill up and players will want to speed up their decision times. Partially because UK has another camp this month. New offers will go out. And don’t forget that CJ Conrad will be at The Opening pushing Kentucky on targets. Expect him to impress. Players want to play with other good players.

So where does that leave the rest of the class? Assuming that they take a full 25, and all indications are that they will, they are only halfway done. Obviously they are going to hold a spot for Damien Harris. Also some other committed prospects that they are still in contact with. The need a couple more defensive linemen. Let’s not expect Cece Jefferson, but Anthony Rush. An inside linebacker to go with their outstanding outside duo. They’d love to add Amonte Caban or CJ Stalker but both are likely long shots now. Maybe George Brown’s teammate David Long gets a shot there. They definitely want a few defensive backs but that could come from anywhere at this point, including Florida commit Marcus Lewis, whom is very close to Greenwood.

On offense they probably still need a quarterback and it looks like it’s down to Kentuckians Reese Ryan and Davis Mattingly, it’s still strange that neither have an offer yet. If they plan to slow-play one, Mattingly is likely the guy. Harris and an all-purpose back is the plan at RB. With two big receivers in the fold they’d like to add a slot but that could take a while. There are a lot of options. And while Kentucky is done at tight end with Conrad, they are looking at some H-back types to use in different formations. Outside of Brown, the OL looks to be done. They really have too many but who do you not take?

The bad news is that it’s still Summer and football is two months away, the good news is that recruiting is hot right now and will continue until Fall camp.