Matt Elam
Defensive Tackle
Freshman
6-7/375
Elizabethtown, Ky
John Hardin High School
Photo from maxpreps.com
You all know the story- or should- possibly one of the most sought after and publicized football recruits Kentucky has ever had. A 4-star by ESPN and 3 with Yahoo and Rivals he was one of the most highly rated players in the nation and easily top-5 in the state (along with Drew Barker). With a sea of offers he ultimately choose Kentucky late over Saban and Alabama- a HUGE (no pun intended) get for Stoops and Kentucky. He had numerous offers in high school including playing in the Army All-American Bowl. If Elam can shed some weight and shape up in the weight room this summer he could make a big impact on the field this fall.
Lloyd Tubman
Defensive End
Freshman
6-5/225
Louisville, Ky
Seneca Academy
Photo from 247sports.com
Tumban, like Elam, was also a late pickup for the Wildcats choosing Kentucky over Penn State, Nebraska, Indiana and Louisville. Given 3-stars on ESPN and Yahoo, ESPN rated him #64 at his position and 5 in the state. Per Yahoo, he runs a 4.5 40- not bad for someone his size. I could see Tubman taking a redshirt year this season as the obvious starts at DE are Bud and Za’Darius with Hatcher and a few other returning upper classmen to back them up. Seeing the field is not completely out of the question, but the starting job in my opinion is.