Kentucky Wildcats Football: MidSeason Recruiting Update

In the midst of Kentucky’s excellent start to the season and off the field drama, we haven’t taken much time to check in

on the success that is fueling this Kentucky football turnaround. Success on the recruiting trail leads to success on the field. There has been a distinct lack of yahtzees of late, but Kentucky is still a hot brand in recruiting. Fans witnessed the same lull last year during the season, though UK had more commitments at that point. The staff has their hat in a great number of rings at this point and it should make for an exciting finish to Signing Day.

• Defensive end target Kengera Daniel is deciding sometime today and by all accounts it’s down to Kentucky and NC State. Daniel loves the Cats but the draw of the home state school is strong, UK fans have seen that work in their favor before so it may be time to see it go the other way. The sources on both sides point to Kentucky however, so expect a commitment to UK.
• In this week’s edition of “May mean something, may mean nothing” highly touted linebacker Jerome Baker flipped from Florida to Ohio State this week. That’s significant to Kentucky because one of the reasons Nick Conner was rumored to be willing to visit Lexington was the Buckeyes willingness to pursue other linebackers in this class. Conner is essentially being recruited over before he ever gets on campus. It will be interesting to see if he takes an OV to UK now.
• Speaking of committed players taking visits, there are several who will take official visits to Kentucky now. South Carolina commit Damon Arnette, once thought to be a UK lean, will visit. As will FAU commit Rashard Causey, a three star. Mississippi State linebacker pledge Darrien McNair will also visit Lexington, one has to think that a strong showing this weekend would go a long way in that battle.
• Last night it became apparent that four star defensive back Marcus Lewis, a former Florida commit, will visit Kentucky on December 13^th. That weekend is quickly becoming the big event for UK officials. Lewis is the teammate of UK commit Jabari Greenwood, who will be accompanying him on his visit. To make matters better, Rivals analyst Mike Farrell (one of the most tuned in in the business) said at the same time he believes Kentucky has taken the lead for Lewis.
• Not exactly breaking news, but Ohio State continues to offer running backs not named Damien Harris. Recently offered four star KeShaun Vaughn said that the Buckeyes told him they held out on offering because they had been waiting for another running back to make a decision. One has to think they don’t feel good about their chances with Harris at this point. It seems as though the battle will come down to Kentucky and Alabama right now.
• Kentucky is continuing to recruit Michigan commitments Tyree Kinnel and Darrin Kirkland as the Wolverines brace for a likely coaching change. Kinnel was formerly the younger teammate of UK linebacker Dorian Hendrix.
• Iowa basketball commit Ahmad Wagner, who has blown up on the football recruiting scene, is getting a lot of attention from Kentucky. Right now he is expected to stick to the hardwood in college.
• Kentucky still leads for wide receiver Tavin Richardson by all accounts.
• With only defensive end Jason Stowbridge committed, the defensive line will be a priority going forward in this recruiting class. Kentucky loses three starters on the line to graduation and may also lose Lloyd Tubman to legal troubles. Pending the result of Daniel’s commitment, the Cats may be focused on defensive tackle. Javon Provitt is still in play but the longer he goes without visiting could become concerning. Pittsburgh commitment Davon Hamilton may be a target going forward as well.