Kentucky Wildcats Football National Signing Day: Cats ready the fax machines
By Paul Jordan
Despite the recent de-commitments and the bad news surrounding the Kentucky Wildcats Football program, National Signing Day will occur after all. And the Wildcats picked up some momentum heading into today with some much-needed momentum with two commitments yesterday.
At 6:00PM yesterday, Kentucky got the commitment from DB Derrick Baity from Florida. Kentucky got in on Baity late but a weekend visit pushed the Wildcats over South Florida and Central Florida. Baity was a three star commit per Rivals and also had offers from Louisville and Wisconsin. Baity was a very solid late grab and here is what ESPN had to say about him.
OVERALL TRAITS
| Size-Strength-Speed |
Baity is of very good height for a corner. His frame could use some more bulk but that should come with maturity and more time in the weight room. Plays with good strength as he is not pushed around by receivers. His speed is good as he will quickly close on a throw. |
Instincts/Recognition
Sees the game well. Is quick to react to the run and will easily stay in his back pedal when it is pass. Knows how to key through the line into the QB.
Coverage Skills
Demonstrates good feet. He can shuffle well and change direction quickly because he can control his feet. Exhibits a quick turn of his hips and an ability to stay stride for stride with a receiver going deep. Plays man coverage well. As a zone defender he reads and reacts to the thrown ball quickly and easily.
Run Support
Is a solid run support player. Recognizes run and will set the edge. Is not a vicious tackler but gets the job done.
Bottom Line
Baity is a good prospect because of his physical tools. He should make a mid or lower level power conference school very pleased to have him.
Underclassman Eval
STRENGTHS: A tall, high cut prospect with quick recognition skill set to plant and drive forward on underneath routes on the perimeter. Length is an asset to out reach or out jump wide receiver for footballs thrown outside of receivers radius. Displays a long stride that can cover a lot of ground. … AREAS OF IMPROVEMENT: Shows some tightness in hips to quickly change direction. Has to gather some at the top of pedal to transition forward at times. … BOTTOM LINE: Baity displays a frame to fill out and could potentially be a safety at the next level given his measurables and potential of adding more bulk to his frame. Most likely a Division I prospect given his skill set.
That was not all for Mark Stoops yesterday as he grabbed a running back commit during the basketball game last night.