UK Football: Touchdown Terry is the most important signing

The UK football program had 20 players commit to play for the Wildcats in 2018. JuCo transfer Terry Wilson is by far the most important commitment to Kentucky in the early-signing period.

The UK football program landed several prized recruits on Wednesday. Marquand McCall, a four-star recruit by 247 Sports, is Kentucky’s highest-rated signee. The Wildcats also had a surprise on Wednesday with the signing of wide receiver Bryce Oliver. Oliver is a three-star rated recruit by 247 Sports out of Florida, a hotbed for Stoops’ recruiting. And while UK has a solid recruiting class, quarterback Terry Wilson is the most important signing in this year’s class.

Wilson is a dual-threat quarterback that can help stabilize the position after the departure of senior Stephen Johnson. UK fans were on pins and needles trying to figure out who would be the Cats starting QB in 2018. Wilson’s commitment was especially important after four-star prospect Jarren Williams decommitted earlier this month.

Drew Barker

Drew Barker was supposed to be UK’s quarterback of the future. Barker committed to UK back in 2014, however, three years later Barker’s name elicits boos and jeers from Big Blue Nation. The Kentucky fan base has had little to cheer about when watching his inconsistent play over the past three seasons.

Gunnar Hoak

A 2016 four-star recruit according to ESPN, Gunnar Hoak has yet to see the field since he’s been at Kentucky. The 6’4″ redshirt freshman may get a chance to show his stuff in the Music City Bowl later this month, as the Kentucky coaching staff may want to see what they have at the quarterback position going forward.

Terry Wilson Jr.

While the UK football team may hold an open competition at the quarterback position, one would have to assume that Wilson has the inside track. Wilson, thought to be a solid a commit to Nebraska, changed course and signed with the Wildcats.

In his one season at Garden City Community College, Wilson threw for 1776 yards and rushed for 454 yards. Wilson had 22 touchdowns through the air and 5 touchdowns on the ground. The Wildcats have run dominated offense punctuated by Benny Snell Jr. A mobile quarterback like Wilson will allow Kentucky to run a similar offense to what we saw in 2017.

Wilson brings a dynamic presence to the UK football program. Don’t forget that Kentucky will have No. 1 target Dorian Baker returning for the Cats next year as well as their explosive wide receiver Lynn Bowden. If the Wildcats can field a healthy offensive line with an added year of experience, Eddie Gran could have a very productive offense.

So while UK football coach Mark Stoops landed a lot of talented recruits, none was a bigger get than JuCo quarterback Terry Wilson. He is the most important recruit at the most important position.