It was reported elsewhere that recent UNC decommit and defensive back Javontay Smith may be visiting Kentucky this weekend, and he's been discussed here already. Smith rarely ever talks and believe me I've tried for a long time. He's someone that a lot of schools have known about for a long time. If much happens it'll probably be going on behind the scenes. I don't think the visit is formalized yet but I wouldn't be surprised if it happens.
I can tell you that based on a conversation I had recently I do think the Kentucky will probably be taking another defensive back. At least that's likely at this point.
My read of the situation, informed by some pretty solid intel, is that Kentucky will likely prioritize a defensive back and a defensive lineman. Best guess is they take two guys between now and Signing Day. Wouldn't be surprised if they keep a spot for something that might happen after Signing Day, because it's always nice to have that flexibility.
Trying to get a read on Tadarryl Marshall but he hasn't responded lately. Still think he's visiting UK (1/22) and Illinois (1/29) the next two weekends but he's definitely been quiet. I can confirm that Jimmy Brumbaugh is still in regular contact with defensive lineman T.J. Carter, and the two actually spoke today. Carter is still planning to officially visit Kentucky this weekend.
Can also tell you that J.J. Holmes is still visiting. I just spoke with him and he had recently gotten off the phone with Brumbaugh as well. Holmes has tentatively set a visit to Missouri for Jan. 29, and while he told me he doesn't want to commit this weekend even if Kentucky offered he insinuated that he would still probably pick UK if they offer. Aside from what he told me, reading between the lines, it wouldn't surprise me if he committed right after being offered this weekend (assuming he is) or if he commits on Signing Day. Kentucky's the strong favorite.
In short, I'm expecting a defensive lineman and a defensive back right now. Holmes and Carter are two of the top contenders for the first spot, if not the top two, and Marshall and Smith are among the contenders for the other spot.
Up in Ohio I've heard and/or have seen on social media that there have been in-home visits or school visits to check in on Justin Rigg, Tobias Gilliam, Kordell Looney and Roland Walder. I can tell you now that Pitt had been making a run at Walder and when Pat Narduzzi makes you a priority recruit that's quite an endorsement. But I'm told that Walder is solid with Kentucky. Gilliam continues to draw a lot of attention from other schools, most recently from Minnesota. But I'm told he's solid as well. Looney's still in good shape at the moment, too. And Rigg -- I was high on this kid from the start and everything I've been hearing lately indicates that UK is very high on him as well. UK's coaches watched him play a basketball game.
I can tell you that based on a conversation I had recently I do think the Kentucky will probably be taking another defensive back. At least that's likely at this point.
My read of the situation, informed by some pretty solid intel, is that Kentucky will likely prioritize a defensive back and a defensive lineman. Best guess is they take two guys between now and Signing Day. Wouldn't be surprised if they keep a spot for something that might happen after Signing Day, because it's always nice to have that flexibility.
Trying to get a read on Tadarryl Marshall but he hasn't responded lately. Still think he's visiting UK (1/22) and Illinois (1/29) the next two weekends but he's definitely been quiet. I can confirm that Jimmy Brumbaugh is still in regular contact with defensive lineman T.J. Carter, and the two actually spoke today. Carter is still planning to officially visit Kentucky this weekend.
Can also tell you that J.J. Holmes is still visiting. I just spoke with him and he had recently gotten off the phone with Brumbaugh as well. Holmes has tentatively set a visit to Missouri for Jan. 29, and while he told me he doesn't want to commit this weekend even if Kentucky offered he insinuated that he would still probably pick UK if they offer. Aside from what he told me, reading between the lines, it wouldn't surprise me if he committed right after being offered this weekend (assuming he is) or if he commits on Signing Day. Kentucky's the strong favorite.
In short, I'm expecting a defensive lineman and a defensive back right now. Holmes and Carter are two of the top contenders for the first spot, if not the top two, and Marshall and Smith are among the contenders for the other spot.
Up in Ohio I've heard and/or have seen on social media that there have been in-home visits or school visits to check in on Justin Rigg, Tobias Gilliam, Kordell Looney and Roland Walder. I can tell you now that Pitt had been making a run at Walder and when Pat Narduzzi makes you a priority recruit that's quite an endorsement. But I'm told that Walder is solid with Kentucky. Gilliam continues to draw a lot of attention from other schools, most recently from Minnesota. But I'm told he's solid as well. Looney's still in good shape at the moment, too. And Rigg -- I was high on this kid from the start and everything I've been hearing lately indicates that UK is very high on him as well. UK's coaches watched him play a basketball game.
