Michael Nesbitt is a huge addition to Kentucky's 2017 recruiting class. Here's a breakdown of what it means from every angle.
"One of the best athletes in the state of Florida"
Cats Illustrated had the chance to scout Nesbitt in person at Kentucky's Sunday Night Lights camp and his athleticism was on full display. Almost all coaches have a tendency to talk their players up, but in Nesbitt's case the talk about his elite-level athleticism is certainly true.
Eddie Brown was Nesbitt's coach at Boyd Anderson High School until recently when he took a leave of absence. While he's no longer heading the football program, Brown knows Nesbitt well.
"They are getting one of the best athletes in the state of Florida," Brown said, with "they" being Kentucky following Nesbitt's commitment.
Cats Illustrated listed Nesbitt as one of the top defensive performers at Sunday Night Lights.
"He has very long legs and good overall athleticism," the post-camp scouting report said. "From his footwork to his natural athleticism - he seems like a natural who just glides, and can excel in coverage," the report continued.
Nesbitt's backpedal was impressive in drill work with Steven Clinkscale and he was among the bigger defensive backs in a stacked group that included, at one point, receiver-turned-defensive back (for the camp only) Clevan Thomas, as well as others like Ahman Ross and Ken Montgomery.
A needed commitment in the secondary
Kentucky may not have a lot of scholarships overall or remaining for Class of 2017 recruits, but the secondary is one area the coaching staff has wanted to address. While the need for a couple of offensive tackles and multiple defensive linemen is still very real, Nesbitt's commitment is a step towards putting together an impressive class of defensive backs.
The Cats' two other defensive back commitments are fellow Florida cornerback Cedrick Dort and four-star Ohio safety Tyrell Ajian.
Ajian is more of a safety prospect than either of the Florida prospects, and is the highest-ranked of the bunch. Dort is a pure cover corner who is likely to play the "field" position because of his man-to-man ability and quickness.
Nesbitt is the most versatile of the three because of his size and explosive athleticism. He may be better-suited to be a cornerback than anything else, but safety is definitely a possibility, too.
Eddie Gran is on a roll in Florida
Ohio may always be Kentucky's bread and butter most years so long as Mark Stoops and Vince Marrow are on the staff, but weeks ago this writer predicted that Kentucky's 2017 class of Florida signees would prove to be the best in the Stoops' era. The Cats appear to be well on their way to making that happen.
Eddie Gran now has four Florida commitments for Kentucky since he came to Lexington from Cincinnati. He's been responsible for recruiting Nesbitt, Dort, wide receiver Joshua Ali and slot receiver Clevan Thomas.
Gran is also the lead recruiter for three-star defensive lineman Chris Whittaker, who told Cats Illustrated he will be officially visiting Kentucky the weekend of Sept. 17 along with his teammate, Ali, mentioned above as a player already committed.
"One of the best athletes in the state of Florida"
Cats Illustrated had the chance to scout Nesbitt in person at Kentucky's Sunday Night Lights camp and his athleticism was on full display. Almost all coaches have a tendency to talk their players up, but in Nesbitt's case the talk about his elite-level athleticism is certainly true.
Eddie Brown was Nesbitt's coach at Boyd Anderson High School until recently when he took a leave of absence. While he's no longer heading the football program, Brown knows Nesbitt well.
"They are getting one of the best athletes in the state of Florida," Brown said, with "they" being Kentucky following Nesbitt's commitment.
Cats Illustrated listed Nesbitt as one of the top defensive performers at Sunday Night Lights.
"He has very long legs and good overall athleticism," the post-camp scouting report said. "From his footwork to his natural athleticism - he seems like a natural who just glides, and can excel in coverage," the report continued.
Nesbitt's backpedal was impressive in drill work with Steven Clinkscale and he was among the bigger defensive backs in a stacked group that included, at one point, receiver-turned-defensive back (for the camp only) Clevan Thomas, as well as others like Ahman Ross and Ken Montgomery.
A needed commitment in the secondary
Kentucky may not have a lot of scholarships overall or remaining for Class of 2017 recruits, but the secondary is one area the coaching staff has wanted to address. While the need for a couple of offensive tackles and multiple defensive linemen is still very real, Nesbitt's commitment is a step towards putting together an impressive class of defensive backs.
The Cats' two other defensive back commitments are fellow Florida cornerback Cedrick Dort and four-star Ohio safety Tyrell Ajian.
Ajian is more of a safety prospect than either of the Florida prospects, and is the highest-ranked of the bunch. Dort is a pure cover corner who is likely to play the "field" position because of his man-to-man ability and quickness.
Nesbitt is the most versatile of the three because of his size and explosive athleticism. He may be better-suited to be a cornerback than anything else, but safety is definitely a possibility, too.
Eddie Gran is on a roll in Florida
Ohio may always be Kentucky's bread and butter most years so long as Mark Stoops and Vince Marrow are on the staff, but weeks ago this writer predicted that Kentucky's 2017 class of Florida signees would prove to be the best in the Stoops' era. The Cats appear to be well on their way to making that happen.
Eddie Gran now has four Florida commitments for Kentucky since he came to Lexington from Cincinnati. He's been responsible for recruiting Nesbitt, Dort, wide receiver Joshua Ali and slot receiver Clevan Thomas.
Gran is also the lead recruiter for three-star defensive lineman Chris Whittaker, who told Cats Illustrated he will be officially visiting Kentucky the weekend of Sept. 17 along with his teammate, Ali, mentioned above as a player already committed.
