Note, if you asked a question I haven't gotten to, I either haven't gotten to it yet (part 3 later) or it was contained in a previously answered question...
Part II of Cats Illustrated's Football Recruiting Mailbag for this week.
jdsdrummer: After the twins and Goodwin commit this weekend, what are some other key timelines to pay attention to?
Afari in May. Offensive linemen in general in June. I'm not sure a whole lot of other guys have scheduled decision dates.
Cazwheel1072: The Over/Under for the state of Georgia is 3.5 (Based on 4 last year).
What you got and what is the potential list
I will tentatively say under but don't have a strong conviction on that. It seems like they are playing the long game with guys in the South as opposed to the more local guys (Kentucky, Ohio, even Tennessee) who are coming off the board a bit earlier.
From Georgia some of the guys Kentucky is recruiting would include five-star defensive lineman Mykel Williams (top five but not in front), four-star offensive lineman Qaeshon Sapp (probably don't lead), four-star linebacker Jaron Willis (recruiting 'til signing day no matter the early verbal), three-star defensive tackle Quentel Jones (coming on strong), and three-star edge defender Joshua Josephs (coming on strong).
Brentalbert: What are the chances of adding another transfer?
I've continue to hear they are remaining open to it and the process of evaluating portal entrees is ongoing. But I haven't gotten the sense that there's something that needs to be reported on right now.
Blue832: Since the official visits are opening back up, do you see Ky hosting more summer camps for underclassmen and recruits? Seemed to work great before covid. They hosted alot of recruits..Thanks.
Very important question and one that does not have an answer yet. I asked about whether camps will take place in June just this week and was told it's to be determined. Some schools have already announced theirs, and I would expect Kentucky to follow if that is allowed. It wouldn't make sense to put yourself at a disadvantage and not host those camps if other schools are doing it. And you're right, getting guys on campus very early even if they aren't the blockbuster camp names yet has proved to be very important down the road.
MDav1588: Will UK get back in the recruitment of the TE that decommitted from Notre Dame, Jack Nickel? I believe I saw where UK was his first offer and he’s visited multiple times. Where do you think he stacks up priority wise with the other TE targets?
It would not surprise me if they initiate contact again but for now I think Josh Kattus and Quinton Conley remain at the top of their board. Someone who knows Nickel's family told me when he decommitted that Iowa, Purdue, Boston College, and Wisconsin were likely to be at the forefront of his recruitment.
BigBlueIdiot56: Are we going to take any ILB's in this class, and if so, who are the primary targets? Seems like we just almost got ourselves in trouble by not taking enough guys there and have had to scramble to put together a position group for '21 (although getting Trevin Wallace might have turned that problem into a positive).
I would imagine they take one but it's not as big a need as edge, the secondary, or the offensive line. D'Eryk Jackson is young and a clear Mike 'backer. Luke Fulton was recruited to be an inside guy and that's where he will be as well. I would imagine that Trevin Wallace will probably be inside as well though that's TBD. Martez Thrower, we will see. Jared Casey still has a lot of eligibility left.
KadizKat: Not a recruiting question, in your opinion who has the best chance to start at QB next fall?
Right now I think Joey Gatewood and Will Levis are the two most likely starters but that could definitely change. Have heard a lot of good things about Gatewood throughout camp and I know they're excited to get Levis in.
SwirlyCat: In a ideal scenario once the dust settles, where we where you see UKs recruiting class ranking in both the SEC and Nationally?
I think the 20-25 range is where it will settle. Of course it's very early to make that prediction with only about one-fifth or so of the class currently in place but we have a pretty good idea about some of the guys who will be joining the 'Cats. If they can keep their four-star talents together, they should have enough to crack that top 25.
RocknrollCats: Some of the early reports, evidently, have Gatewood leading the QB derby - pending the arrival of Levi.In his limited minutes last year, Gatewood did not appear to me to have the quickest feet. In fact, as a runner, he was more of a plodder - a physical plodder, but a plodder nonetheless.
Given the emphasis that Coen’s offense places on QB footwork, I am a little surprised to hear that he is leading the pack so far. What are you hearing about Joey in this regard? Did JG spend time in speed training this offseason?
Footwork has been a big emphasis for him since last year and also for everyone fundamentally since Liam Coen has come in. I've heard he's got a lot of confidence and has thrown the ball very well. I don't think the buzz is necessarily related strictly to footwork or speed.
I would caution not to write Gatewood off as a dual-threat. He's not lightning quick but can still eventually be a guy who can move the sticks and run over a defensive back. He played in other games but I wouldn't judge him on the Georgia game. They'll make a lot of guys look slow. Some of the slowness was uncertainty as well. He was just kind of slow to get the ball out in general and I think once the game slows down for him he'll play quicker, with his mind, arm, and legs.
Nelson4211: Do you believe the competition is truly open to Scalzo? He has been getting a lot of love from Coen.
I think he's more in the conversation than anyone would have suspected a year ago. In that respect yes. Really wish we had at least one open practice or spring game so we could see for ourselves how far along he is.
csdawson: There’s been a lot said of the positive impact on Coen’s arrival, both schematically and in recruiting, as well as the positive impact of other staff hires. With that said, what does the geographical recruiting landscape look like? Which states/regions will be/won’t be prioritized that maybe in the past weren’t/were?
Kentucky and Ohio are most important. Then you have Michigan, Tennessee, Georgia, and Alabama, and from any one of those states you could have four or five guys on the high end in a given class. The clear trend has been away from Florida talent recently and while I do think Kentucky is going to continue to recruit there I don't get the sense they're throwing themselves back into the Sunshine State in a big way. If Kentucky can get Quinton Conley out of Missouri it will be interesting to see if they try to double down more. They have been nibbling around the edges in places like the Mid-Atlantic, from North Carolina up to Pennsylvania.
oplusas: After his virtual visit do you see UK becoming players in the recruitment of DT Alex VanSumeren and do you have any updates on Jaden Mangham? Appreciate it!!
Yes, they are a player for VanSumeren. Clemson offering is definitely something you have to pay attention to. If they are intent on getting him they'll be tough to beat out. But his interest in Kentucky seems sincere.
I would not call Kentucky a true favorite for Mangham. His scheduled official visits are to Virginia Tech and Georgia Tech. Don't write them off but he's not someone I think they'd be top three or four with.
JDHoss: Speaking of RB, what is/was the deal with Kyree Young? Grades? Off the field stuff? CATPAW MEMBERS WONT TO NO!!1!!1!!!?
I was just told there were enough red flags that in spite of really liking the talent they couldn't justify going in on him. Red flags can range from going to several different high schools to getting negative reviews from high school coaches or former high school coaches, to poor grades, missing class, etc.
gprat1: Latest info and chances getting the two 4 star Michigan lineman...
Deone Walker
and
Alex VanSumeren
?
Walker told me recently that he does not want to take official visits in June. So that's better than setting them up to other schools and not Kentucky. My understanding is Kentucky still likes him a lot as an offensive line target. If Goodwin picks Kentucky and a couple of other dominoes on the line fall in June it will be interesting to see how long they hold a spot open for him. Perhaps he's someone who can fit in spite of a number crunch because he could be a flex guy who projects to offense or defense.
From what I've been told Kentucky is still very much in play but Walker seems to be someone who wants to push the process down the road.
Part II of Cats Illustrated's Football Recruiting Mailbag for this week.
jdsdrummer: After the twins and Goodwin commit this weekend, what are some other key timelines to pay attention to?
Afari in May. Offensive linemen in general in June. I'm not sure a whole lot of other guys have scheduled decision dates.
Cazwheel1072: The Over/Under for the state of Georgia is 3.5 (Based on 4 last year).
What you got and what is the potential list
I will tentatively say under but don't have a strong conviction on that. It seems like they are playing the long game with guys in the South as opposed to the more local guys (Kentucky, Ohio, even Tennessee) who are coming off the board a bit earlier.
From Georgia some of the guys Kentucky is recruiting would include five-star defensive lineman Mykel Williams (top five but not in front), four-star offensive lineman Qaeshon Sapp (probably don't lead), four-star linebacker Jaron Willis (recruiting 'til signing day no matter the early verbal), three-star defensive tackle Quentel Jones (coming on strong), and three-star edge defender Joshua Josephs (coming on strong).
Brentalbert: What are the chances of adding another transfer?
I've continue to hear they are remaining open to it and the process of evaluating portal entrees is ongoing. But I haven't gotten the sense that there's something that needs to be reported on right now.
Blue832: Since the official visits are opening back up, do you see Ky hosting more summer camps for underclassmen and recruits? Seemed to work great before covid. They hosted alot of recruits..Thanks.
Very important question and one that does not have an answer yet. I asked about whether camps will take place in June just this week and was told it's to be determined. Some schools have already announced theirs, and I would expect Kentucky to follow if that is allowed. It wouldn't make sense to put yourself at a disadvantage and not host those camps if other schools are doing it. And you're right, getting guys on campus very early even if they aren't the blockbuster camp names yet has proved to be very important down the road.
MDav1588: Will UK get back in the recruitment of the TE that decommitted from Notre Dame, Jack Nickel? I believe I saw where UK was his first offer and he’s visited multiple times. Where do you think he stacks up priority wise with the other TE targets?
It would not surprise me if they initiate contact again but for now I think Josh Kattus and Quinton Conley remain at the top of their board. Someone who knows Nickel's family told me when he decommitted that Iowa, Purdue, Boston College, and Wisconsin were likely to be at the forefront of his recruitment.
BigBlueIdiot56: Are we going to take any ILB's in this class, and if so, who are the primary targets? Seems like we just almost got ourselves in trouble by not taking enough guys there and have had to scramble to put together a position group for '21 (although getting Trevin Wallace might have turned that problem into a positive).
I would imagine they take one but it's not as big a need as edge, the secondary, or the offensive line. D'Eryk Jackson is young and a clear Mike 'backer. Luke Fulton was recruited to be an inside guy and that's where he will be as well. I would imagine that Trevin Wallace will probably be inside as well though that's TBD. Martez Thrower, we will see. Jared Casey still has a lot of eligibility left.
KadizKat: Not a recruiting question, in your opinion who has the best chance to start at QB next fall?
Right now I think Joey Gatewood and Will Levis are the two most likely starters but that could definitely change. Have heard a lot of good things about Gatewood throughout camp and I know they're excited to get Levis in.
SwirlyCat: In a ideal scenario once the dust settles, where we where you see UKs recruiting class ranking in both the SEC and Nationally?
I think the 20-25 range is where it will settle. Of course it's very early to make that prediction with only about one-fifth or so of the class currently in place but we have a pretty good idea about some of the guys who will be joining the 'Cats. If they can keep their four-star talents together, they should have enough to crack that top 25.
RocknrollCats: Some of the early reports, evidently, have Gatewood leading the QB derby - pending the arrival of Levi.In his limited minutes last year, Gatewood did not appear to me to have the quickest feet. In fact, as a runner, he was more of a plodder - a physical plodder, but a plodder nonetheless.
Given the emphasis that Coen’s offense places on QB footwork, I am a little surprised to hear that he is leading the pack so far. What are you hearing about Joey in this regard? Did JG spend time in speed training this offseason?
Footwork has been a big emphasis for him since last year and also for everyone fundamentally since Liam Coen has come in. I've heard he's got a lot of confidence and has thrown the ball very well. I don't think the buzz is necessarily related strictly to footwork or speed.
I would caution not to write Gatewood off as a dual-threat. He's not lightning quick but can still eventually be a guy who can move the sticks and run over a defensive back. He played in other games but I wouldn't judge him on the Georgia game. They'll make a lot of guys look slow. Some of the slowness was uncertainty as well. He was just kind of slow to get the ball out in general and I think once the game slows down for him he'll play quicker, with his mind, arm, and legs.
Nelson4211: Do you believe the competition is truly open to Scalzo? He has been getting a lot of love from Coen.
I think he's more in the conversation than anyone would have suspected a year ago. In that respect yes. Really wish we had at least one open practice or spring game so we could see for ourselves how far along he is.
csdawson: There’s been a lot said of the positive impact on Coen’s arrival, both schematically and in recruiting, as well as the positive impact of other staff hires. With that said, what does the geographical recruiting landscape look like? Which states/regions will be/won’t be prioritized that maybe in the past weren’t/were?
Kentucky and Ohio are most important. Then you have Michigan, Tennessee, Georgia, and Alabama, and from any one of those states you could have four or five guys on the high end in a given class. The clear trend has been away from Florida talent recently and while I do think Kentucky is going to continue to recruit there I don't get the sense they're throwing themselves back into the Sunshine State in a big way. If Kentucky can get Quinton Conley out of Missouri it will be interesting to see if they try to double down more. They have been nibbling around the edges in places like the Mid-Atlantic, from North Carolina up to Pennsylvania.
oplusas: After his virtual visit do you see UK becoming players in the recruitment of DT Alex VanSumeren and do you have any updates on Jaden Mangham? Appreciate it!!
Yes, they are a player for VanSumeren. Clemson offering is definitely something you have to pay attention to. If they are intent on getting him they'll be tough to beat out. But his interest in Kentucky seems sincere.
I would not call Kentucky a true favorite for Mangham. His scheduled official visits are to Virginia Tech and Georgia Tech. Don't write them off but he's not someone I think they'd be top three or four with.
JDHoss: Speaking of RB, what is/was the deal with Kyree Young? Grades? Off the field stuff? CATPAW MEMBERS WONT TO NO!!1!!1!!!?
I was just told there were enough red flags that in spite of really liking the talent they couldn't justify going in on him. Red flags can range from going to several different high schools to getting negative reviews from high school coaches or former high school coaches, to poor grades, missing class, etc.
gprat1: Latest info and chances getting the two 4 star Michigan lineman...
Deone Walker
and
Alex VanSumeren
?
Walker told me recently that he does not want to take official visits in June. So that's better than setting them up to other schools and not Kentucky. My understanding is Kentucky still likes him a lot as an offensive line target. If Goodwin picks Kentucky and a couple of other dominoes on the line fall in June it will be interesting to see how long they hold a spot open for him. Perhaps he's someone who can fit in spite of a number crunch because he could be a flex guy who projects to offense or defense.
From what I've been told Kentucky is still very much in play but Walker seems to be someone who wants to push the process down the road.
