A thought. We thought last year's recruiting endeavors were maybe a one off since he didn't have alot of time. He took alot of mid major guys whom none of us knew how they'd translate to SEC competition. The consensus this year is that with more time, he would go after bigger fish. With the exception of Yaxel, Dent, and a few others, it doesn't seem like he's been heavily prioritizing bigger fish. Could it be that he wants players here who want to be here? Players who know or think they know what playing here would do for their lives and potentially careers? Pope has said a million times how coming here changed his life. I really think he is eyeing players of high character and one's that maybe he can see himself in, for UK to be a blessing to, as it was and contines to be for him. In my opinion, he prefers that attitude and character over a dude that wants to sponge every possible cent he can out of the current NIL landscape. And secondly, we as a fanbase, are used to Cal bringing in the top prospects and we're obsessed with rankings because of that. Pope is going to bring in pieces that fits what he wants to do, instead of just bagging as many 5 stars as he can. We have to let the man cook. And these rankings are BS anyways. Looking at you Hunter Dickenson, Great Osobor, AJ Storr....
