State of 2022 Recruiting

[Rembrandt90]

Here is the roster math.

In normal years, the NCAA allows 85 football scholarships for each program. An exemption will be allowed in 2022 for each 2021 supersenior who is replaced by an incoming player. That means Stoops could potentially bring in six extra players to replace UK's 2021 superseniors. That increases the potential 2022 roster to as many as 91 scholarships, although it is difficult to imagine Stoops would use all of those since doing so could restrict his 2023 recruiting class.

Currently, 56 Wildcats are scheduled to return next year. That takes into account UK's 10 declared outgoing transfers. For every Wildcat who enters the transfer portal in the future or leaves early for the NFL draft (such as Rosenthal, Wandale), that number will decrease accordingly. For every eligible senior (such as Jones, Square, Wright) who chooses to return in 2022 as a supersenior, the number will increase accordingly. Hypothetically let's say Rosenthal and Wandale leave this year for the NFL but Square and Wright return as superseniors. In that case, 56 current Wildcats would return.

Add incoming transfers Tayvion Robinson and Tashawn Manning. That makes 58.

Add Zayquan Frazier and the 19 hs seniors who signed with UK yesterday. That makes 78.

So given our hypothetical situation with Square, Wright, Rosenthal, and Wandale, Stoops could still bring in a combination of 13 additional incoming college transfers, jucos, and hs seniors.

It is a sure thing that there will still be more future incoming and outbound transfers. Meanwhile, recruitments of hs prospects will continue until the second signing date in February. Stoops is still recruiting a significant number of hs players including-

Jackson Brown, OL, Danville, CA
Jalen Farmer, OL, Covington, GA
Davison Igbinosun, DB, Union, NJ
Ahmad Moten, DL, Ft Lauderdale, FL
Jawaun Northington, RB, Louisville, KY
Mason Thomas, LB, Ft Lauderdale, FL

And here is a new tidbit to ponder. Last week, on December 10, Coach Marrow offered a scholarship to Sam Vaulton, a 6'3" 200# QB at Santa Monica CC. Vaulton is from Los Angeles. He is a 2022 prospect.

 

[BigBlueManSouthCentralKY]

What kind of human would rather go to Louisville instead of FL ST?

 

[kyleb740]

Not specifically 2022 recruiting but since roster #s were brought up looking at next years super SRs.

In signing Manning I guess Dotson told the staff he wouldn’t be back for a super SR year. You have to imagine the staff would welcome back Square, Jones, Wright, or Ajian if any wanted to come back. The others would be Dort, Epps, Thomas, and Fitzgerald, which depending on numbers it’s possible 1 or 2 could be here next year. Assuming Corker, Kinnard, McCall, and Paschal are going to the draft.

The portal after the bowl games is going to be busy one would think with all the super SRs that could be pushed out or looking for one last opportunity.

 

[sieken]

 

[THE_OAK]

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I hope we are able to flip him from ISU. Would make for a hell of a LB class.

 

[Rembrandt90]

According to reports, UK's coaching staff is now attempting to recruit Francois Nolton, a 6'5" 230# edge defender from Edison hs in Miami. Nolton decommitted from FL after Dan Mullen was sacked.

As I posted yesterday, Coach Marrow offered a scholarship to Sam Vaulton on December 10. Vaulton is a 6'3" 200# QB from Santa Monica CC in the LA area.

 

[Girthang]

What kind of human would rather go to Louisville instead of FL ST?

FSU LEFT, UL RIGHT

FSU LEFT, UL RIGHT

 

[Smashcat]

 

[Rembrandt90]

Just a reminder, guys. Let's keep this thread focused on UK's 2022 recruiting class. There is still plenty of 2022 UK recruiting news to discuss.

 

[CAT Scratch FVR]

So needs, another offensive lineman who can start, pass rusher who can start, backup qb who has potential to start, all immediately.

 

[yoshukai]

So needs, another offensive lineman who can start, pass rusher who can start, backup qb who has potential to start, all immediately.

IMO , we are in pretty good shape on the offensive line . We have some talented young guys waiting their turn . If Wright returns we don’t “need” a starting edge rusher, adding depth would be nice though. Plus two of our highest ranked incoming recruits may project as edge rushers . And I don’t believe the staff had the quarterback position as much of a priority this year , so no .

 

[Mark80]

Here is the roster math.

In normal years, the NCAA allows 85 football scholarships for each program. An exemption will be allowed in 2022 for each 2021 supersenior who is replaced by an incoming player. That means Stoops could potentially bring in six extra players to replace UK's 2021 superseniors. That increases the potential 2022 roster to as many as 91 scholarships, although it is difficult to imagine Stoops would use all of those since doing so could restrict his 2023 recruiting class.

Currently, 56 Wildcats are scheduled to return next year. That takes into account UK's 10 declared outgoing transfers. For every Wildcat who enters the transfer portal in the future or leaves early for the NFL draft (such as Rosenthal, Wandale), that number will decrease accordingly. For every eligible senior (such as Jones, Square, Wright) who chooses to return in 2022 as a supersenior, the number will increase accordingly. Hypothetically let's say Rosenthal and Wandale leave this year for the NFL but Square and Wright return as superseniors. In that case, 56 current Wildcats would return.

Add incoming transfers Tayvion Robinson and Tashawn Manning. That makes 58.

Add Zayquan Frazier and the 19 hs seniors who signed with UK yesterday. That makes 78.

So given our hypothetical situation with Square, Wright, Rosenthal, and Wandale, Stoops could still bring in a combination of 13 additional incoming college transfers, jucos, and hs seniors.

It is a sure thing that there will still be more future incoming and outbound transfers. Meanwhile, recruitments of hs prospects will continue until the second signing date in February. Stoops is still recruiting a significant number of hs players including-

Jackson Brown, OL, Danville, CA
Jalen Farmer, OL, Covington, GA
Davison Igbinosun, DB, Union, NJ
Ahmad Moten, DL, Ft Lauderdale, FL
Jawaun Northington, RB, Louisville, KY
Mason Thomas, LB, Ft Lauderdale, FL

And here is a new tidbit to ponder. Last week, on December 10, Coach Marrow offered a scholarship to Sam Vaulton, a 6'3" 200# QB at Santa Monica CC. Vaulton is from Los Angeles. He is a 2022 prospect.

Jackson Brown signed with Cal

 

[CAT Scratch FVR]

IMO , we are in pretty good shape on the offensive line . We have some talented young guys waiting their turn . If Wright returns we don’t “need” a starting edge rusher, adding depth would be nice though. Plus two of our highest ranked incoming recruits may project as edge rushers . And I don’t believe the staff had the quarterback position as much of a priority this year , so no .

So, Levis surveys the QB scene and says, "I'm better than Des Ridder", he could be gone.
They were recruiting the pass rusher from Florida who transferred to MSU.
They were recruiting Rutgers OL.
Something tells me they are not satisfied.

 

[Rock_Cat78]

Jackson Brown signed with Cal

He is still committed to Cal, but did not sign. Planning to visit Kentucky in January.

 

[yoshukai]

So, Levis surveys the QB scene and says, "I'm better than Des Ridder", he could be gone.
They were recruiting the pass rusher from Florida who transferred to MSU.
They were recruiting Rutgers OL.
Something tells me they are not satisfied.

If they were concerned about the quarterback position don’t you think they would have pursued one in the transfer portal ?
He would have been a nice get and probably a starter, we do need help there . If Wright returns he doesn’t have to be a starter .
I don’t think they ever offered the Rutgers guy, he was benched mid-season. They were after a lot bigger fish and they got them .
They’ll probably never be “satisfied” but we don’t need starters “immediately“ .

 

[Smashcat]

 

[Rembrandt90]

So needs, another offensive lineman who can start,

Depends on whether Dare Rosenthal comes back. I think I have more confidence in Flax and Goodwin than most other fans on this board.

pass rusher who can start,

Depends on whether Jordan Wright comes back. Wright and Weaver at Jack and Sam LBs would a better duo withthe benefit of better health and another year of experience. Of course, that still leaves open the question of who replaces Josh Paschal, but I am optimistic about a starting DL consisting of Rogers, OO, and Rybka if it works out that way.

backup qb who has potential to start, all immediately.

I still believe in Beau Allen. But there are only three remaining QBs on the roster, and that assumes that Levis returns (as I am almost certain he will). But the concern is there. Last week, Coach Marrow offered a 2022 scholarship to QB Sam Vaulton of Santa Monica CC. I have no idea how good Vaulton is, or whether he wants to play in Lexington. But chances are that Coach Coen picked him out. This shows that Stoops and Coen agree with the need for signing a viable backup QB. Where there is smoke, there is usually fire.

 

[Caveman Catfan]

So, Levis surveys the QB scene and says, "I'm better than Des Ridder", he could be gone.
They were recruiting the pass rusher from Florida who transferred to MSU.
They were recruiting Rutgers OL.
Something tells me they are not satisfied.

Has Levis been evaluated by others as better than Ridder? And, where is Ridder projected in the draft?

 

[Rembrandt90]

So, Levis surveys the QB scene and says, "I'm better than Des Ridder", he could be gone.

He isn't. Not currently. I am not saying he doesn't have more upside than he has shown so far. He is physically gifted, But Levis will not be draftable until he shows that he can take much better care of the football and stop locking onto his receivers. He must learn how to command the football field and work through his progressions the way an experienced QB does that. Not everyone can learn that.

They were recruiting the pass rusher from Florida who transferred to MSU.

True this. They are still recruiting edge defenders in the portal and at the hs level. One possibility could be Francois Nolton from Miami, who decommitted from FL. There are also several candidates in the transfer portal. There is room.

They were recruiting Rutgers OL.
Something tells me they are not satisfied.

Stoops accepted Tashawn Manning, a transfer from Auburn. Manning was never a regular starter at Auburn, but he provides depth and can compete for a starting OG job. I doubt Stoops and Wolf were ever serious about the backup from Rutgers once they got Manning. Probably just kicking the tires on some alternatives. When you lose two key OL starters and possibly three, it only makes sense to add experience.

 

[maroon79]

Jackson Brown signed with Cal

he finally ran outta gas, and couldn’t get to Ky

 

[Caveman Catfan]

Hopefully Kentucky can make up ground with Grant Bingham because right now he is pretty enamored with Notre Dame.

It seems like ages ago we were wondering if Grant would choose UK or Ogre Dame. It’s good to remember that this kid is so highly regarded and that once he decided, he seemed incredibly firm. Had he waited for signing day to pick, we would have been on edge, because he is a high level recruit. Looking forward to seeing him compete for the Cats!

 

[sieken]

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Keaten Wade is too low on that list IMO. He's going to be a high producing edge guy here, good athleticism, should be good getting after the qb and dropping in coverage.

 

[Rembrandt90]

Keaten Wade is too low on that list IMO. He's going to be a high producing edge guy here, good athleticism, should be good getting after the qb and dropping in coverage.

Brad White directly participated in Keaton Wade's recruitment. According to Coach Stoops, our coaching staff has a very high grade on Wade and expects him to contribute early. Part of this is, no doubt, due to the way they assess his fit as an edge rusher and lateral contain defender in our 3-4 system.

I am interested to see what happens with his brother Destin. Here is an excerpted comment from Coach Stoops- "Destin is a terrific athlete - also a very good QB - but he definitely could play multiple positions, that's for sure." My impression is that Destin has the size, speed, and leadership ability to play QB, but would be relatively new to the fundamentals of an advanced passing offense. Whether he could develop the mechanics and accuracy to become a successful SEC QB is anyone's guess. But when you look at his physical build and high level of athletic talent, they scream safety or WR. He could be a dominant player at either of those positions, or even at Will LB, but I assume they will give him a shot first as a QB.

 

[Girthang]

Brad White directly participated in Keaton Wade's recruitment. According to Coach Stoops, our coaching staff has a very high grade on Wade and expects him to contribute early. Part of this is, no doubt, due to the way they assess his fit as an edge rusher and lateral contain defender in our 3-4 system.

I am interested to see what happens with his brother Destin. Here is an excerpted comment from Coach Stoops- "Destin is a terrific athlete - also a very good QB - but he definitely could play multiple positions, that's for sure." My impression is that Destin has the size, speed, and leadership ability to play QB, but would be relatively new to the fundamentals of an advanced passing offense. Whether he could develop the mechanics and accuracy to become a successful SEC QB is anyone's guess. But when you look at his physical build and high level of athletic talent, they scream safety or WR. He could be a dominant player at either of those positions, or even at Will LB, but I assume they will give him a shot first as a QB.

The key I think for Wade at QB is that to me he doesn't seem to have developed those firm form habits that HS QBs have usually developed through tremendous repetition by this stage. When you've thrown as many passes as Beau Allen for instance, if there are a lot of mechanics to clean up(not saying he had those issues), it takes longer to reverse them than it would for someone throwing fewer passes.

I can't wait to see him learning/running the offense in the spring and fall camp

 

[vhcat70]

Do signings close tonight till Feb. ?

 

[sieken]

Do signings close tonight till Feb. ?

Yep, looks like it ends today, the 17th

 

[_ukcat]

I see where Texas QB Casey Thompson has entered Portal, any idea if UK has or be interested in him?

 

[sieken]

I see where Texas QB Casey Thompson has entered Portal, any idea if UK has or be interested in him?

I think they are good with where they are at QB and RB. Unless someone just off the charts wanted transfer, I think we are set at those two spots.

 

[_ukcat]

Interesting, I guarantee you 95% of all non Alabama SEC fans were pulling for Georgia on Saturday, I know I was.

1. Dead ball out of bounds plays under opposition basket. Cal how many points do you have to give up in these situations until you fix it. It’s a couple baskets every game

2. Dead ball out of bounds under our basket. You cannot come up with something better than just throwing it up to a extended arm?

3. Lack of cuts or back doors on offense - do we ever get a basket off a back door or slip screen

4. Rotation on defense - how many times do we get beat on straight line drives yet no one has rotated to take a charge.

5. Any good basketball analytics expert will tell you long 2pt jumpers are horrible- why does it look like we run our offense to get those?

6. Lack of multiple defenses - just plain hard headed on this one

7. The constant screaming and impulse substitutions during the game have to drive the players and other Coaches crazy.

I think they are good with where they are at QB and RB. Unless someone just off the charts wanted transfer, I think we are set at those two spots.

Thanks. Didn't know much about Thompson except he a Starter for 10 games I think

 

[yoshukai]

Brad White directly participated in Keaton Wade's recruitment. According to Coach Stoops, our coaching staff has a very high grade on Wade and expects him to contribute early. Part of this is, no doubt, due to the way they assess his fit as an edge rusher and lateral contain defender in our 3-4 system.

I am interested to see what happens with his brother Destin. Here is an excerpted comment from Coach Stoops- "Destin is a terrific athlete - also a very good QB - but he definitely could play multiple positions, that's for sure." My impression is that Destin has the size, speed, and leadership ability to play QB, but would be relatively new to the fundamentals of an advanced passing offense. Whether he could develop the mechanics and accuracy to become a successful SEC QB is anyone's guess. But when you look at his physical build and high level of athletic talent, they scream safety or WR. He could be a dominant player at either of those positions, or even at Will LB, but I assume they will give him a shot first as a QB.

I’m curious how set Destin is on playing quarterback.

 

[maysvilleky]

So is there any concern about Brown qualifying?

And it seems UK definitely wanted to add to the WR position. So should we expect more transfers out of UK from that position?

 

[hmt5000]

Going to become the norm with the way the portal rules work.

Portal is going to end up being why the power 5 leaves the ncaa. They can use the other schools as a farm system and don't have to worry as much about missing on a player at a specific position. And I don't think they can put that genie back in the bottle either.

 

[maroon79]

The NCAA is now officially irrelevant

they just don’t know it yet

the SEC is the predominant governing body of College Football

 

[K_TIME]

Portal is going to end up being why the power 5 leaves the ncaa. They can use the other schools as a farm system and don't have to worry as much about missing on a player at a specific position. And I don't think they can put that genie back in the bottle either.

So to put it in real world situations are you concerned a scenario like this will start to unfold...

- A player is a proven commodity at say UK, NC State, Tennessee, etc...then they use the portal to say I'm an unrestricted free agent and top tier schools just go shopping for these kids to fill holes in their roster and just have a nice fat NIL $$$$ to lure them away.

If mid to lower tier P5 teams start to get used as a farm system to the haves vs. have nots .....that would put a sour taste in my mouth.

 

[Colonial Farm 80]

Posting psychology is an interesting thing, isn't it? We have a 54-page posting thread about Kentucky's 2022 football recruiting. That many pages tell me lots of people are interested in the title subject. I know I check this thread almost every day. We have a couple of guys almost begging everyone to keep the thread on 2022 Kentucky recruiting. But it cannot be done. Lots of good comments, but also lots of off subject stuff and a few too many cheap shots at the OP. The recruiting is not over. I hope this thread can keep focus because I personally get a good deal of my recruiting news here.

 

[Canned Heat]

UPDATES:
Jackson Brown, OL, Danville, CA
Jalen Farmer, OL, Covington, GA
Davison Igbinosun, DB, Union, NJ (just received two crystal balls to Ole Miss, already had one to them, this is looking like his landing spot.)
Ahmad Moten, DL, Ft Lauderdale, FL (received crystal ball to Oklahoma along with teammate R Mason Thomas)
Jawaun Northington, RB, Louisville, KY
Mason Thomas, LB, Ft Lauderdale, FL (crystal ball to Oklahoma with teammate Moten)

Portal will probably be our friend the rest of the way for the 2022 cycle.

 

[K_TIME]

UPDATES:
Jackson Brown, OL, Danville, CA
Jalen Farmer, OL, Covington, GA
Davison Igbinosun, DB, Union, NJ (just received two crystal balls to Ole Miss, already had one to them, this is looking like his landing spot.)
Ahmad Moten, DL, Ft Lauderdale, FL (received crystal ball to Oklahoma along with teammate R Mason Thomas)
Jawaun Northington, RB, Louisville, KY
Mason Thomas, LB, Ft Lauderdale, FL (crystal ball to Oklahoma with teammate Moten)

Portal will probably be our friend the rest of the way for the 2022 cycle.

Hate not getting Davison Igbinosun if this pans out. He looked like a really good CB prospect that we need to fit Stoops Cover 3 scheme

 

[Girthang]

Hate not getting Davison Igbinosun if this pans out. He looked like a really good CB prospect that we need to fit Stoops Cover 3 scheme

Odd that we've lost out on some of our targets at positions of need in this cycle, but we can't win every recruiting battle. We've gotten commitments from at least 3 good DBs. The transfer portal is just getting started for this cycle. We still have post-bowl and post-spring ball transfers to look at. I prefer having them on campus earlier, but we want the ones that want to be here and work hard.

 

[Canned Heat]

Remember this recruiting cycle is much more competitive. With all the coaching changes, big schools released kids, and are trying to redo their classes to their liking. Not to say we didn't have to compete against the top schools last year, but this year is very competitive in the transfer portal, and remaining targets that did not commit. Some schools observed the success of Kentucky and other schools that were largely dependent on their prior year Portal success. Many schools changed their philosophy when recruiting from the portal. well except Dabo and Clemson, he still doesn't get it.

 

[Rembrandt90]

We have thoroughly covered the 20 prospects who just signed with Coach Stoops and Coach Marrow.

UK still has room on the 2022 roster for at least 10 more new players and possibly a few more, if Coach Stoops can get players he wants. It is likely that most of the players yet to be added for 2022 might come to UK via the transfer portal, but some will sign in February. Stoops can certainly use another WR, another DL, another DB, and several more LBs.

Here is an updated list of current prospects who might come into play for UK at the February signing date. This list will keep changing over the next month, of course. I am not attempting to address the transfer portal here.

Jackson Brown, OL, Danville, CA
Jalen Farmer, OL, Covington, KY
Davison Igbunosun, DB, Union, NJ
EJ Lightsey, LB, Fitzgerald, GA
Ahmad Moten, DL, Ft Lauderdale, FL
Francois Nolton, LB, Miami, FL
Jawaun Northington, ATH, Louisville, KY
Laquan Robinson, DB, Greenville, AL
Andrew Savaiinaea, DL, Graham, WA
Mason Thomas, LB, Ft Lauderdale, FL
Sam Vaulton, QB, Santa Monica CC

Brown and Farmer verballed to Cal and FL, respectively, but did not sign. Farmer recently visited Lexington and Brown may do so in January. Igbinosun visited Lexington recently but may sign with Ole Miss, although he has not publicly ruled out UK. Lightsey is an uncommitted GA prospect whose recruitment seems to have progressed slowly. Moten and Thomas may be headed to OK, but are still being recruited by UK DC Brad White. Nolton, another Coach White recruit, is a rangy edge defender who might have been headed to FL before Dan Mullen was fired. Northington has been talking with Coach Marrow for months and might still be waiting on a committable UK offer. Robinson is likely headed to Ole Miss but is still available. Savaiinaea was likely headed to OR before Mario Cristobal left there, but is still available. Vaulton was offered by Ole Miss coming out of hs, but went to juco instead. Now he is being recruited by Coach Coen and Coach Marrow.