State of 2024 Recruiting

[Rembrandt90]

Here is a partial list of hs players in the 2024 class who have reportedly received UK scholarship offers-

Liam Andrews, OL, Brookline, MA
Isaiah Autry, OL, Tupelo, MS
Jeremiah Beasley, ATH, Belleville, MI
Kaleb Beasley, DB, Nashville, TN
Mazeo Bennett, WR, Greenville, SC
KJ Bolden, ATH, Buford, GA
Boo Carter, ATH, Chattanooga, TN
Gavin Chadwell, TE, Barbourville, KY
Cooper Cousins, OT, Erie, PA
TA Cunningham, DL, Alpharetta, GA
Brandon Davis-Swain, DL, Bloomfield, MI
Tyseer Denmark, WR, Philadelphia, PA
Noah Dixon, DB, Lagrange, GA
Jonathon Echols, DE, Franklin, GA
Sincere Edwards, LB, Apopka, FL
Ondre Evans, ATH, Nashville, TN
Zion Ferguson, DB, Loganville, FL
Waltclaire Flynn, OL, Loganville, GA
Stacy Gage, RB, Bradenton, FL
Tayvion Galloway, TE, Chillicothe, OH
Carson Gentle, LB, Chattanooga, TN
Braden Graham, QB, Nashville, TN
Eric Handley, QB, Fairfield, AL
Jaylen Harvey, LB, Gaithersburg, MD
Jewett Hayes, TE, Cincinnati, OH
Timajay Hayes, LB, Melbourne, FL
Brandon Heyward, ATH, Oak Ridge, TN
Eddrick Houston, LB, Buford, GA
KJ Jackson, QB, Montgomery, AL
Kari Jackson, LB, Bradenton, FL
Myles Jackson, QB, Long Beach, CA
Renzo Jennings, DB, Belleville, MI
Hayes Johnson, OL, Campbellsville, KY
Nathaniel Johnson, OL, Belleville, MI
Peter Jones, OL, Malvern, PA
Braylen Kitty, OL, Hilton Head, SC
Jak Lindsey, OL, Owensboro, KY
Nick Marsh, WR, River Rouge, MI
Isaiah Marshall, QB, Southfield, MI
Jordan Marshall, RB, Cincinnati, OH
Quinton Martin, ATH, Belle Vernon, PA
JacQwan McRoy, OL, Fairfield, AL
Elijah Moore, WR, Olney, MD
Jabari Murphy, WR, Eclectic, AL
Prentiss Noland, QB, Fairburn, GA
Jacob Oden, ATH, Harper Woods, MI
Eddy Pierre-Louis, DL, Tampa, FL
James Randle, WR, Daytona Beach, FL
Dante Reno, QB, Windsor, CT
Aaron Scott, ATH, Holland, OH
Jacob Smith, DE, Windsor, CT
Jerod Smith, DE, Windsor, CT
Maealiuaki Smith, QB, San Mateo, CA
Joseph Stone, ATH, Loganville, GA
Jaylen Thompson, DB, Murfreesboro, TN
Josiah Thompson, OL, Dillon, SC
David Washington, WR, Philadelphia, PA
James Robinson, DB, Belleville, MI
Landen Thomas, TE, Moultrie, GA
Hank Weber, DL. Brentwood, TN
Bryce West, ATH, Cleveland, OH
Tyshun White, DB, Buford, GA
Brayshon Williams, DB, Lakeland, FL
Brandon Winton, ATH, Bradenton, FL
Damarion Witton, ATH, Cleveland, OH

 

[Kentucky_Coach]

Would say half end up possibilities. Half of that half will be REAL possibilities.

 

[Rembrandt90]

Would say half end up possibilities. Half of that half will be REAL possibilities.

Yes, that's more or less true at the beginning of every new recruiting class. Of course, there will also be a lot of new names along the way.

 

[catben]

Interesting that there are only 3 KY kids on that list and NONE from Louisville or Lexington.

 

[Rembrandt90]

Interesting that there are only 3 KY kids on that list and NONE from Louisville or Lexington.

Some years are stronger than others instate, but there is still plenty of time for unknown 2024 guys to attend camps, break out, and get onto the recruiting radar of Power 5 teams. I wouldn't arrive at any firm conclusions yet.

Would also point out that Jerod and Jacob Smith are Kentuckians attending school in CT.

 

[Caveman Catfan]

“A 2024 quarterback called me last night at 10:30” (speaking to how the season does not end) - Liam Coen

 

[Rembrandt90]

More 2024 prospects with new UK offers-

Mario Craver, ATH, Pinson, AL
TJ Engleman, ATH, Cincinnati, OH
Kavion Henderson, DL, Leeds, AL
Jaylen Mbakwe, DB, Pinson, AL
Jordan Thomas, DL, Ramsey, NJ

 

[Madcat62]

good to see UK recruiting a lot more in the north east.

 

[Girthang]

@Rembrandt90

Thank you for this and all you're trying to do here!

Is this 2023 or 2024? Didn't see a thread on '23 is why I was wondering.

 

[Rembrandt90]

@Rembrandt90

Thank you for this and all you're trying to do here!

Is this 2023 or 2024? Didn't see a thread on '23 is why I was wondering.

This thread is 2024.

All these recruiting threads are community threads and group efforts. Canned Heat initiated the 2023 thread, and it is not very far down on the website page today. I posted some new information on 2023 earlier today.

Your kind words are appreciated. It has taken an effort to keep these threads focused on recruiting, since some of our colleagues like to change the subject or joust with one another (or sometimes with me). But I think recruiting is one of the most important topics we discuss here. Recruiting is the gateway to program growth.

 

[Rembrandt90]

Some more new 2024 UK offers-

Taebron Bennie-Powell, ATH, West Chester, OH
Quinton Price, DB, Cincinnati, OH
Elias Rudolph, LB, Cincinnati, OH

 

[Canned Heat]

I think I will start studying more on 2024. This could end up being a very important class.

 

[The-Hack]

I think I will start studying more on 2024. This could end up being a very important class.

Jacob and Jerrod Smith, both graded as Top 250 recruits at DE, sound like a major prize for whomever gets them.

I understand they were from Kentucky and moved to Connecticut to play.

I hope we have some inside edge for them.

 

[TuckyFB]

Since we're starting the 2024 thread.

Here we go

 

[TuckyFB]

He doesn't have a rivals page yet or I overlooked it.

 

[jauk11]

Is the one kid from Barbourville or Knox Central?

 

[deuces r wild]

View embedded media

He doesn't have a rivals page yet or I overlooked it.

He is one heck of a basketball player, who will definitely blowup this football season. A 6'4 or 6'5 athletic receiver with crazy bounce. Get him early !!

 

[Cole World]

 

[bballcat4]

Is the one kid from Barbourville or Knox Central?

Knox Central is in the town of Barbourville. BHS is single A school that hasn’t had a football team in years.

 

[jauk11]

Knox Central is in the town of Barbourville. BHS is single A school that hasn’t had a football team in years.

Thanks, I figured as much but not much news about the old smaller schools. And I think Barbourville was one of the smaller ones with football. A shame really, not nearly as many prospects get to actually play anymore. A nation of spectators.

My small school was in Knox County and started football in 1938, with my oldest brother captain of the team. He also served as a medic against the Japanese. We were much smaller, but I don't think we lost to Knox Central until 1957. the year after I graduated.

 

[maysvilleky]

Some more new 2024 UK offers-

Taebron Bennie-Powell, ATH, West Chester, OH
Quinton Price, DB, Cincinnati, OH
Elias Rudolph, LB, Cincinnati, OH

I was wondering when more Ohio kids would get offers.

 

[Rembrandt90]

Liam Coen's return to UK should shake up our 2024 recruiting board. Coen had an influence on our 2022 class. He recruited Barion Brown and the Wade brothers.

 

[Girthang]

Here is a partial list of hs players in the 2024 class who have reportedly received UK scholarship offers-

Liam Andrews, OL, Brookline, MA
Isaiah Autry, OL, Tupelo, MS
Jeremiah Beasley, ATH, Belleville, MI
Kaleb Beasley, DB, Nashville, TN
Mazeo Bennett, WR, Greenville, SC
KJ Bolden, ATH, Buford, GA
Boo Carter, ATH, Chattanooga, TN
Gavin Chadwell, TE, Barbourville, KY
Cooper Cousins, OT, Erie, PA
TA Cunningham, DL, Alpharetta, GA
Brandon Davis-Swain, DL, Bloomfield, MI
Tyseer Denmark, WR, Philadelphia, PA
Noah Dixon, DB, Lagrange, GA
Jonathon Echols, DE, Franklin, GA
Sincere Edwards, LB, Apopka, FL
Ondre Evans, ATH, Nashville, TN
Zion Ferguson, DB, Loganville, FL
Waltclaire Flynn, OL, Loganville, GA
Stacy Gage, RB, Bradenton, FL
Tayvion Galloway, TE, Chillicothe, OH
Carson Gentle, LB, Chattanooga, TN
Braden Graham, QB, Nashville, TN
Eric Handley, QB, Fairfield, AL
Jaylen Harvey, LB, Gaithersburg, MD
Jewett Hayes, TE, Cincinnati, OH
Timajay Hayes, LB, Melbourne, FL
Brandon Heyward, ATH, Oak Ridge, TN
Eddrick Houston, LB, Buford, GA
KJ Jackson, QB, Montgomery, AL
Kari Jackson, LB, Bradenton, FL
Myles Jackson, QB, Long Beach, CA
Renzo Jennings, DB, Belleville, MI
Hayes Johnson, OL, Campbellsville, KY
Nathaniel Johnson, OL, Belleville, MI
Peter Jones, OL, Malvern, PA
Braylen Kitty, OL, Hilton Head, SC
Jak Lindsey, OL, Owensboro, KY
Nick Marsh, WR, River Rouge, MI
Isaiah Marshall, QB, Southfield, MI
Jordan Marshall, RB, Cincinnati, OH
Quinton Martin, ATH, Belle Vernon, PA
JacQwan McRoy, OL, Fairfield, AL
Elijah Moore, WR, Olney, MD
Jabari Murphy, WR, Eclectic, AL
Prentiss Noland, QB, Fairburn, GA
Jacob Oden, ATH, Harper Woods, MI
Eddy Pierre-Louis, DL, Tampa, FL
James Randle, WR, Daytona Beach, FL
Dante Reno, QB, Windsor, CT
Aaron Scott, ATH, Holland, OH
Jacob Smith, DE, Windsor, CT
Jerod Smith, DE, Windsor, CT
Maealiuaki Smith, QB, San Mateo, CA
Joseph Stone, ATH, Loganville, GA
Jaylen Thompson, DB, Murfreesboro, TN
Josiah Thompson, OL, Dillon, SC
David Washington, WR, Philadelphia, PA
James Robinson, DB, Belleville, MI
Landen Thomas, TE, Moultrie, GA
Hank Weber, DL. Brentwood, TN
Bryce West, ATH, Cleveland, OH
Tyshun White, DB, Buford, GA
Brayshon Williams, DB, Lakeland, FL
Brandon Winton, ATH, Bradenton, FL
Damarion Witton, ATH, Cleveland, OH

Need more DL on that list!

 

[tdcat]

Some years are stronger than others instate, but there is still plenty of time for unknown 2024 guys to attend camps, break out, and get onto the recruiting radar of Power 5 teams. I wouldn't arrive at any firm conclusions yet.

Would also point out that Jerod and Jacob Smith are Kentuckians attending school in CT.

Really would like to land the Smiths

 

[Grumpyolddawg]

Buford in GA is absolutely loaded for 24, they could have10 players sign with SEC schools and several more at smaller schools. Buford players seldom get much better in college, the program is run much like a college program with nutritionists, state of the art training, even a JV stadium that seats 3500. JV players are not allowed to step on the varsity field unless they are dressed for varsity game. They are either maxed out physically in HS, elite technique or just burnt out by the time they get to college. This entire process starts at around 8 .

 

[Rembrandt90]

Really would like to land the Smiths

Roger that. It has to be a big priority. IDK for sure, but I would imagine the Smiths are being recruited personally by Brad White and are at the very top of Stoops' recruiting board. Not because they grew up in Kentucky, but because they are projectable to become outstanding SEC football players. Their offer sheets already forecast that outcome. For those readers who may not be familiar with UK's 2024 recruiting board yet, we are talking about Jacob and Jerod Smith from the Loomis Chaffee School in Windsor, CT.

CB Aaron Scott from Springfield, and from Anthony Brown's school, is another huge 2024 priority. This may be a UK-OH St battle.

 

[Girthang]

Roger that. It has to be a big priority. IDK for sure, but I would imagine the Smiths are being recruited personally by Brad White and are at the very top of Stoops' recruiting board. Not because they grew up in Kentucky, but because they are projectable to become outstanding SEC football players. Their offer sheets already forecast that outcome. For those readers who may not be familiar with UK's 2024 recruiting board yet, we are talking about Jacob and Jerod Smith from the Loomis Chaffee School in Windsor, CT.

CB Aaron Scott from Springfield, and from Anthony Brown's school, is another huge 2024 priority. This may be a UK-OH St battle.

We can't forget that we have 2 other CT connections now to possibly help with their recruitment as well. Coen, if he's the OC is very familiar with that area being from RI and coaching at Maine.

Levis is from Madison CT.

 

[Rembrandt90]

We can't forget that we have 2 other CT connections now to possibly help with their recruitment as well. Coen, if he's the OC is very familiar with that area being from RI and coaching at Maine.

Levis is from Madison CT.

Coach White has been an effective recruiter on the east coast. Coen could become a factor. But the brothers' offer sheets are going to get very big, so this will be a tough process.

 

[BigBlueManSouthCentralKY]

Thought we offered Aba Selm?

 

[RDF922]

Thanks, I figured as much but not much news about the old smaller schools. And I think Barbourville was one of the smaller ones with football. A shame really, not nearly as many prospects get to actually play anymore. A nation of spectators.

My small school was in Knox County and started football in 1938, with my oldest brother captain of the team. He also served as a medic against the Japanese. We were much smaller, but I don't think we lost to Knox Central until 1957. the year after I graduated.

Gavin Chadwell (TE) transferred to North Laurel.
More for basketball than football I’d think as NL top 5 in State.
Curious move to me?

 

[Rembrandt90]

Need more DL on that list!

The Smith brothers are DL prospects, although Jacob could become a Jack LB if not a DE, if we are splitting hairs.

Some other 2024 DL prospects with UK offers-

Malik Blocton, Pike Road, AL
Michai Boireau, Fairburn, GA
Hevin Brown-Shuler, Atlanta, GA
Ted Hammond, Cincinnati, OH
LJ McCray, Daytona Beach, FL
Xavier Porter, Tampa, FL
Troy Regovich, Lakewood, OH
Nasir Smith, Loganville, GA
Jordan Thomas, Ramsey, NJ
Darius Wiley, Ratcliff, KY
Ernest Willor, Bradenton, FL

 

[Girthang]

The Smith brothers are DL prospects, although Jacob could become a Jack LB if not a DE, if we are splitting hairs.

Some other 2024 DL prospects with UK offers-

Malik Blocton, Pike Road, AL
Michai Boireau, Fairburn, GA
Hevin Brown-Shuler, Atlanta, GA
Ted Hammond, Cincinnati, OH
LJ McCray, Daytona Beach, FL
Xavier Porter, Tampa, FL
Troy Regovich, Lakewood, OH
Nasir Smith, Loganville, GA
Jordan Thomas, Ramsey, NJ
Darius Wiley, Ratcliff, KY
Ernest Willor, Bradenton, FL

Lol. ALL DE are defensive linemen, yes. However, if you notice the list you posted, DL are listed separately from DE. Just using the terminology provided.

Here you go... We need more non-DE, DL on the board.

 

[Rembrandt90]

Lol. ALL DE are defensive linemen, yes. However, if you notice the list you posted, DL are listed separately from DE. Just using the terminology provided.

Here you go... We need more non-DE, DL on the board.

Rivals and 247 typically list a prospect's position according to where they played in hs. Example, Tommy Ziesmer, who is almost certainly a college LB in Stoops' 3-4 but still gets listed as a DE. I listed these players because they have a decent chance to become interior linemen as they develop. A few of these players could end up as DEs (example, Wiley), but most will be interior defensive linemen in college. The position that a player plays in hs is often different from the projectable college position, especially if moving from 4-3 to 3-4. Example, Regie Meant played DE in hs but played DT at UK. Jamarius Dinkins and Sam Anaele played DE in hs but are playing DT at UK. TreVonn Rybka and Khalil Saunders played DT in hs but are playing DE at UK because of the 3-4.

 

[K_TIME]

Zeismer is a DE all the way to me….he looks the most like Josh paschal….who flirted with Jack (and wasn’t very good there) before excel at De

 

[Rembrandt90]

Zeismer is a DE all the way to me….he looks the most like Josh paschal….who flirted with Jack (and wasn’t very good there) before excel at De

Not happening in the SEC. UK's official website says Ziesmer is 6'2" 245#. Reputable scouting reports say Ziesmer does not have a lot of projection, meaning that his body is mature and he probably won't be able to add much additional good weight. There has been a lot of internet debate and misinformation about this. Someone posted a photo of Ziesmer and Vince Marrow, claiming the photo showed that Ziesmer is as tall as Marrow. But that is not true. In the photo, it was easy to see that Marrow was leaning over to facilitate snapping the photo of both of them while Ziesmer was standing straight.

Many posts have compared Ziesmer to Josh Paschal, but Paschal is taller and 50# heavier.

UK uses a 3-4 or a 3-3-5 defense, and Stoops believes in smash mouth defense. UK's current starting DE is 6'4" 290#. You will never see a 6'2" 245# DE actually get onto the field in this system at UK. So Ziesmer is an SEC LB, and I think he will be a good one. It's fine, of course, if you don't believe me. Personally, I never judge a recruiting class for three years anyway.

 

[Girthang]

Yep. We'll need more on the list if we're going to add 2-3 inside. I know they'll find em.

 

[K_TIME]

Not happening in the SEC. UK's official website says Ziesmer is 6'2" 245#. Reputable scouting reports say Ziesmer does not have a lot of projection, meaning that his body is mature and he probably won't be able to add much additional good weight. There has been a lot of internet debate and misinformation about this. Someone posted a photo of Ziesmer and Vince Marrow, claiming the photo showed that Ziesmer is as tall as Marrow. But that is not true. In the photo, it was easy to see that Marrow was leaning over to facilitate snapping the photo of both of them while Ziesmer was standing straight.

Many posts have compared Ziesmer to Josh Paschal, but Paschal is taller and 50# heavier.

UK uses a 3-4 or a 3-3-5 defense, and Stoops believes in smash mouth defense. UK's current starting DE is 6'4" 290#. You will never see a 6'2" 245# DE actually get onto the field in this system at UK. So Ziesmer is an SEC LB, and I think he will be a good one. It's fine, of course, if you don't believe me. Personally, I never judge a recruiting class for three years anyway.

Seeing him play. He’s not agile enough to play in space at the Jack. I’m not fixated on his height….I’m fixated on his agility.

You can add weight…but to me you can’t get more agile I college

 

[Rembrandt90]

Yep. We'll need more on the list if we're going to add 2-3 inside

Listed classes are for 2023, and referenced from official UK website-

NT- Justin Rogers, sr; Josaih Hayes, sr

DT- Deone Walker, so, Octavious Oxendine, sr, Jamarius Dinkins, so; Sam Anaele, jr (Tavion Gadson, fr)

I assume Quentel Jones would have been developed as a NT if he had made it to campus. He didn't. As things stand, Deone Walker might slide inside to NT if he sticks around long enough, although NFL GMs are probably already salivating to draft him. Dinkins is a good player, and Gadson has lots of upside. I don't know what will become of Anaele, but he was widely recruited coming out of hs and should see the field at some point. Tomiwa Durojaiye is 6'4" tall and could easily fill out into a DT although he is stacked at DE now. Although Rogers and Hayes will be seniors, I think both still have a COVID year to use if they so choose. Also, Stoops has shown he can generally get what he needs through the portal. I don't think the DL is different from the OL or the RBs and LBs, in that you can always use more of them.

 

[Rembrandt90]

Seeing him play. He’s not agile enough to play in space at the Jack. I’m not fixated on his height….I’m fixated on his agility.

You can add weight…but to me you can’t get more agile I college

I am not "fixated" on one parameter. I don't think Ziesmer could add much more good weight. As mentioned earlier, he does not have much more projection left for his thick 6'2" frame. I don't think he is a Jack either. Not a long enough athlete for Jack. I think he is a Mike or Will. Have thought so ever since I first saw his film. Of course, this is Brad White's decision to make.

 

[Girthang]

Listed classes are for 2023, and referenced from official UK website-

NT- Justin Rogers, sr; Josaih Hayes, sr

DT- Deone Walker, so, Octavious Oxendine, sr, Jamarius Dinkins, so; Sam Anaele, jr (Tavion Gadson, fr)

I assume Quentel Jones would have been developed as a NT if he had made it to campus. He didn't. As things stand, Deone Walker might slide inside to NT if he sticks around long enough, although NFL GMs are probably already salivating to draft him. Dinkins is a good player, and Gadson has lots of upside. I don't know what will become of Anaele, but he was widely recruited coming out of hs and should see the field at some point. Tomiwa Durojaiye is 6'4" tall and could easily fill out into a DT although he is stacked at DE now. Although Rogers and Hayes will be seniors, I think both still have a COVID year to use if they so choose. Also, Stoops has shown he can generally get what he needs through the portal. I don't think the DL is different from the OL or the RBs and LBs, in that you can always use more of them.

We need a minimum of 2-3 really good prospects next year at minimum. Considering that Jones never made it, we have at least 3 Srs, and DWalker is already telling us he's "coming back" next season (might leave for the NFL sooner rather than later), we need to find a lot of big men (Intetior DL) ready to come in here between now and next signing day.

I don't care if they're transfers or freshmen. No one who knows football can argue we don't need to fill some slots well with this 24 class and what leads up to it. You can do it though if you want.