The more I think about it

[dyersburgcatfan]

the more I like this last class Stoops recruited. I know he had to be disappointed in the ones we lost, but he is obviously trying to build a strong defensive team. And as I ponder the future of the program, I think that is going to be an absolute essential. Don't forget he's always been a DC and I think he still has that mindset. He knows that a strong defense keeps you in games, and an opportunistic one turns games around, as we saw last year with the pick 6 against SC.

So while I am disappointed that we didn't get a lot of really great playmakers on the O side of the ball in this class, I think we did get some pretty solid guys on the D side and maybe some future big-play makers in the secondary. Our offense should be adequate (not great, perhaps, but above average) for the next couple years if the OL can give the QB a little time and open up a few holes for the RBs, but if the defense can be shored up, who knows what might happen.

 

[Blue Decade]

The 2 classes are different in so many ways. The 2014 class was recruited to offer early playing time, add offensive and defensive playmakers, and capitalize on Marrow's pull in Ohio. The 2015 class could not offer much early playing time, because the 2013 and 2014 classes did a good job filling up the roster. Defensive end and receiver are the 2 areas left for early playing time. Stoops got Kengera Daniel into school in January because he will have to play a big role next fall. He brought in a major class of receivers because that is the other immediate need. After that, the 2015 class was about adding quality depth with players who can get into the program and develop. It will be several years before we can say which class is better, but it is not too early to say that most fans are under-rating our 2015 class. Some have even called it a failed recruiting effort, which makes you wonder if they are failed fans.

 

[WildcatNC]

I agree as well. I was aggravated after all the decommits but we still have a good class. Not great but solid and the kind of depth we need to compete, with a few difference makers sprinkled in. We can compete in the east with top 35 classes. Once we start winning and competing more I think we can reign in more top 20-25 type classes.

Fact is Stoops has the right approach and we need to stick with him even if there are a few bumps in the road. He is redshirting everyone he can. Once Stoops first redshirts are seniors and starting on the lines we will have a better idea how we are really recruiting.

 

[C1180]

Originally posted by dyersburgcatfan:
the more I like this last class Stoops recruited. I know he had to be disappointed in the ones we lost, but he is obviously trying to build a strong defensive team. And as I ponder the future of the program, I think that is going to be an absolute essential. Don't forget he's always been a DC and I think he still has that mindset. He knows that a strong defense keeps you in games, and an opportunistic one turns games around, as we saw last year with the pick 6 against SC.

So while I am disappointed that we didn't get a lot of really great playmakers on the O side of the ball in this class, I think we did get some pretty solid guys on the D side and maybe some future big-play makers in the secondary. Our offense should be adequate (not great, perhaps, but above average) for the next couple years if the OL can give the QB a little time and open up a few holes for the RBs, but if the defense can be shored up, who knows what might happen.

The coaching staff was not going after playmakers as you say on offense in this class . They were after OL and TE. They loaded up on skill players the last two recruited classes. They did want some bigger WRs and they got them. Did they want Harris? sure but it wasn't a disaster that they did not get him. I morn the loss of some other players that flipped more than I morn Harris which I never believed was coming to UK.

 

[buckkiller]

Stoops brought in some very nice wideouts and 2 TE's plus that RB is a home run waiting o happen. If you have not watched Kings film WOW! One of the best high gears I have ever seen. He is Boom 2,0 for real. After watching the NSD special I feel really good about this class I mean really good on both sides of the ball. We got better on both sides of the ball for reall. We will have like 4 or 5 wideouts around 6'4" or bigger and 2 around 6'6" counting Bone. I really got upset for nothing about being 13th in SEC we have the most underrated class of the conference IMO.

 

[Pulaski Cat Fan]

I'll be honest, I think this class is ok. Sure there was some that got away. I think it can be really good . I really feel better about the class after we landed Miggins and Bell.

 

[C1180]

This recruited class doesn't look bad on paper. We will now just have to wait to see how their measurables translate to the football field. IMO most of them will be redshirted. If by some miracle both of the transfers from Nebraska are allowed to play without sitting out a year. The true value of this class jumps up a few notches. I could envision both starting next season.

 

[Blue Decade]

Like every class, there are strengths and weaknesses. But measuring strengths and weaknesses by players who signed somewhere else is just goofy. I trust our coaches. Getting Kengera Daniel enrolled in January is huge, because now we have a solid group in Daniel, Ware, Hatcher, Huguenin, Dubose to find defensive ends who can replace graduating starters. We added defensive tackles, outside linebackers, and defensive backs who will make our defense better and deeper, exactly what we need. Signing Gosier, Greenwood, Richardson, Conrad is huge for our offense because receiver is the 1 offensive position that really needs an upgrade in this class. Our offensive line also needs an upgrade, but that will come from the redshirt freshmen and sophomores. Offensive linemen always need time in the program before contributing. The 4 guys signed in this class will contribute in future years. King is a nice get for backfield depth. The 2 Nebraska transfers will be good players for us, and Love may change our defense. The main weakness of the class is lack of balance. Going heavy on the defense made sense because most of our key offensive players will be back. But we did not sign a quarterback, and there isn't an obvious heir to the left tackle position. Those priorities must be addressed in 2016. On the defense, although Daniel's early enrollment is important, we needed at least 1 more end. Our coaches will have to recruit the defensive line hard again in 2016. I worry a little bit because our recruiting pull in Ohio is not as strong as it was in 2014. But when I look up and down the class, there are no weak signings, a lot of early contributors at need positions, and more than enough future Kentucky stars like Walker, Westry, Brown, Provitt, Daniel, Asafo-Adjei, Conrad, Richardson, Greenwood, King. Will take a couple of years to see how good the class is, but have to look beyond the superficial ratings and understand why our coaches like these players.