Here's where things stand on some of the top recruiting names on Kentucky's football wish list with a couple of weekends to go before the traditional February signing day on the 6th. Remember, just before the 6th it goes quiet (no off-campus contact) and right before Signing Day it's dead.
There is still time for coaches to conduct in-home visits and these are the most decisive things at UK's disposal when it comes to the likes of Jammie Robinson and Devonta Lee, who have already taken their official visits to Lexington. In the case of Jay Ward, there's still that official visit the last weekend before the 6th. So as long as Ward remains on the board and uncommitted, UK will get a great last opportunity to make their case. Is it possible he could shut it down before that? I suppose so, but I doubt it. The question with LSU still seems to be whether they would take him. They could call him up and say, "We need you now," and that might be it, but they are probably feeling, understandably, like they can play this 'til the last minute.
The person who has been more "on top" of Lee's recruitment than anyone else is Rivals.com's LSU reporter Sam Spiegelman (a master of his craft with great experience). He has covered Lee's football career extensively, through Amite's championship run, also with Amani Gilmore, and here is what Spiegelman told me today ...
"Rivals250 ATH Devonta Lee has gone through a rather quiet January in recruiting thus far. His last visit was to Kentucky before the early signing period, and the Wildcats remain a serious contender for the 4-star leading into February. Lee is contemplating a visit to either Auburn or Alabama this weekend and will save his final trip for LSU before Signing Day. The Tigers are the perceived favorite, but Kentucky has refused to give up. Lee’s decision will come down to opportunities to play his desired position (receiver) and do so early. LSU and Kentucky are certainly offering both, and it’ll boil down to the chance to play close to home in Baton Rouge or team up with his high school quarterback Amani Gilmore."
Not a whole lot new but certainly a pretty authoritative source so let's dig into that.
According to Spiegelman, LSU is indeed making the case Lee is a receiver for them. I can tell you that Kentucky doesn't believe that would be in the cards for Lee if he heads to Baton Rouge, and they are not alone. Texas A&M folks have said the same thing, same with those around other programs. Too much smoke to ignore at least the possibility of a position change somewhere else, so if position is Factor 1A or close, that probably helps Kentucky more than anyone else. But LSU's addressing that.
As far as playing early, that indisputably favors Kentucky, but Lee might be making a calculation. If he believes LSU will keep him at receiver he might be okay with a two-year plan there as opposed to immediately at UK. Not sure about that.
IMO, if (and as long as) the prime considerations are receiver and early PT, that debate is on UK's terms. On the other hand, the fact that Lee didn't sign with Kentucky coming out of December is something that has lingered with me as undoubtedly a negative. If he wasn't 100% sold then, it's a little hard to imagine he will be 100% sold after visiting other schools and getting more removed from the UK trip... Unless he finally determines he can't trust the plan other schools are laying out.
Rivals.com Southeast analyst Chad Simmons, also extremely credible and connected, told me today, "I still see Lee as LSU’s to lose. Kentucky closed that gap with a strong official visit, but LSU is the in-stage school, and he is very close to that staff and many LSU signees, so he will be a tough pull for anyone."
Sounds like Simmons' opinion is understandably shaped in large part by history. He does this a lot and you just don't see Kentucky making that pull very often. Obviously nothing bad going on, but it would literally shock people nationally and be one of the biggest recruiting upsets in UK football history, maybe ever, given the circumstances. Doesn't mean it's impossible, just makes it impossible for me to say it's "likely".
LSU is obviously the main consistent player with Jay Ward as well. There are more schools in play here, in my opinion, and I cautioned weeks ago that even if Ward were to not be a take for LSU in the final analysis, he could still opt to go somewhere else. There are two positives in the last couple of weeks. First, sources around UK have been confident. I know some of you didn't buy into that because it didn't mesh with what Ward had apparently told other sites (i.e. not mentioning UK much), but even though there was a time lapse, I am taking Ward's final visit being to UK as confirmation that those sources were at least sinking their teeth into something real when they tasted a chance. I don't know that there's anything significant about Ward picking that last weekend, probably just logistics.
Here is what Simmons told me about Ward today...
"This is an interesting one... I can still see this going a few different ways. He was at one-time committed to UK, so the Wildcats know this one well, and now, they are set to receive the final official visit, so that is a positive. He has had LSU on top, but this one is close. The visit to Florida State this weekend will give the Noles their shot to make a move."
UK actually has a pretty good track record of staying on decommitted guys either to have a real shot or getting them back in the fold. A tell tale sign is they didn't cut bait when Ward decommitted, probably because they knew it was never going to be as simple as Ward picking his dream option right away.
I spoke with a source, re: Ward and LSU, and the situation is very much in flux. Not even LSU knows if they will be in a position to take him. However, this person believed that LSU will probably be prepared to accept his commitment, if he wants to give it, and their rationale is the Tigers are currently more likely than not going to lose out on some of their top defensive line targets. So UK should be pulling for LSU to close very strong with the exception of Lee and Ward. Lee is probably going to be a take regardless, but Ward would likely slot into a "best available" role after some guys at other positions in front of him on their board.
I believe UK will be having another in-home with Ward this week and also with Jammie Robinson. With Ward, I've heard from a couple of people from very different angles that their persistence has paid off. I should add, I don't like to "rate" UK's assistants as recruiters, but everyone knows that Marrow is the staff ace and I have increasingly heard that Matt House is extremely highly thought of both in terms of evaluation and recruiting select guys in Georgia. They trust him there. The Marrow/House duo is as good as Kentucky has in terms of assistants on a Georgia kid, and I was told Ward was really excited before their last visit asking when they would arrive, etc.
As for Jammie Robinson, Simmons told me today, "It seems Auburn grabbed some momentum a week ago when they had him on campus. Tennessee is in this too, as is Kentucky and South Carolina. Based on what I’ve heard leading up to the Tennessee visit, Auburn was the favorite. This is another one that seems to have another coupe of twists and turns to it before it ends."
I know UK absolutely loves Robinson. He's a stud. Nobody has told me this, but he might be the most coveted guy on the board. And while Robinson hasn't said or insinuated this on or off the record, to me or anyone else (to my knowledge), I think the dynamics in his recruitment are less favorable for UK than any other player on this board. Because the visit is over and done with, because Auburn has captured his attention, and because he seems to really fall in love with whatever the last school he visited was.
As for Marlin (MJ) Devonshire, as posted earlier (and thanks to @Brock28 for his insight), which I can go to bat for, his father told me after Marrow's visit that he will be setting up a trip to Kentucky. I still do not have a set date for that but it sounds more certain than ever before. Whereas Auburn is the new money favorite with Robinson, Kentucky is in that same position with Devonshire, who in spite of continued interest from Southern Cal, Penn State, etc., knows UK's need, sees a 10-win program, and has responded to Marrow very well. It's also a good sign that his father seems to be full speed ahead with UK, offering no resistance to the Cats as an option. He has been on the front lines freely offering up info that is favorable to Kentucky whenever I have approached him.
If I had to rate Kentucky's chances with the players above I would say:
1) Devonshire
2a) Ward
2b) Lee
4) Robinson
None are a true "long shot" but that's my take. In the case of Ward, I still feel like it's a little out of UK's control. In the case of Lee, everything in my work history tells me it's unlikely but I also think the situation unique to him is more complex and it's more possible he could turn down a legitimate "take" situation from LSU. With Robinson, I think we'll know after this last in-home visit (maybe Thursday? will check) if this is something that is really going to be a possibility.
My understanding at last check is there are still a couple of grad transfer possibilities but I am not withholding names, I just don't know them.
There is still time for coaches to conduct in-home visits and these are the most decisive things at UK's disposal when it comes to the likes of Jammie Robinson and Devonta Lee, who have already taken their official visits to Lexington. In the case of Jay Ward, there's still that official visit the last weekend before the 6th. So as long as Ward remains on the board and uncommitted, UK will get a great last opportunity to make their case. Is it possible he could shut it down before that? I suppose so, but I doubt it. The question with LSU still seems to be whether they would take him. They could call him up and say, "We need you now," and that might be it, but they are probably feeling, understandably, like they can play this 'til the last minute.
The person who has been more "on top" of Lee's recruitment than anyone else is Rivals.com's LSU reporter Sam Spiegelman (a master of his craft with great experience). He has covered Lee's football career extensively, through Amite's championship run, also with Amani Gilmore, and here is what Spiegelman told me today ...
"Rivals250 ATH Devonta Lee has gone through a rather quiet January in recruiting thus far. His last visit was to Kentucky before the early signing period, and the Wildcats remain a serious contender for the 4-star leading into February. Lee is contemplating a visit to either Auburn or Alabama this weekend and will save his final trip for LSU before Signing Day. The Tigers are the perceived favorite, but Kentucky has refused to give up. Lee’s decision will come down to opportunities to play his desired position (receiver) and do so early. LSU and Kentucky are certainly offering both, and it’ll boil down to the chance to play close to home in Baton Rouge or team up with his high school quarterback Amani Gilmore."
Not a whole lot new but certainly a pretty authoritative source so let's dig into that.
According to Spiegelman, LSU is indeed making the case Lee is a receiver for them. I can tell you that Kentucky doesn't believe that would be in the cards for Lee if he heads to Baton Rouge, and they are not alone. Texas A&M folks have said the same thing, same with those around other programs. Too much smoke to ignore at least the possibility of a position change somewhere else, so if position is Factor 1A or close, that probably helps Kentucky more than anyone else. But LSU's addressing that.
As far as playing early, that indisputably favors Kentucky, but Lee might be making a calculation. If he believes LSU will keep him at receiver he might be okay with a two-year plan there as opposed to immediately at UK. Not sure about that.
IMO, if (and as long as) the prime considerations are receiver and early PT, that debate is on UK's terms. On the other hand, the fact that Lee didn't sign with Kentucky coming out of December is something that has lingered with me as undoubtedly a negative. If he wasn't 100% sold then, it's a little hard to imagine he will be 100% sold after visiting other schools and getting more removed from the UK trip... Unless he finally determines he can't trust the plan other schools are laying out.
Rivals.com Southeast analyst Chad Simmons, also extremely credible and connected, told me today, "I still see Lee as LSU’s to lose. Kentucky closed that gap with a strong official visit, but LSU is the in-stage school, and he is very close to that staff and many LSU signees, so he will be a tough pull for anyone."
Sounds like Simmons' opinion is understandably shaped in large part by history. He does this a lot and you just don't see Kentucky making that pull very often. Obviously nothing bad going on, but it would literally shock people nationally and be one of the biggest recruiting upsets in UK football history, maybe ever, given the circumstances. Doesn't mean it's impossible, just makes it impossible for me to say it's "likely".
LSU is obviously the main consistent player with Jay Ward as well. There are more schools in play here, in my opinion, and I cautioned weeks ago that even if Ward were to not be a take for LSU in the final analysis, he could still opt to go somewhere else. There are two positives in the last couple of weeks. First, sources around UK have been confident. I know some of you didn't buy into that because it didn't mesh with what Ward had apparently told other sites (i.e. not mentioning UK much), but even though there was a time lapse, I am taking Ward's final visit being to UK as confirmation that those sources were at least sinking their teeth into something real when they tasted a chance. I don't know that there's anything significant about Ward picking that last weekend, probably just logistics.
Here is what Simmons told me about Ward today...
"This is an interesting one... I can still see this going a few different ways. He was at one-time committed to UK, so the Wildcats know this one well, and now, they are set to receive the final official visit, so that is a positive. He has had LSU on top, but this one is close. The visit to Florida State this weekend will give the Noles their shot to make a move."
UK actually has a pretty good track record of staying on decommitted guys either to have a real shot or getting them back in the fold. A tell tale sign is they didn't cut bait when Ward decommitted, probably because they knew it was never going to be as simple as Ward picking his dream option right away.
I spoke with a source, re: Ward and LSU, and the situation is very much in flux. Not even LSU knows if they will be in a position to take him. However, this person believed that LSU will probably be prepared to accept his commitment, if he wants to give it, and their rationale is the Tigers are currently more likely than not going to lose out on some of their top defensive line targets. So UK should be pulling for LSU to close very strong with the exception of Lee and Ward. Lee is probably going to be a take regardless, but Ward would likely slot into a "best available" role after some guys at other positions in front of him on their board.
I believe UK will be having another in-home with Ward this week and also with Jammie Robinson. With Ward, I've heard from a couple of people from very different angles that their persistence has paid off. I should add, I don't like to "rate" UK's assistants as recruiters, but everyone knows that Marrow is the staff ace and I have increasingly heard that Matt House is extremely highly thought of both in terms of evaluation and recruiting select guys in Georgia. They trust him there. The Marrow/House duo is as good as Kentucky has in terms of assistants on a Georgia kid, and I was told Ward was really excited before their last visit asking when they would arrive, etc.
As for Jammie Robinson, Simmons told me today, "It seems Auburn grabbed some momentum a week ago when they had him on campus. Tennessee is in this too, as is Kentucky and South Carolina. Based on what I’ve heard leading up to the Tennessee visit, Auburn was the favorite. This is another one that seems to have another coupe of twists and turns to it before it ends."
I know UK absolutely loves Robinson. He's a stud. Nobody has told me this, but he might be the most coveted guy on the board. And while Robinson hasn't said or insinuated this on or off the record, to me or anyone else (to my knowledge), I think the dynamics in his recruitment are less favorable for UK than any other player on this board. Because the visit is over and done with, because Auburn has captured his attention, and because he seems to really fall in love with whatever the last school he visited was.
As for Marlin (MJ) Devonshire, as posted earlier (and thanks to @Brock28 for his insight), which I can go to bat for, his father told me after Marrow's visit that he will be setting up a trip to Kentucky. I still do not have a set date for that but it sounds more certain than ever before. Whereas Auburn is the new money favorite with Robinson, Kentucky is in that same position with Devonshire, who in spite of continued interest from Southern Cal, Penn State, etc., knows UK's need, sees a 10-win program, and has responded to Marrow very well. It's also a good sign that his father seems to be full speed ahead with UK, offering no resistance to the Cats as an option. He has been on the front lines freely offering up info that is favorable to Kentucky whenever I have approached him.
If I had to rate Kentucky's chances with the players above I would say:
1) Devonshire
2a) Ward
2b) Lee
4) Robinson
None are a true "long shot" but that's my take. In the case of Ward, I still feel like it's a little out of UK's control. In the case of Lee, everything in my work history tells me it's unlikely but I also think the situation unique to him is more complex and it's more possible he could turn down a legitimate "take" situation from LSU. With Robinson, I think we'll know after this last in-home visit (maybe Thursday? will check) if this is something that is really going to be a possibility.
My understanding at last check is there are still a couple of grad transfer possibilities but I am not withholding names, I just don't know them.
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