Say what you will about the team's performance the last few weeks. It's tough to criticize the recruiting even a little in my mind. It's way too early to say they're in the clear as far as keeping all of their commitments together because things can change at the drop of a hat, but I will say that considering the circumstances they're doing a great job of getting a consistent message across and keeping everyone together.
After last season it was understandable that some people would view the early commitments this year with a little, "Let's wait and see," attitude, when it comes to whether they would stick. I think they've exceeded my expectations in terms of keeping the whole 2016 class together. And that's not because my expectations were low. Decommitments just happen.
I did say pretty early that I thought this year set up very well for them in that regard. It even looked like they could withstand a disappointing season. This season's not disappointing (we'll write the final analysis pieces after it's over), but the point is, when your class core is made up of Drake Jackson, Landon Young, Kash Daniel and guys like that then you know you're going to have some tireless recruiters that are also big, respected figures in the world of recruiting. Couple that with how close to Lexington many of the commitments are, how early they committed and how may times they've visited, and I think that helps explain the success, too.
Tobias Gilliam has been right in the middle of things as far as the Ohio guys. That's been helpful. I spoke with Gilliam last night and he recapped his season, visiting UK this year, etc.. saying that he's been to UK's games against Tennessee, Florida, Lafayette and EKU. Every time he's visited he's talked to a lot of guys. I asked whether he thinks the Cats are going to finish strong and he responded, "They better." That wasn't to say that his commitment hinged on it, but I think he understands the importance of momentum.
You all saw that I recently posted a list of players who have confirmed that they're solid. That's good news and I wouldn't expect any of that to have changed. I can tell you that Roland Walder is has become a popular target for other schools. I have no reason to believe he's not solid. Only saying that other schools in the Big Ten, ACC and maybe even elsewhere have been impressed with his very strong senior season. I haven't been able to reach him but that doesn't really mean anything.
Still haven't heard anything definitive on Kobe Smith and the status of the plan for him to enroll early. Last check indicated that he still had some hoops to jump through. But the good news is he was still very solid.
Moving on to 2016 remaining targets ...
I can tell you that UK has remained in contact with JUCO pass-rushing specialist Jordan Bonner. I can't say for sure what position UK has slotted for him but the Cats do like him and are feeling like they're still in good shape. Tennessee appeared to be UK's biggest competition last week and that still may be true, although I'm not sure where Bonner stands overall on the Vols' wish list. Nebraska had offered but at the time I got the impression that Bonner liked UK's natural appeal a bit more because of the Cats' proximity to his home in Ohio away from the junior college. I'm sure he'll unofficially visit and/or officially visit in the next couple of months. Probably don't want to wait until the spring to get him on campus, even though he's a May graduate, because all the schools recruiting him are going to want to get him on board as quickly as possible. Sometimes late JUCO graduates like that might want to take their time. But it's a tough balance because you want to give them their time and show patience, but if another school's pushing hard that can help them ultimately, too.
Louisville offered Bonner a week after Kentucky, just a few days ago. I should have more on Bonner's reaction to that soon. I know Bonner likes Marrow and I know he knows Dorian Baker and at least knows of one or two other UK players. Not sure of his relationship to any Louisville players. UK has generally gotten who they've wanted from Ohio when they've been picking from UK and UL in recent years, but it's worth noting the Cards have offered. They can sell the same location angle but they came in a bit later and Bonner also seemed to like the idea of playing in the SEC.
You guys also noted here that McComb, Miss., defensive end KaDerrion Mason released his top five.
Kentucky and Mississippi State have been the two constants. As we've reported both have had coaches down at his high school so we know there's continued interest. Because of the need for probably two more big guys in this class, Mason remains important.
Some have asked how likely it is to beat out Mississippi State for an in-state kid when they're doing really well.
Interestingly enough I've heard that it's former UK assistant coach David Turner who is recruiting Mason on the Bulldogs' behalf. I will say this, however. If you just do a quick search around the internet you won't find a lot of chatter linking Mason to Mississippi State. They've been to a game and there is that connection with Turner, his recruiter, but the few times you'll see Mason in the context of Mississippi State's recruiting plans it's only very briefly mentioned in passing and usually in the context that often implies a "wait and see" approach. Of course they may love him and just believe that they can afford to wait on an in-state kid. Or, I could be wrong and they could consider him a take right now.
After last season it was understandable that some people would view the early commitments this year with a little, "Let's wait and see," attitude, when it comes to whether they would stick. I think they've exceeded my expectations in terms of keeping the whole 2016 class together. And that's not because my expectations were low. Decommitments just happen.
I did say pretty early that I thought this year set up very well for them in that regard. It even looked like they could withstand a disappointing season. This season's not disappointing (we'll write the final analysis pieces after it's over), but the point is, when your class core is made up of Drake Jackson, Landon Young, Kash Daniel and guys like that then you know you're going to have some tireless recruiters that are also big, respected figures in the world of recruiting. Couple that with how close to Lexington many of the commitments are, how early they committed and how may times they've visited, and I think that helps explain the success, too.
Tobias Gilliam has been right in the middle of things as far as the Ohio guys. That's been helpful. I spoke with Gilliam last night and he recapped his season, visiting UK this year, etc.. saying that he's been to UK's games against Tennessee, Florida, Lafayette and EKU. Every time he's visited he's talked to a lot of guys. I asked whether he thinks the Cats are going to finish strong and he responded, "They better." That wasn't to say that his commitment hinged on it, but I think he understands the importance of momentum.
You all saw that I recently posted a list of players who have confirmed that they're solid. That's good news and I wouldn't expect any of that to have changed. I can tell you that Roland Walder is has become a popular target for other schools. I have no reason to believe he's not solid. Only saying that other schools in the Big Ten, ACC and maybe even elsewhere have been impressed with his very strong senior season. I haven't been able to reach him but that doesn't really mean anything.
Still haven't heard anything definitive on Kobe Smith and the status of the plan for him to enroll early. Last check indicated that he still had some hoops to jump through. But the good news is he was still very solid.
Moving on to 2016 remaining targets ...
I can tell you that UK has remained in contact with JUCO pass-rushing specialist Jordan Bonner. I can't say for sure what position UK has slotted for him but the Cats do like him and are feeling like they're still in good shape. Tennessee appeared to be UK's biggest competition last week and that still may be true, although I'm not sure where Bonner stands overall on the Vols' wish list. Nebraska had offered but at the time I got the impression that Bonner liked UK's natural appeal a bit more because of the Cats' proximity to his home in Ohio away from the junior college. I'm sure he'll unofficially visit and/or officially visit in the next couple of months. Probably don't want to wait until the spring to get him on campus, even though he's a May graduate, because all the schools recruiting him are going to want to get him on board as quickly as possible. Sometimes late JUCO graduates like that might want to take their time. But it's a tough balance because you want to give them their time and show patience, but if another school's pushing hard that can help them ultimately, too.
Louisville offered Bonner a week after Kentucky, just a few days ago. I should have more on Bonner's reaction to that soon. I know Bonner likes Marrow and I know he knows Dorian Baker and at least knows of one or two other UK players. Not sure of his relationship to any Louisville players. UK has generally gotten who they've wanted from Ohio when they've been picking from UK and UL in recent years, but it's worth noting the Cards have offered. They can sell the same location angle but they came in a bit later and Bonner also seemed to like the idea of playing in the SEC.
You guys also noted here that McComb, Miss., defensive end KaDerrion Mason released his top five.
Kentucky and Mississippi State have been the two constants. As we've reported both have had coaches down at his high school so we know there's continued interest. Because of the need for probably two more big guys in this class, Mason remains important.
Some have asked how likely it is to beat out Mississippi State for an in-state kid when they're doing really well.
Interestingly enough I've heard that it's former UK assistant coach David Turner who is recruiting Mason on the Bulldogs' behalf. I will say this, however. If you just do a quick search around the internet you won't find a lot of chatter linking Mason to Mississippi State. They've been to a game and there is that connection with Turner, his recruiter, but the few times you'll see Mason in the context of Mississippi State's recruiting plans it's only very briefly mentioned in passing and usually in the context that often implies a "wait and see" approach. Of course they may love him and just believe that they can afford to wait on an in-state kid. Or, I could be wrong and they could consider him a take right now.
