Troy

[bthaunert]

This, I love the guy and hope he succeeds, I just wonder if he can develop a staff that can elevate our recruiting beyond even what it is now, and elevate us another tier in the SEC. I'm not asking for Bama/UGA level recruiting, but more of an Auburn/LSU/Florida/UT, Etc. Level. Can Sumrall do that?

LSU level might not be attainable as they have averaged the 8th best class over the past 5 years. They are in that Texas and Oklahoma area when it comes to recruiting. That is elite level recruiting. The Auburn/Florida/UT group would mean a jump of above 10 spots over our 23.6 class average the past 5 years. I feel like that can be attainable if you continue to jump. Just looking at recruiting in 5 year pockets for UK over the last 10 years:

2020 - 2024: 23.6 class average
2015 - 2019: 29.8 class average

I think we can make that next jump up in recruiting to a class in the mid to high teens on average (Stoops has already pulled in 2 classes in that range) That would get us in the Auburn and UT range with Florida a little bit ahead of that.

People don't realize that when Sumrall was at UK, the kids he was the lead recruiter for had the highest star average amongst all coaches, including Vince. He is a natural recruiter.

I've been a huge Sumrall fan from when he was at UK. Something about the guy screams leader and someone that kids want to play for. Regardless of the direction you go (coordinator, G5 coach, P5 coach), it's always going to be a crap shoot. Some of them work, some of them don't. I've always thought that if Sumrall went off and had success, he would be target 1A for Mitch. I feel if he continues to have success he will be the first call.

 

[Girthang]

That face mask penalty no call might have gotten a lot of coaches suspended for their reaction. SOB stood right on top of it and had no reaction except to signal to run the clock.

Just makes me like Sumrall more. I can't count the number of times I wanted to jump the rail and waterboy an official for blatant stupidity or bias. That kinda sht riles me up

 

[trueblujr2]

LSU level might not be attainable as they have averaged the 8th best class over the past 5 years. They are in that Texas and Oklahoma area when it comes to recruiting. That is elite level recruiting. The Auburn/Florida/UT group would mean a jump of above 10 spots over our 23.6 class average the past 5 years. I feel like that can be attainable if you continue to jump. Just looking at recruiting in 5 year pockets for UK over the last 10 years:

2020 - 2024: 23.6 class average
2015 - 2019: 29.8 class average

I think we can make that next jump up in recruiting to a class in the mid to high teens on average (Stoops has already pulled in 2 classes in that range) That would get us in the Auburn and UT range with Florida a little bit ahead of that.

People don't realize that when Sumrall was at UK, the kids he was the lead recruiter for had the highest star average amongst all coaches, including Vince. He is a natural recruiter.

I've been a huge Sumrall fan from when he was at UK. Something about the guy screams leader and someone that kids want to play for. Regardless of the direction you go (coordinator, G5 coach, P5 coach), it's always going to be a crap shoot. Some of them work, some of them don't. I've always thought that if Sumrall went off and had success, he would be target 1A for Mitch. I feel if he continues to have success he will be the first call.

As for recruiting, I just hate seeing us rake in a top 25 class, but still be the 11th or 12th bes in the SEC. If we can elevate recruiting to where we are in the top 8 of the SEC, that would go a long way towards elevating the program.

 

[JHB4UK]

I think it is 1000% certainty that he is the next UK coach.

Barnhart was going to hire Brad White or Liam Coen a week ago Saturday night

 

[bthaunert]

As for recruiting, I just hate seeing us rake in a top 25 class, but still be the 11th or 12th bes in the SEC. If we can elevate recruiting to where we are in the top 8 of the SEC, that would go a long way towards elevating the program.

Makes sense. I think it's more about being in the ballpark than anything else. Also worth noting that the transfer portal plays such a huge role now that you can fill in gaps where you have a miss with recruiting.

 

[bthaunert]

Barnhart was going to hire Brad White or Liam Coen a week ago Saturday night

Not sure that is true. Where did you hear that?

 

[K86]

Just makes me like Sumrall more. I can't count the number of times I wanted to jump the rail and waterboy an official for blatant stupidity or bias. That kinda sht riles me up

The thing that stands out about his rant is just the fire that he showed. I love coaches that show that drive.

 

[K86]

I was thinking Miss St.

Yesterday I was doing some reading about certain bowl games and came across some discussion from Troy sites. Not sure of the accuracy but what I saw was that Sumrall was one of two finalist for the Miss St. job. So if the reports are correct, it sounds like he said thanks but no thanks. Miss St isn't the greatest of jobs, but it is in the SEC. Is he holding out for something?

 

[Crankdatmustard]

Barnhart was going to hire Brad White or Liam Coen a week ago Saturday night

1000% FALSE

 

[Kyhunter110]

1000% FALSE

It was reported that Mitch was prepared to offer 3 coaches the head job if stoops left. 2 that were currently on staff and Sumrall was the third. They didn’t say which two that were currently on staff though.

 

[JHB4UK]

You can believe or not believe whatever source or theory you want. Personally from watching the man operate and hire since 2002 if Mark Stoops had left for A&M last Sat night it would have been announced 2 days later Brad White would he promoted to head coach, with Coen staying as OC

 

[3632]

As for recruiting, I just hate seeing us rake in a top 25 class, but still be the 11th or 12th bes in the SEC. If we can elevate recruiting to where we are in the top 8 of the SEC, that would go a long way towards elevating the program.

I’m not worried about that the difference between where we are now vs being 7th in the conference ahead of sc is that they have more players coming in and we actually have one more in the 4/5 star category and I assume that it’s because we’re going heavy in the portal. Even though everybody on here excuses stoops because of in state recruiting in other places we’re ahead of ole miss and they’ve out played us the last several seasons.

 

[3632]

You can believe or not believe whatever source or theory you want. Personally from watching the man operate and hire since 2002 if Mark Stoops had left for A&M last Sat night it would have been announced 2 days later Brad White would he promoted to head coach, with Coen staying as OC

Schools almost have to do this or hire someone like sumrall while keeping the assistants in tact to keep the portal at bay. That’s how msu ended up with arnett. Or can make a good hire with someone that can produce with guys coming in on the portal to offset like brohm did.

 

[Girthang]

Yesterday I was doing some reading about certain bowl games and came across some discussion from Troy sites. Not sure of the accuracy but what I saw was that Sumrall was one of two finalist for the Miss St. job. So if the reports are correct, it sounds like he said thanks but no thanks. Miss St isn't the greatest of jobs, but it is in the SEC. Is he holding out for something?

He has that luxury right now. He SHOULD hold out for the best opportunity rather than taking just any job. I hope he is our coach of the future, and that he's ready when the time comes.

 

[Basil Cat]

You might want to follow it. Go see the Troy team before he got there.

Our linebackers made game winning plays with him. Jones against UF- Square against Iowa. Now not so much thanks to a coach who hired his brother.

Yeah go hire somebody else and see how it works out. It will be the biggest mistake in UK football history.

Schnellenberger repeat.

 

[The-Hack]

Barnhart was going to hire Brad White or Liam Coen a week ago Saturday night

According to rumor, he was interviewing all three on Sunday, White, Coen and Sumrall.

I suspect, the call would have gone to Coen, to preserve the QB commitments for 2024 and 2025, but three relatively young, successful guys now believe they are next on the list.

I'd bet folding money it comes about within 5 years, and that Sumrall gets the call.

 

[bigbluedon]

You might want to follow it. Go see the Troy team before he got there.

Our linebackers made game winning plays with him. Jones against UF- Square against Iowa. Now not so much thanks to a coach who hired his brother.

Yeah go hire somebody else and see how it works out. It will be the biggest mistake in UK football history.

Brady I think that mistake has already been made when UK didn’t hire Schnellenberger.

 

[bradyjames]

Brady I think that mistake has already been made when UK didn’t hire Schnellenberger.

We will find out in time. That’s for sure.

 

[IFerg1969]

Obviously this is all all just talk now since Stoops is staying. My own personal feeling though, if your goal is to get me LESS excited about the future of Kentucky football, then by all means, hire Brad White.

 

[UKWildcats1987]

Obviously this is all all just talk now since Stoops is staying. My own personal feeling though, if your goal is to get me LESS excited about the future of Kentucky football, then by all means, hire Brad White.

Agreed. Terrible hire if it ever happens.

 

[LosGatos]

According to rumor, he was interviewing all three on Sunday, White, Coen and Sumrall.

I suspect, the call would have gone to Coen, to preserve the QB commitments for 2024 and 2025, but three relatively young, successful guys now believe they are next on the list.

I'd bet folding money it comes about within 5 years, and that Sumrall gets the call.

But I doubt Sumrall will be at Troy in five years. I expect he will take a head coaching at a P5 school before then.

 

[truebluewildcat]

I think if it's going to be LC or JS it's going to have to be in the very near future. Meaning 2 years max before those guys start to get some real sniffs.

Summerall will probably ping pretty hot on the radar next season if he wins 10-11 again.

Let's see what LC can do with Vandagriff next year and hopefully the year after that.

Couple of 10-win seasons with some pop on offense, LC will start to get some serious looks.

CMS will also start to get some looks too with a couple of 10 winners. So that will be the fork in the road for all parties so to speak. Does, CMS take a step-up gig. Or does he figure, he's 15 years in, on a roll, maybe ride it out for 5 more years or so and call it a day. Why go rebuild somewhere else at that point?

If he signs an extension. LC is gone, Sumeral will have a gig. Maybe the D stiffened up so BW will probably take a lower tier HC gig.

So really the question we should be asking. If everything goes well the next season or two, who's our OC and DC going to be?

 

[trueblujr2]

At this point, I think Stoops is holding out for the Iowa job to open. I know there were some rumblings about Ferentz retiring. That's seemed to have died down for now, but he's getting up there and I can see it happening sooner rather than later in the next season or two. I know he wasn't happy about them firing his son.

You thinking a Sumrall for BW trade? Sumrall becomes UK's HC and BW goes to Troy as HC?

Regardless, I hope your visions of a couple more 10 win seasons (or better) comes to fruition. One thing about the 12 team playoff is that it gives schools like UK a ray of hope of getting in without having to win the SEC or go undefeated. We would have been borderline in 2018, but give us a season like MIssouri or Ole Miss had this year and we could be in the picture too.

 

[STL_Cat]

Source: Troy's Sumrall interviewed with Tulane on Wednesday and wants the job

 

[bigblueinsanity]

Source: Troy's Sumrall interviewed with Tulane on Wednesday and wants the job

Surprised if it turns out true

 

[JHB4UK]

Surprised if it turns out true

Why? It is a step up. Tulane is the kind of high level G5 program that Power 5's hire from.

 

[mrschwump]

Surprised if it turns out true

I speculated on this a few days ago. Sumrall is former Tulane asst. Willie Fritz built a solid program there and road it to the Houston job. Relative new stadium in a solid G5 conference. I expect Sumrall to take the job if offered.

 

[UKWildcats1987]

At this point, I think Stoops is holding out for the Iowa job to open. I know there were some rumblings about Ferentz retiring. That's seemed to have died down for now, but he's getting up there and I can see it happening sooner rather than later in the next season or two. I know he wasn't happy about them firing his son.

You thinking a Sumrall for BW trade? Sumrall becomes UK's HC and BW goes to Troy as HC?

Regardless, I hope your visions of a couple more 10 win seasons (or better) comes to fruition. One thing about the 12 team playoff is that it gives schools like UK a ray of hope of getting in without having to win the SEC or go undefeated. We would have been borderline in 2018, but give us a season like MIssouri or Ole Miss had this year and we could be in the picture too.

Stoops has to show he can get it done to win that 10th game. Choked hard in 2018 and 2021. Will take a 10 and 2 regular season for UK to get into playoff.

Remember the 12th spot will almost always be reserved for some group of 5 cupcake so have to finish 11th or better.

 

[CRZ4UK]

You might want to follow it. Go see the Troy team before he got there.

Our linebackers made game winning plays with him. Jones against UF- Square against Iowa. Now not so much thanks to a coach who hired his brother.

Yeah go hire somebody else and see how it works out. It will be the biggest mistake in UK football history.

Bigger than not hiring Schnellenburger ?? Bigger than not keeping Bear Bryant?? We have some big coaching misses to live up to Brady. Lol.

 

[grevey35]

Summrall has to be the guy when that time comes. Even if we have some bigger names interested, he still has to be the guy.

Super driven and successful, understands the challenges of the sec at UK, and would retire here. Those last two things are the difference maker imo

I think we should definitely aim higher than Sumrall. If he ever gets the job I'll back him for sure but I find the fascination with him to be overblown.

 

[bigblueinsanity]

Why? It is a step up. Tulane is the kind of high level G5 program that Power 5's hire from.

Imo not enough to leave. If he shows well another year, he could get a much better job imo

I think we should definitely aim higher than Sumrall. If he ever gets the job I'll back him for sure but I find the fascination with him to be overblown.

Sure. Tell me who we could actually get if stoops left tomorrow or next year?

 

[The-Hack]

But I doubt Sumrall will be at Troy in five years. I expect he will take a head coaching at a P5 school before then.

I agree.

And that will be his last stepping stone before coming home.

 

[The-Hack]

I expect Sumrall to take the job if offered.

I hope he does.

Developing some more contacts in Louisiana would not hurt a resume for a future SEC job.

I hear there are good athletes down there.

 

[sluggercatfan]

We will find out in time. That’s for sure.

Already had time. Know it's way in the rear view mirror now, but it was the biggest mistake in UK sports history!

 

[bradyjames]

Already had time. Know it's way in the rear view mirror now, but it was the biggest mistake in UK sports history!

You act as if Bear wanted to stay. He moved multiple times. Sumrall will never ever leave UK for greener pastures.

 

[mrschwump]

I hope he does.

Developing some more contacts in Louisiana would not hurt a resume for a future SEC job.

I hear there are good athletes down there.

Took up residence compliments of the US Army in LA. Don't know about athletes but they have damn good food!!

 

[Blouman]

I think it is 1000% certainty that he is the next UK coach.

Don't you realize who our AD is?

 

[The-Hack]

Don't you realize who our AD is?

Uhhh.

And Barnhart knows who Jon Sumrall is.

 

[The-Hack]

t I find the fascination with him to be overblown

Curiously, have you ever met Coach Sumrall?

He’s an impressive fellow in person.

He’s made an old fat guy like me want to run through a wall for him.

God knows how he affects an athletic 20’year old!

 

[grevey35]

Curiously, have you ever met Coach Sumrall?

He’s an impressive fellow in person.

He’s made an old fat guy like me want to run through a wall for him.

God knows how he affects an athletic 20’year old!

No I've not met him. I have absolutely nothing against him. I wouldn't complain if he was our next coach. I did state I would be 100% behind him. That said I think it is possible there may be better candidates out there when the time comes and I want the best we can get. Troy is a pretty limited proving ground.