WARNING - my worthless opinions are included.
UK and all other programs are entering the most important month of the recruiting calendar based on the NCAA’s updated recruiting calendar. UK has their “big board” firmed up and the guys they have visiting over the next 2 weeks are without question the primary targets that they’ve worked on for the last year +. Here’s the good news, UK is in on a lot of terrific looking prospects that are SEC caliber IMO. Being a complete football junkie/nerd - here are my thoughts on the guys they’re in on that could be true “difference makers” and keep UK on the right trajectory.
DEFENSE:
Defensive End - Stoops and Co have tried to find a Josh Paschal-type 3-4 DE for the last 5 years with zero luck. They’ve came close several times, but no dice. As a result, they’ve had to play a DT at the DE spot which has really hampered their pass rush. Remember, UK’s best pass rushing teams have had pass rushers at both the JACK and DE spot at the same time. Good news - UK is in the best position in years to land a 3-4 DE that can also generate a pass rush.
#1 Brian Robinson - some may think he’s a future OLB, but I think he’s destined to be a hand in the dirt DE. Watch his tape, he’s played almost exclusively as a down dlinemen, not a stand up edge. He’s nearing 250lbs. He’ll play at 260+. He would be a perfect addition for UK.
Tie for #1 - Dominic Nichols - this guy is gonna be a 6’6 pass rushing specialists. He likely has more upside than any defensive player UK is involved with. He would be an amazing get.
#3 - DK Kirks - it remains to be seen if UK is able to get him back on campus, but there’s zero doubt UK really wants him. He’s not as twitching as Robinson and Nichols, but he’s a brute who would be a great 3/4 DE in UK’s system
#4 - Kendall Jackson - this dude is the TWITCHIEST of all the DEs UK is recruiting. He’s a bit of a tweener, but could likely put on the size needed to play the 3/4 DE. Total freak of a pass rusher, but not smooth enough to play OLB/Jack.
Outside Linebacker
#1 Caleb Redd - super freak of a pass rusher who can also drop back into coverage as Brad Smith requires of his OLBs. Would be my #1 choice at OLB for UK based on who their involved with.
#2 - Jacob Smith - solid all around OLB, but slightly less twitchy. Probably a long-shot, but would be a great addition.
#3 - Jaden Smith - possibly the the dude the most upside. He’s currently underweight, but a total athletic freak. Give this guy 2 years in a S&C program and look out.
https://n.rivals.com/content/athletes/jaden-smith-298918?view=pv
http://www.hudl.com/video/3/15726183/631cae4d066242034c538ae6
MLB
#1 - Crews Law - certainly appears to be UK’s top MLB target for the class. Looks like a fundamentally sound player that does a bit of everything.
https://n.rivals.com/content/athletes/crews-law-298455?view=pv
https://www.hudl.com/video/3/10235542/631645285caa590570cc2101
#2 - Raphael Dunn - maybe the most intriguing defensive guy on UK’s board. It’s not often you see a school recruiting a 6’5 guy to play MLB, but that’s what Brad White is selling him on. Could see this guys being a terrific player in time.
https://n.rivals.com/content/athletes/raphael-dunn-302452?view=pv
https://www.hudl.com/video/3/17643804/633113fcf561220e4c221fd9
Safety
#1 - Vabou Toure - I can’t recall UK recruiting a safety that more closely resembles Mike Edwards. This guy does it ALL. Could be the QB of UK’s defense.
https://n.rivals.com/content/athletes/vaboue-toure-277907?view=pv
http://www.hudl.com/v/2Jp9nt
#2 - Antonio White - this dude is a legit 6’2+ with amazing closing speed. Has all the measurables that Stoops looks for in a Safety.. Future stud.
https://n.rivals.com/content/athletes/antonio-white-281679?view=pv
http://www.hudl.com/v/2JMfQ4
Corner
Unfortunately, there just aren’t many options that have surfaced here. Cai Bates was the guy UK went all in on and thought they could pull out of Florida, but he dropped UK about 2 weeks ago. As of now, I see one guy that could be a great fit.
#1 - Cameron Keys - 6’0 with legit 4.40 speed. He’s on the lighter side, but he’s super shifty. This dude reminds me a ton of Brandon Echols. Would be a great addition.
https://n.rivals.com/content/athletes/cameron-keys-286797?view=pv
http://www.hudl.com/v/2K0knX
NG/DT - thus far, not a single target has emerged. Not a single target has a visit scheduled. Anwar Stewart continues to be a major disappointment as a recruiter.
UK and all other programs are entering the most important month of the recruiting calendar based on the NCAA’s updated recruiting calendar. UK has their “big board” firmed up and the guys they have visiting over the next 2 weeks are without question the primary targets that they’ve worked on for the last year +. Here’s the good news, UK is in on a lot of terrific looking prospects that are SEC caliber IMO. Being a complete football junkie/nerd - here are my thoughts on the guys they’re in on that could be true “difference makers” and keep UK on the right trajectory.
DEFENSE:
Defensive End - Stoops and Co have tried to find a Josh Paschal-type 3-4 DE for the last 5 years with zero luck. They’ve came close several times, but no dice. As a result, they’ve had to play a DT at the DE spot which has really hampered their pass rush. Remember, UK’s best pass rushing teams have had pass rushers at both the JACK and DE spot at the same time. Good news - UK is in the best position in years to land a 3-4 DE that can also generate a pass rush.
#1 Brian Robinson - some may think he’s a future OLB, but I think he’s destined to be a hand in the dirt DE. Watch his tape, he’s played almost exclusively as a down dlinemen, not a stand up edge. He’s nearing 250lbs. He’ll play at 260+. He would be a perfect addition for UK.
Tie for #1 - Dominic Nichols - this guy is gonna be a 6’6 pass rushing specialists. He likely has more upside than any defensive player UK is involved with. He would be an amazing get.
#3 - DK Kirks - it remains to be seen if UK is able to get him back on campus, but there’s zero doubt UK really wants him. He’s not as twitching as Robinson and Nichols, but he’s a brute who would be a great 3/4 DE in UK’s system
#4 - Kendall Jackson - this dude is the TWITCHIEST of all the DEs UK is recruiting. He’s a bit of a tweener, but could likely put on the size needed to play the 3/4 DE. Total freak of a pass rusher, but not smooth enough to play OLB/Jack.
Outside Linebacker
#1 Caleb Redd - super freak of a pass rusher who can also drop back into coverage as Brad Smith requires of his OLBs. Would be my #1 choice at OLB for UK based on who their involved with.
#2 - Jacob Smith - solid all around OLB, but slightly less twitchy. Probably a long-shot, but would be a great addition.
#3 - Jaden Smith - possibly the the dude the most upside. He’s currently underweight, but a total athletic freak. Give this guy 2 years in a S&C program and look out.
https://n.rivals.com/content/athletes/jaden-smith-298918?view=pv
http://www.hudl.com/video/3/15726183/631cae4d066242034c538ae6
MLB
#1 - Crews Law - certainly appears to be UK’s top MLB target for the class. Looks like a fundamentally sound player that does a bit of everything.
https://n.rivals.com/content/athletes/crews-law-298455?view=pv
https://www.hudl.com/video/3/10235542/631645285caa590570cc2101
#2 - Raphael Dunn - maybe the most intriguing defensive guy on UK’s board. It’s not often you see a school recruiting a 6’5 guy to play MLB, but that’s what Brad White is selling him on. Could see this guys being a terrific player in time.
https://n.rivals.com/content/athletes/raphael-dunn-302452?view=pv
https://www.hudl.com/video/3/17643804/633113fcf561220e4c221fd9
Safety
#1 - Vabou Toure - I can’t recall UK recruiting a safety that more closely resembles Mike Edwards. This guy does it ALL. Could be the QB of UK’s defense.
https://n.rivals.com/content/athletes/vaboue-toure-277907?view=pv
http://www.hudl.com/v/2Jp9nt
#2 - Antonio White - this dude is a legit 6’2+ with amazing closing speed. Has all the measurables that Stoops looks for in a Safety.. Future stud.
https://n.rivals.com/content/athletes/antonio-white-281679?view=pv
http://www.hudl.com/v/2JMfQ4
Corner
Unfortunately, there just aren’t many options that have surfaced here. Cai Bates was the guy UK went all in on and thought they could pull out of Florida, but he dropped UK about 2 weeks ago. As of now, I see one guy that could be a great fit.
#1 - Cameron Keys - 6’0 with legit 4.40 speed. He’s on the lighter side, but he’s super shifty. This dude reminds me a ton of Brandon Echols. Would be a great addition.
https://n.rivals.com/content/athletes/cameron-keys-286797?view=pv
http://www.hudl.com/v/2K0knX
NG/DT - thus far, not a single target has emerged. Not a single target has a visit scheduled. Anwar Stewart continues to be a major disappointment as a recruiter.
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