Thursday Quickies: Signing Day Wrap-up Edition

With Signing Day in the rear-view mirror, the recruiting classes are finalized. As usual, Alabama turned in the top class, leading an impressive fleet of SEC teams in the class rankings. The SEC had nine teams in the top 25, according to ESPN’s rankings. Despite not finishing in the top-25, Kentucky managed to hold onto all 24 of its commits, and Mark Stoops put together arguably his best recruiting class at UK. The ‘Cats look to have big things coming.

Tweets of the day

Dear Ohio State,

One of the punting legends has left the game at 29.

Your quickies

Kentucky announces 2017 recruiting class - UK Athletics
View the official full list of signees for the Wildcats.

Tai Wynyard’s dad is the ‘Michael Jordan of lumberjacks’ - ESPN
This piece from ESPN is about Jason Wynyard motivating his son, but the highlight of it is the fact that Jason is referred to as the lumberjack world’s Michael Jordan.

Kentucky football ‘kicked in a door’ with 2017 recruiting class - SEC Country
This has to be Stoops’ best class, ranking as high as 26th nationally. The Wildcats have a bright future ahead, but also high expectations.

Jedrick Wills’ decision came down to the wire - SEC Country
It hurts to see Wills go to Alabama, because Kentucky made a strong push to get his commitment, and nearly succeeded. However, it’s hard to expect Kentucky to pull someone away from Alabama in the way that they nearly did with Wills.

Lamar Thomas is refusing to let Louisville forget about its Governor’s Cup loss - SEC Country
I love how much Thomas embraces the rivalry, even though he’s been on Louisville’s sideline.

Lamar Jackson wins Kentucky Sports Figure of the Year Award - Herald-Leader
Jackson had an incredible 2016, and being the Heisman winner certainly warrants this award as well. For what it’s worth, Tyler Ulis finished second.

Winners and losers of signing day 2017 - Sports Illustrated
USC surged, Texas’ recent struggles proved costly in recruiting, and more from signing day.

Larry Fitzgerald is returning for 2017 - NFL.com
The veteran receiver isn’t calling it quits yet. Will quarterback Carson Palmer join him for another season?

Isaiah Thomas steps up in crunch time (again), carries Celtics past Raptors|USA Today
Thomas is the walking embodiment of the saying “heart over height,” as he’s become a legitimate MVP contender (though he’s being overshadowed by the triple-double machines Russell Westbrook and James Harden).

What’s next for Ronda Rousey? - FOX
After suffering back-to-back defeats, Rousey may be done fighting forever. What does life after the UFC hold for her?

Pat McAfee is retiring...to join Barstool Sports - IndyStar
The legendary punter is leaving football at just 29 years old to join one of the fastest-growing sports media sources in America. Does this mean Marquette King is officially the swaggiest punter in the NFL?

Steph Curry hits eight threes in one half - FOX Sports
Despite adding another weapon to the roster, Curry is still Curry. He hit eight threes and embarrassed Marvin Williams by crossing him up, all in one half.

Beyonce is pregnant with twins - New York Times
The legendary pop star set the pop-culture world ablaze with her announcement that she and Jay-Z are expecting twins.