Thursday Quickies: Finishing Strong Edition

While basketball is dominating headlines this week (and understandably so), the Kentucky Football program is going about their offseason business, especially in recruiting as they look to wrap up their 2019 class in a big way.

KSR is reporting that UK coaches will be visiting four star wide receiver Devonta Lee and four star defensive back Jay Ward at their respective homes today as they try to land the two huge talents.

For Lee, Kentucky had a lot of momentum even though he has long been considered a heavy LSU lean—he is from Louisiana— but after not making the trip to Lexington last weekend, things are up in the air, especially with a visit to LSU looming this weekend. The coaches will hope to make up some ground with this in-home visit.

As for Ward, the former Kentucky commit, the Wildcats seem to be in good shape but need a strong finish to secure Ward ahead of National Signing Day. LSU is the main competition there, but Kentucky has a lot of momentum and landing Ward would be a huge get.

Kentucky is also setting up to be in a good spot with another four star defensive back, MJ Devonshire, who is from Pennsylvania. Devonshire is expected to announce his decision on Feb. 6 on Pittsburgh Sports Now.

Kentucky has a chance to land two big-time talents in the secondary and a wide receiver that could be a key contributor right away over the next couple weeks, but it will take a major effort down the home stretch to secure these recruits for the 2019 class.

Tweets of the Day

All aboard the bandwagon now.

Hagans is in some good company.

KAT for the win!

Quickies

SI wonders if Kentucky is once again a Final Four contender - Sports Illustrated

Short answer: Yes.

How does Kentucky match up with other title contenders? - KSR

Aaron Torres breaks down how Kentucky matches up with Michigan State, Virginia, and Gonzaga

Bryce Drew thinks PJ Washington might be nation’s most improved player - Herald Leader

He’s got as strong of a case as anyone if he continues to play the way he has of late.

Josh Allen named Herald Leader’s Kentucky Sports Figure of the Year - Herald Leader

A nice honor for Allen.

UK Football season ticket sales going strong - Cats Pause

It’s exciting to see the momentum from last season begin to carry over.

Terrence Jones, Alex Poythress, and Issac Humphries are on the same G-League Team - KSR

I think BBN found a G-League team to root for. Go Bayhawks!

Woj: Pelicans not interested in Lakers deal - Bleacher Report

We could see the Anthony Davis saga play out into the offseason.

How a hungry assistant coach discovered Ja Morant - Yahoo

Morant continues to make waves at Murray State.

Josh Langford to miss rest of the season for Michigan State - ESPN

The Spartans have fared well without him, but still a significant loss.

The 10 biggest x-factors that could determine Super Bowl LIII - The Ringer

Everyone knows Brady, Gronk, Goff, Gurley, etc., but other players will be major factors.

How the eight Super Bowls of the Brady-Belichick era could’ve gone the other way - ESPN

With each game being so close, the Patriots could easily be 8-0 or 0-8.

Will Teddy Bridgewater be an NFL starter next season? - Courier Journal

It’s an uncertain road up ahead for the former UofL QB.

Pittsburgh TV station fires employee responsible for Tom Brady “known cheater” graphic - Yahoo

We knew that was coming...

How ‘The Tackle’ sparked a friendship between Kevin Dyson and Mike Jones - Yahoo

They were involved in one of the biggest plays in Super Bowl history, and have become close friends since.