A Sea Of Blue - Kentucky Football 2016 Signing ClassOnline Home of the Big Blue Nation: Kentucky Wildcats Sports for the Discerning Fanhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/46621/aseaof-fav.png2016-07-14T11:42:24-04:00http://www.aseaofblue.com/rss/stream/106680352016-07-14T11:42:24-04:002016-07-14T11:42:24-04:00New Monk & Bam mixtape to get hyped for next year
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<figcaption>David Banks/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>The summer doldrums and waiting for next season always seem to last a lifetime, but thankfully, there are various ways to pass the time for even the most die-hard of sports fans.</p>
<p>One such way is the latest work from Ball Is Life, as they've released new mixtapes for two of the biggest freshman in college basketball this coming season. They also just so happen to reside in Lexington, Kentucky as Edrice 'Bam' Adebayo and Malik Monk will be putting on a show in Rupp Arena and across the nation soon enough.</p>
<p><span>Both Bam and Monk are as powerful, athletic and oozing with talent as anyone at their respective positions in a loaded 2016 class. They both also are highlight machines with epic mixtapes of their high school dominance that will get any UK fan hyped up for next season.</span></p>
<p>Here's a look at the latest ones from Ball Is Life:</p>
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https://www.aseaofblue.com/2016/7/14/12188588/new-malik-monk-and-bam-adebayo-highlights-to-get-you-hyped-for-nextJason Marcum2016-03-06T14:16:52-05:002016-03-06T14:16:52-05:00UK Football: 2 Impact Freshmen on Defense
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<figcaption>Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>After finishing with an impressive 2016 signing class, we take a look at three players who could make an impact as a true freshman</p> <p><i> Before I go into detail about these two signees who are most likely to have an early impact during their time in Lexington, let me take this time to introduce myself. My name is Russell Johnson and I am going to be one of the lead recruiting writers around here. I spent most of last season covering Vanderbilt at Anchor of Gold, and I am thrilled to be here. I went to UK for a year before transferring back home (Akron, Ohio) due to the out-of-state tuition that was just too much to handle. I have a beautiful wife and two-year-old daughter named Emory, and anytime I am not on my computer writing or at work, I can most likely be seen with them. You can follow me on Twitter at <a href="https://twitter.com/JohnsonERA13" target="_blank">@JohnsonERA13</a>. Now onto those recruits...</i></p>
<h3>ILB Kash Daniel</h3>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://247sports.com/player/kash-daniel-78422">Kash Daniel</a> was a HUGE get for Stoops and the rest of this staff, and he is already on campus, as he was an early enrollee for the spring semester. Daniel brings to the table the intensity and instincts that this defense is in major need of going forward as they push for bowl eligibility in the coming season.</p>
<p>Daniel showed his versatility throughout his time at Paintsville HS in Paintsville, KY by playing both sides of the ball, and was the quarterback on his team as well. Look out for Kash in the spring game.</p>
<h3>DE/OLB Jaylin Bannerman</h3>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://247sports.com/Player/Jaylin-Bannerman-79554">OLB Jaylin Bannerman</a> is someone I have been following for many years, and to see him end up in this class was special for the future of this front seven and to see Kentucky continue to build relationships in the state of Ohio. Bannerman was a defensive end for Pickerington Central HS in Pickerington, OH and flew under the radar for nearly the entire recruiting cycle.</p>
<p>What makes him special and a potential impact player going forward is his ability to find the ball in any situations. From blocking kicks to making tackles he shouldn't even have a chance at, Jaylin has the ability to be special.His elite size for the position (6-foot-6 and 215 pounds) fits the recent prototype of this "hybrid" position. Unlike Kash, Bannerman is not on campus currently, but when he gets to Lexington, look out.</p>
<p>Next week, we will take an in-depth look at the offensive side of the ball, including one player who is already on campus who could have a huge role in determining the success of this team in the future. After that, we will take a look at 30 remaining targets for the class of 2017, several of which are currently committed to other schools.</p>
https://www.aseaofblue.com/2016/3/6/11150758/kentucky-football-recruiting-2-potential-impact-freshmen-on-defenseRuss Johnson2016-02-22T11:30:03-05:002016-02-22T11:30:03-05:00Which Signing Class Is Marks Stoops' Best?
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<p>Is the 2014 signing class that featured Matt Elam and Drew Barker better than the 2016 signing class that featured Landon Young and Drake Jackson?</p> <p>Shortly after National Signing Day there was a good discussion in BBN circles comparing the 2016 signing class to the 2014 signing class. Which was Mark Stoops' best? The topic piqued my curiosity, so I delved further into the numbers to see if there was a story beyond the surface level recruiting numbers. I was then going to crank out this post, but life intervened as is its wont. It's late, but I think the following still adds to the discussion. Obviously, the real worth of a signing class comes from their on-field performance. The following is merely focused on their rankings as of their respective NSD.</p>
<h4>Team Rankings</h4>
<h4></h4>
<p>First, I think it's useful to review the overall recruiting rankings. Below are the 247 Sports Composite rankings for each of Mark Stoops' signing classes while bearing in mind that 247's composite rankings take into account Rivals, Scout, 247, and ESPN rankings. I'm not sure how they are weighted, but for these purposes I'll assume they are equal. To the data:</p>
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<td><b>Year</b></td>
<td><b>Composite Ranking</b></td>
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<td align="center"><a href="http://247sports.com/Season/2013-Football/CompositeTeamRankings" target="_blank">2013</a></td>
<td align="center">34th</td>
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<td align="center"><a href="http://kentucky.247sports.com/Season/2014-Football/Commits" target="_blank">2014</a></td>
<td align="center">22nd</td>
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<td align="center"><a href="http://kentucky.247sports.com/Season/2014-Football/Commits" target="_blank">2015</a></td>
<td align="center">38th</td>
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<td align="center"><a href="http://247sports.com/Season/2016-Football/CompositeTeamRankings" target="_blank">2016</a></td>
<td align="center">34th</td>
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</tbody>
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<p> </p>
<p>The raw rankings clearly demonstrate the 2014 signing class is superior to the other classes. In fact, the 2016 class is tied with the 2013 class that Stoops & Co. cobbled together in six weeks. It appears pretty "cut and dry" that it's not up for debate: the 2014 class is better.</p>
<h4>Comparing the 2014 and 2016 Classes</h4>
<p>However, I was curious if a few outliers (i.e. higher ranked recruits in each classes' top 20%) were skewing the data, so I decided to chart them for a visual comparison. The y-axis is an individual player's composite ranking. The x-axis is the player's ranking within his signing class. For example, the top rank player in 2014 was Drew Barker with a 0.94 composite ranking. In 2016, the top ranked player was Landon Young with a 0.96 ranking.</p>
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<p>This chart illustrates the top ten recruits for both the 2014 and 2016 signing classes. It turns out that if any class has outliers buoying its rankings it would be the 2016 class. They have two of the top three highest rated recruits, but only have four ranked in the top ten. The drop is pretty significant for the 2016 Class after its two highest ranked signees, and the drop is almost as steep following its top five signees. The 2014 Class meanwhile stays relatively consistent.</p>
<p>This drives home the point that Kentucky was very fortunate to have three highly ranked four stars in-state in 2016 after back-to-back 5-7 seasons. Without one or more of Drake Jackson, Kash Daniel, and Landon Young this class' ranking would not be near as high. Sometimes UK football is lucky.</p>
<p>How do the two classes compare overall? Behold 2014's clear dominance:</p>
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<p>As far as the recruiting rankings are concerned, the 2014 class is unequivocally better. For example, 2014's 25th rated signee would be ranked somewhere between the 16th-18th best signee in the 2016 class.</p>
<h4>Explanations, Implications, and Caveats</h4>
<ul>
<li>The above comparison doesn't take into account positional needs. Not including them is a legitimate critique as it does have a lot of influence on a recruiting cycle's strategy; however, trying to quantify that variable is a job for a hedge fund quant. I am not a hedge fund quant.</li>
<li>Will the 2014 class be better than the 2016 class on the field? Who knows.</li>
<li>The higher ranking of the 2014 class relative to 2016 shouldn't be a surprise in some ways. This was Stoops' first full recruiting cycle, the program could sell a bright future, and benefited from a few separate recruiting breaks that happen every now and then. <a href="http://kentucky.247sports.com/Season/2014-Football/Commits" target="_blank">Look at the top five in that class</a>. It helped that blue chips Drew Barker and Matt Elam were in-state; Darius West unfortunately breaking his leg his senior season probably incentivized major programs recruiting him to look elsewhere; and Boom Williams decommitted from Georgia only after they received commitments from five star running backs Nick Chubb and Sony Michel. <br> </li>
<li>If you want hope for the 2016 and 2017 seasons then you'll find some respite in knowing Kentucky's best recruiting class is entering their third year in the program. Raw talent, meet several years experience with college coaching, strength and conditioning, and access to proper nutrition.</li>
<li>In the rankings above, the 2013 and 2016 classes are both ranked 34th. I charted those numbers and that chart provides some interesting nuance:</li>
</ul>
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<p>The 2016 class is superior in at least four of the top five signees (third place is tied so I guess go with a coin-flip), and while the middle tier runs pretty even, the 2016 class is superior in the bottom tier. This suggest to me that UK is signing a higher quality recruit overall. A comparison of the bottom 25% of each of Stoops' signing classes probably indicates a high ranking with each passing year. That's probably a post for next February.</p>
https://www.aseaofblue.com/2016/2/22/11092198/kentucky-wildcats-football-best-signing-class-mark-stoopswamarsh2016-02-18T08:00:02-05:002016-02-18T08:00:02-05:00Ranking Positions By Recruiting/Developing
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<figcaption>Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Part of recruiting is having an eye for talent a bottom tier P5 program can realistically land, and then working hard at developing those signees. The following is a position-by-position breakdown of Mark Stoops' first two signing classes.</p> <p>The middle of February is typically not an ideal time to discuss college football. National Signing Day is in the rear-view mirror, and the college basketball season is accelerating towards its finish line. Yet, the timing provides at least two advantages: during this "calm" period objective debate is prevalent, and it helps to scope depth chart conversations that will be relevant the following month.</p>
<p>"Recruit and develop" would be the official mantra of Mark Stoops if he were to have one. If we did a shot every time Stoops forcefully stated those words then livers comparable in color and tumescence to Keith Richards' own would abound across the Bluegrass. It's imperative to do both.</p>
<p>Why is this mantra especially important now? One, Stoops is on an increasingly toasty seat. Two, UK's best recruiting classes in program history are beginning to reach their maturation point, and how they've been developed will go a long way towards determining if UK reaches the post-season in 2016.</p>
<p>To control for the "develop" part of the equation this post will only focus on the 2013 and 2014 classes which are comprised of players entering their senior and junior years. There were several younger players who made major contributions last season, but overall, judging their position groups would be premature at this time. Besides, the 2015 and 2016 classes are too young to make an impact that would shift the rankings in my view.</p>
<p><i>[Note: "*" denotes player is no longer with the program.]</i></p>
<h4>Defensive Units Ranked</h4>
<h5>#1 Secondary</h5>
<p><b>2013: </b>Jaleel Hytche*, <span>Marcus McWilson</span> (4 star), <span>Blake McClain</span> (3 star), Khalid Thomas*, <span>Nate Willis</span> (3 star)</p>
<p><b>2014: </b>Darius West (4 star), Kendall Randolph (4 star), <span>Mike Edwards</span> (3 star), AJ Stamps (3 star), Jared Tucker (3 star)</p>
<p>What stands out in this crop is not only the star power, but that UK continued to recruit these positions well in 2015; meaning several players are threatened with being recruited over. UK was starting two true freshmen cornerbacks to finish the 2015 campaign, and West was pushing McWilson for playing time towards the end of last season.</p>
<p>Stamps is probably UK's most accomplished defensive back under Mark Stoops at Kentucky to date, but McClain starting three straight seasons at nickel while holding off Randolph is a story worth highlighting. Those two are the headliners, but the entire secondary from senior class to freshmen class may be the deepest unit on the team.</p>
<p>This unit gets the top spot over the defensive line because of their improvement as opposed to overall <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl-draft" class="sbn-auto-link">NFL draft</a> potential. The unit has accumulated 26 interceptions the last two seasons, and the passing defense was <a href="http://www.cfbstats.com/2015/leader/911/team/defense/split01/category02/sort01.html" target="_blank">solid </a>despite almost no pass rush last year. The unit also showed <a href="http://www.cfbstats.com/2014/leader/911/team/defense/split01/category02/sort01.html" target="_blank">improvement from 2014 </a>(mostly by virtue of giving up fewer explosive plays) when there was not the benefit of <span>Za'Darius Smith</span> and Bud Dupree folding the pocket.</p>
<h5>#2 Defensive Line</h5>
<p><b>2013</b>:<b> </b>Za'Darius Smith (4 star), <span>Melvin Lewis</span> (2 star), <span>Jacob Hyde</span> (3 star), and <span>Regie Meant</span> (3 star)</p>
<p><b>2014: </b><span>Matt Elam</span> (4 star), <span>Cory Johnson</span> (3 star), Adrian Middleton (3 star), Lloyd Tubman*, Tymere Dubose (3 star)</p>
<p>The standouts here are pretty clear. Smith was a 4th round draft pick last May, while Johnson led SEC linemen in tackles in 2015, and Lewis was drawing NFL interest prior to breaking his leg. Elam was not a top fifteen player coming out of high school, as stated in a now revised 247 ranking, but played commensurate to his true sophomore form in 2015. Regardless, UK had to fight off serious competition to land him. Meant has gotten back-up snaps the last two seasons, and may have gotten more snaps this season if not for playing behind a white hot Johnson in 2015.</p>
<p>The rest of the bunch is unknown, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. UK has signed at least one JUCO defensive lineman in every class under Stoops indicating this position, more than most others, needs time to develop. If any positions deserves a grade of "incomplete" it probably is this one. Middleton backed up Elam after Lewis' injury, but probably shifts back to defensive tackle in 2016 to share reps with Meant; and possibly Dubose too, depending on if he settles at the end or tackle position.</p>
<p>The success UK has had developing the players in the first paragraph provides hope success can be replicated with the players in the second paragraph. The key question is if UK can recruit and develop more than one surefire NFL defensive line prospect in a given season.</p>
<h5>#3 Linebackers</h5>
<p><b>2013:</b> <span>Jason Hatcher</span> (4 star)</p>
<p><b>2014: </b>Denzil Ware (4 star), Nico Firios (3 star), <span>Kobie Walker</span> (3 star), Ryan Flannigan (3 star), Dorian Hendrix*</p>
<p>The linebacker corps that Stoops inherited was abysmal. Avery Williamson was a star, but in Stoops' first game Williamson was surrounded on either side by a converted quarterback and a converted receiver. The reality of not signing more than one linebacker in a compress recruiting cycle in 2013 will partially force UK to rely on JUCO transfers, youth, and a well-timed Nebraska transfer in 2016.</p>
<p>Hatcher has had a shorter timeline that some. He backed up first round pick Bud Dupree his first two seasons, and then last season lost game time due to suspension and injury. <a href="http://espn.go.com/college-football/player/gamelog/_/id/551097/jason-hatcher" target="_blank">His motivated play </a>coming off his suspension provides evidence he has mentally turned the corner for those who see glasses half-full. He has 12 games to prove them correct.</p>
<p>Outside of Flannigan, a worthy pick-up and contributor in his last 14 games in the blue and white, the linebacker upperclassmen are mostly filled with mysteries and a transfer. Firios and Walker were both injured last season, and little is known of their development. Ware played well last season commensurate his redshirt freshman status. UK's future at the outside linebacker position in 2016 looks solid between Ware and Hatcher.</p>
<p>Nonetheless, it's likely transfer <span>Courtney Love</span> will start at middle linebacker, and true freshman Kash Daniel may also press those in the classes ahead of him for game reps. The weakside linebacker starting spot looks to be true sophomore Jordan Jones to lose going by his performances prior to injury in 2015. Newly added outside linebackers like JUCO transfer Justin Bonner and true sophomore Joshua Allen also look to provide key depth further hinting at the fact the linebacker position is still in recovery.</p>
<h4>Offensive Units Ranked</h4>
<h5>#1 Receivers/Tight Ends<br>
</h5>
<p><b>2013:</b> <span>Ryan Timmons</span> (4 star), Alex Montgomery (3 star), <span>Jeff Badet</span> (3 star), <span>Javess Blue</span> (3 star)</p>
<p><b>2014:</b> <span>Thaddeus Snodgrass</span> (4 star), Garret Johnson (3 star), TV Williams (3 star), <span>Blake Bone</span> (3 star), Darryl Long (3 star), <span>Dorian Baker</span> (3 star)</p>
<p>UK received immediate contributions from Blue on a poor offense in 2013, and both he and Timmons helped lift an offense that averaged 19 points per game that season to 26 points per game in 2014. UK parlayed their immediate success by recruiting a strong receiver class in 2014.</p>
<p>The offense had many issues in 2015, but the production by Johnson and Baker was notable. <a href="http://www.cfbstats.com/2015/team/334/receiving/index.html" target="_blank">They had 46 and 55 receptions respectively,</a> both averaged over 11 yards per catch, and they did it as sophomores. UK has not had two more productive receivers since <span>Randall Cobb</span> and <span>Chris Matthews</span> were <a href="http://www.cfbstats.com/2010/team/334/receiving/index.html" target="_blank">featured in an actually functioning offense in 2010</a> as upperclassmen themselves.</p>
<p>Montgomery and Badet both had <a href="http://www.cfbstats.com/2013/team/334/receiving/index.html" target="_blank">promising true freshmen seasons</a> prior to a series of injuries beginning that season which would not see them return to the field until 2015. Badet returned to form but Montgomery struggled to see the field on a team that's four-deep at inside receiver. Blake Bone has become an afterthought for some after 2015, but even his 2015 season showed improvement over his 2014 season.</p>
<p>Yes, there were far too many dropped balls, but that sometimes comes with the territory for young skill players watching an offense meltdown in front of their eyes. The injection of a new coordinator and new position coach could serve as positive catalyst for a squad that is talented. It definitely can't hurt.</p>
<h5>#2 Running Backs</h5>
<p><b>2013:</b> <span>Jojo Kemp</span> (3 star)</p>
<p><b>2014:</b> Boom Williams (4 star), <span>Mikel Horton</span> (4)</p>
<p>The running back position at UK is also talented, despite the small sample size. Last season Williams ran for nearly 850 yards in only 9.5 games. Together, this squad averaged 160 yards rushing per game which is <a href="http://www.cfbstats.com/2015/leader/911/team/offense/split01/category01/sort05.html" target="_blank">more than a few SEC teams</a> that gave their running backs more carries per game on average.</p>
<p>Not bad but not great either. In 2016 they'll all be upperclassmen, will have a new position coach/coordinator, and make a good bet between two friends to supplant the receivers as the best offensive unit. For it that to happen, Williams must cease his bad habit of not reading his blocks and trying to use his speed to race to the outside, and Kemp and Horton both need to become as adept at forcing tacklers to miss in space as Williams has become.</p>
<p><b>#3 Offensive Line</b></p>
<p>2013: <span>Kyle Meadows</span> (3 star), <span>Ramsey Meyers</span> (3 star), <span>Nick Haynes</span> (2 star), Justin Day*</p>
<p>2014: Jarrett LaRubbio (3 star), Josh Krok*, Nick Richardson*, Jervontius Stallings (3 star)</p>
<p><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-football-recruiting/2016/2/16/11016644/kirby-smart-georgia-offensive-line-recruiting-uga-evaluate" target="_blank">Evaluating offensive line recruits is hard enough</a>, but complicating factors for UK is the level of attrition at the tackle position in these two classes. This was a driving factor to starting Meadows before he was truly ready, playing George Asfao-Adjei out of position, and likely contributed to UK seeking a JUCO tackle in Tate Leavitt in 2016.</p>
<p>Of this group, Meyers and Haynes have seen plenty of game action at the guard positions. They're entering their third off-season, and this season will likely suggest their ceilings if they stay healthy. Stallings is backing up a good center in <span>Jon Toth</span>, and LaRubbio is a bit of a mystery. The 2016 offensive line class was outstanding, and will push earlier signees for playing time, especially Landon Young at tackle in 2016.</p>
<p><b>Special Mentions</b></p>
<p>The sample size is too small to grade specialists and quarterbacks, but let's briefly cover them anyway. <span>Drew Barker</span> did not play well in non-garbage time minutes last year for the most part, and now faces new blood for the starting job in 2016. This is an important year for the redshirt sophomore. He has three years of eligibility remaining, and he'll be competing with a JUCO transfer that has two years, and an early enrollee freshman eligible for potentially the next five years.</p>
<p>Kicker Austin MacGinniss will now start for the third consecutive season. For his career he's kicking 76% on field goals, 99% on extra points, and has a long field goal of 48 yards. He was on several preseason All-SEC teams, after making the first All-SEC team in 2014. He goes unheralded but he's arguably one of the most important recruits Mark Stoops has ever signed (but originally committed to Joker - credit where it's due), and is the ace in the hole for UK in close games.</p>
<h4>The Overall Best?</h4>
<p>I leave that to you. Vote below.</p>
<h4></h4>
<p> </p>
<h5></h5>
https://www.aseaofblue.com/2016/2/18/10966850/kentucky-wildcats-football-ranking-positions-by-recruitingwamarsh2016-02-06T10:45:02-05:002016-02-06T10:45:02-05:00UK Football: Winning Signing Day in the Trenches
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<figcaption>Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Football games are often won and lost in the trenches. National Signing Day is no different, and UK won big here in the 2016 class. </p> <p dir="ltr">National Signing Day is the most Pollyanna experience for every football fan base.</p>
<p dir="ltr">It is on this day your coach signed the best class, or the deepest, or the most united class in school history. Every player is either a freak or a super sleeping steal of the day. There will be evidence and comparison to past freaks and past super sleeping steals to perpetuate the good feeling.</p>
<p dir="ltr">These coaches have spent considerable time courting these young men to attend, and they deserve to brag on each and to feel good with what they have accomplished. Here is a look at what you as the fan can expect until the first Wednesday in February 2017.</p>
<p dir="ltr">The offensive makeover from undersized lineman to those who meet SEC measurables has continued. The measurables of height, wingspan and athleticism have been met. The average starting SEC offensive lineman is 6'4" and 298 pounds. Landon Young at 6'7" 298 lbs, Tate Leavitt at 6'6" 305 lbs, Luke Fortner at 6'5" 280 lbs, and Drake Jackson at 6'2" 307 lbs pass the first hurdle of building an SEC offensive line.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Measurables are nice, but ability must also be present, lest you look good getting off the bus, only to be humiliated on the field. Those that make a living scouting and evaluating these four, agree, all are capable of starting and excelling against SEC competition. Young is rated a 5 star, Leavitt and Jackson are rated 4 stars, and Fortner rated a 3 star. The average star rating for starting SEC lines is 3.2. The average star rating for UK's 4 signees is an even 4.</p>
<p dir="ltr">In order to become a better offensive football team UK will need to insert at least 2 of these players directly into the 2 deep rotations. The two most likely candidates are Young and Leavitt.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Leavitt is a year older and has a more mature filled out body at this stage. There is a good chance he will start at the left tackle spot, replacing <span>Jordan Swindle</span> who graduated.</p>
<p dir="ltr">As for Young, I would expect him to be in the two-deep rotation as well. He may be at right or left tackle. There are other factors such as the development of <span>Kyle Meadows</span> at 6'5' 298 lbs, and <span>Logan Stenberg</span>, 6'6" 360 lbs at the tackle position and whether <span>George Asafo-Adjei</span>, 6'5" 325 lbs, is able to move down to a guard position.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Jackson likely will not redshirt and he will learn a great deal from incumbent starter and tactician, <span>Jon Toth</span>. Barring injuries or transfers or other attrition, I would expect Luke Fortner to be able to redshirt this season.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Below is a chart of the offensive line recruits by Coach Stoops. The number is the year the player was signed. Those crossed out are no longer with the team, and the final column is the player's composite recruiting ranking.</p>
<table>
<colgroup> <col width="171"> <col width="64"> <col width="64"> <col width="64"> <col width="66"> </colgroup>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>
<p dir="ltr"><span>Zach Myers</span></p>
</td>
<td>
<p dir="ltr">OC</p>
</td>
<td>
<p dir="ltr">300</p>
</td>
<td>
<p dir="ltr">2013</p>
</td>
<td>
<p dir="ltr">0.8338</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<p dir="ltr"><span>Jon Toth</span></p>
</td>
<td>
<p dir="ltr">OC</p>
</td>
<td>
<p dir="ltr">310</p>
</td>
<td>
<p dir="ltr">2013</p>
</td>
<td>
<p dir="ltr">0.8370</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<p dir="ltr"><span><strike>Nick Richardson</strike></span></p>
</td>
<td>
<p dir="ltr"><strike><br></strike></p>
</td>
<td>
<p dir="ltr"><strike>280</strike></p>
</td>
<td>
<p dir="ltr"><strike>2013</strike></p>
</td>
<td>
<p dir="ltr"><strike>0.8723</strike></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<p dir="ltr"><span><strike>Josh Krok</strike></span></p>
</td>
<td>
<p dir="ltr"><strike><br></strike></p>
</td>
<td>
<p dir="ltr"><strike>300</strike></p>
</td>
<td>
<p dir="ltr"><strike>2013</strike></p>
</td>
<td>
<p dir="ltr"><strike>0.8646</strike></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<p dir="ltr"><strike>Justin Day</strike></p>
</td>
<td>
<p dir="ltr"><strike><br></strike></p>
</td>
<td>
<p dir="ltr"><strike>290</strike></p>
</td>
<td>
<p dir="ltr"><strike>2013</strike></p>
</td>
<td>
<p dir="ltr"><strike>0.8006</strike></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<p dir="ltr"><span>Dylan Greenberg</span></p>
</td>
<td>
<p dir="ltr">OC</p>
</td>
<td>
<p dir="ltr">308</p>
</td>
<td>
<p dir="ltr">2014</p>
</td>
<td>
<p dir="ltr">NA</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<p dir="ltr"><span>Nick Haynes</span></p>
</td>
<td>
<p dir="ltr">OG</p>
</td>
<td>
<p dir="ltr">308</p>
</td>
<td>
<p dir="ltr">2014</p>
</td>
<td>
<p dir="ltr">0.8088</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<p dir="ltr"><span>Ramsey Meyers</span></p>
</td>
<td>
<p dir="ltr">OG</p>
</td>
<td>
<p dir="ltr">320</p>
</td>
<td>
<p dir="ltr">2014</p>
</td>
<td>
<p dir="ltr">0.8351</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<p dir="ltr"><span>Cole Mosier</span></p>
</td>
<td>
<p dir="ltr">OT</p>
</td>
<td>
<p dir="ltr">335</p>
</td>
<td>
<p dir="ltr">2014</p>
</td>
<td>
<p dir="ltr">NA</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<p dir="ltr"><span>Kyle Meadows</span></p>
</td>
<td>
<p dir="ltr">OT</p>
</td>
<td>
<p dir="ltr">298</p>
</td>
<td>
<p dir="ltr">2014</p>
</td>
<td>
<p dir="ltr">0.8631</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<p dir="ltr">George Asafo-Adjei</p>
</td>
<td>
<p dir="ltr">OG</p>
</td>
<td>
<p dir="ltr">325</p>
</td>
<td>
<p dir="ltr">2015</p>
</td>
<td>
<p dir="ltr">0.8775</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<p dir="ltr"><span>Jervontius Stallings</span></p>
</td>
<td>
<p dir="ltr">OC</p>
</td>
<td>
<p dir="ltr">335</p>
</td>
<td>
<p dir="ltr">2015</p>
</td>
<td>
<p dir="ltr">0.8206</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<p dir="ltr"><span>David Baumer</span></p>
</td>
<td>
<p dir="ltr">OG</p>
</td>
<td>
<p dir="ltr">307</p>
</td>
<td>
<p dir="ltr">2015</p>
</td>
<td>
<p dir="ltr">NA</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<p dir="ltr"><span>Jarrett LaRubbio</span></p>
</td>
<td>
<p dir="ltr">OL</p>
</td>
<td>
<p dir="ltr">297</p>
</td>
<td>
<p dir="ltr">2015</p>
</td>
<td>
<p dir="ltr">0.8600</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<p dir="ltr"><span><strike>Levon Livingston</strike></span></p>
</td>
<td>
<p dir="ltr"><strike><br></strike></p>
</td>
<td>
<p dir="ltr"><strike>250</strike></p>
</td>
<td>
<p dir="ltr"><strike>2015</strike></p>
</td>
<td>
<p dir="ltr"><strike>0.8539</strike></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<p dir="ltr">Logan Stenberg</p>
</td>
<td>
<p dir="ltr">OL</p>
</td>
<td>
<p dir="ltr">330</p>
</td>
<td>
<p dir="ltr">2015</p>
</td>
<td>
<p dir="ltr">0.8587</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<p dir="ltr"><span>Calvin Taylor</span></p>
</td>
<td>
<p dir="ltr">OT</p>
</td>
<td>
<p dir="ltr">295</p>
</td>
<td>
<p dir="ltr">2015</p>
</td>
<td>
<p dir="ltr">NA</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<p dir="ltr"><span>Mason Wolfe</span></p>
</td>
<td>
<p dir="ltr">OL</p>
</td>
<td>
<p dir="ltr">325</p>
</td>
<td>
<p dir="ltr">2015</p>
</td>
<td>
<p dir="ltr">0.8160</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<p dir="ltr">Tate Leavitt</p>
</td>
<td>
<p dir="ltr">OT</p>
</td>
<td>
<p dir="ltr">298</p>
</td>
<td>
<p dir="ltr">2016</p>
</td>
<td>
<p dir="ltr">0.8833</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<p dir="ltr">Landon Young</p>
</td>
<td>
<p dir="ltr">OT</p>
</td>
<td>
<p dir="ltr">270</p>
</td>
<td>
<p dir="ltr">2016</p>
</td>
<td>
<p dir="ltr">0.9608</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<p dir="ltr">Drake Jackson</p>
</td>
<td>
<p dir="ltr">OC</p>
</td>
<td>
<p dir="ltr">293</p>
</td>
<td>
<p dir="ltr">2016</p>
</td>
<td>
<p dir="ltr">0.9331</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<p dir="ltr">Luke Fortner</p>
</td>
<td>
<p dir="ltr">OL</p>
</td>
<td>
<p dir="ltr">278</p>
</td>
<td>
<p dir="ltr">2016</p>
</td>
<td>
<p dir="ltr">0.8275</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p> </p>
<p dir="ltr">As can be seen, the first class suffered the most attrition. The key to a solid offensive line is to bring in players each year who are a threat to start. As those begin to be layered, the offensive line grows from a 5 man starting unit, to a 10-12 man machine. It becomes a plug and play.</p>
<p dir="ltr">So, when you hear the Pollyanna hyperbole, feel good that it is true with this offensive line unit.</p>
https://www.aseaofblue.com/2016/2/6/10915526/kentucky-football-winning-signing-day-in-the-trenchesGreenwell2016-02-03T19:07:37-05:002016-02-03T19:07:37-05:00UK 2016 class: Profiles, Ratings, Highlights, more
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/GQvNljcxQZPqdyZhGJv07sFR6R4=/0x389:4722x3537/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/48725735/usa-today-8942351.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Recapping all 25 futures Cats who will be running out onto Commonwealth Stadium's field soon enough. </p> <p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.aseaofblue.com/">Kentucky Wildcats</a> have wrapped up arguably their best class of the Mark Stoops era.</p>
<p>As National Signing Day inched closer and closer this year, many wondered if UK would be able to hang on to their class and avoid the amount of defections and poaching from other programs that the Cats suffered through last year.</p>
<p>It was not to be. This class stood strong and bought into Stoops' vision of Kentucky football and ultimately signed on the dotted line. It's a class that finished in the top 40 of every major service and as high as No. 29.</p>
<p>Here is a look at all 25 signees, their star rating and a link to their profile with highlights.</p>
<table width="725" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td width="127">
<p><b>NAME</b></p>
</td>
<td width="75">
<p><b>POSITION</b></p>
</td>
<td width="99">
<p><b>ESPN Rating</b></p>
</td>
<td width="88">
<p><b>247 Rating</b></p>
</td>
<td width="98">
<p><b>Rivals Rating</b></p>
</td>
<td width="102">
<p><b>Scout Rating</b></p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
<p><b>Profile & Highlights</b></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="127">
<p>Landon Young</p>
</td>
<td width="75">
<p>OL</p>
</td>
<td width="99">
<p>4 stars</p>
</td>
<td width="88">
<p>5 stars</p>
</td>
<td width="98">
<p>5 stars</p>
</td>
<td width="102">
<p>4 stars</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
<p><a href="http://www.aseaofblue.com/2016/2/3/10903940/5-star-ol-landon-young-signs-with-kentucky-football-mark-stoops/in/10668035" target="_blank">Link</a></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="127">
<p>Drake Jackson*</p>
</td>
<td width="75">
<p>OL</p>
</td>
<td width="99">
<p>4 stars</p>
</td>
<td width="88">
<p>4 stars</p>
</td>
<td width="98">
<p>4 stars</p>
</td>
<td width="102">
<p>4 stars</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
<p><a href="http://www.aseaofblue.com/2016/1/13/10763226/kentucky-football-announces-4-signings" target="_blank">Link</a></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="127">
<p>Tate Leavitt*</p>
</td>
<td width="75">
<p>OL</p>
</td>
<td width="99">
<p>4 stars</p>
</td>
<td width="88">
<p>3 stars</p>
</td>
<td width="98">
<p>4 stars</p>
</td>
<td width="102">
<p>3 stars</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
<p><a href="http://www.aseaofblue.com/2016/1/13/10763226/kentucky-football-announces-4-signings" target="_blank">Link</a></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="127">
<p>Kash Daniel*</p>
</td>
<td width="75">
<p>LB</p>
</td>
<td width="99">
<p>3 stars</p>
</td>
<td width="88">
<p>4 stars</p>
</td>
<td width="98">
<p>4 stars</p>
</td>
<td width="102">
<p>3 stars</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
<p><a href="http://www.aseaofblue.com/2016/1/13/10763226/kentucky-football-announces-4-signings" target="_blank">Link</a></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="127">
<p>Jordan Griffin</p>
</td>
<td width="75">
<p>CB</p>
</td>
<td width="99">
<p>4 stars</p>
</td>
<td width="88">
<p>3 stars</p>
</td>
<td width="98">
<p>4 stars</p>
</td>
<td width="102">
<p>3 stars</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
<p><a href="http://www.aseaofblue.com/2016/2/3/10904264/national-signing-day-recruit-highlight-cb-jordan-griffin" target="_blank">Link</a></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="127">
<p>Gunnar Hoak*</p>
</td>
<td width="75">
<p>QB</p>
</td>
<td width="99">
<p>4 stars</p>
</td>
<td width="88">
<p>3 stars</p>
</td>
<td width="98">
<p>3 stars</p>
</td>
<td width="102">
<p>3 stars</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
<p><a href="http://www.aseaofblue.com/2016/1/13/10763226/kentucky-football-announces-4-signings" target="_blank">Link</a></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="127">
<p>Grant McKinniss</p>
</td>
<td width="75">
<p>P</p>
</td>
<td width="99">
<p>3 stars</p>
</td>
<td width="88">
<p>3 stars</p>
</td>
<td width="98">
<p>2 stars</p>
</td>
<td width="102">
<p>4 stars</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
<p><a href="http://www.aseaofblue.com/2016/2/3/10905968/grant-mckinniss-could-be-in-for-big-role-at-uk-in-2016/in/10668035" target="_blank">Link</a></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="127">
<p>Jaylin Bannerman</p>
</td>
<td width="75">
<p>DE/LB</p>
</td>
<td width="99">
<p>3 stars</p>
</td>
<td width="88">
<p>3 stars</p>
</td>
<td width="98">
<p>3 stars</p>
</td>
<td width="102">
<p>3 stars</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
<p><a href="http://www.aseaofblue.com/2016/2/3/10905138/jordan-bonner-t-j-carter-jaylin-bannerman-upgrade-uks-pass-rush/in/10668035" target="_blank">Link</a></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="127">
<p>Jordan Bonner</p>
</td>
<td width="75">
<p>DE/LB</p>
</td>
<td width="99">
<p>3 stars</p>
</td>
<td width="88">
<p>3 stars</p>
</td>
<td width="98">
<p>3 stars</p>
</td>
<td width="102">
<p>3 stars</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
<p><a href="http://www.aseaofblue.com/2016/2/3/10905138/jordan-bonner-t-j-carter-jaylin-bannerman-upgrade-uks-pass-rush/in/10668035" target="_blank">Link</a></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="127">
<p>Davonte Robinson</p>
</td>
<td width="75">
<p>CB</p>
</td>
<td width="99">
<p>3 stars</p>
</td>
<td width="88">
<p>3 stars</p>
</td>
<td width="98">
<p>3 stars</p>
</td>
<td width="102">
<p>3 stars</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
<p><a href="http://www.aseaofblue.com/2016/2/3/10905488/davonte-robinson-tobias-gilliam-sign-with-uk-over-big-time-bcs-schools/in/10668035" target="_blank">Link</a></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="127">
<p>Tobias Gilliam</p>
</td>
<td width="75">
<p>CB</p>
</td>
<td width="99">
<p>3 stars</p>
</td>
<td width="88">
<p>3 stars</p>
</td>
<td width="98">
<p>3 stars</p>
</td>
<td width="102">
<p>3 stars</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
<p><a href="http://www.aseaofblue.com/2016/2/3/10905488/davonte-robinson-tobias-gilliam-sign-with-uk-over-big-time-bcs-schools/in/10668035" target="_blank">Link</a></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="127">
<p>Dakota Holtzclaw*</p>
</td>
<td width="75">
<p>WR</p>
</td>
<td width="99">
<p>3 stars</p>
</td>
<td width="88">
<p>3 stars</p>
</td>
<td width="98">
<p>3 stars</p>
</td>
<td width="102">
<p>3 stars</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
<p><a href="http://www.aseaofblue.com/2016/1/13/10763226/kentucky-football-announces-4-signings" target="_blank">Link</a></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="127">
<p>Zy'Aire Hughes</p>
</td>
<td width="75">
<p>ATH</p>
</td>
<td width="99">
<p>3 stars</p>
</td>
<td width="88">
<p>3 stars</p>
</td>
<td width="98">
<p>3 stars</p>
</td>
<td width="102">
<p>3 stars</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
<p><a href="http://www.aseaofblue.com/2016/2/3/10905716/zyaire-hughes-kayaune-ross-give-uk-more-offensive-playmakers/in/10668035" target="_blank">Link</a></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="127">
<p>Kordell Looney</p>
</td>
<td width="75">
<p>DT</p>
</td>
<td width="99">
<p>3 stars</p>
</td>
<td width="88">
<p>3 stars</p>
</td>
<td width="98">
<p>3 stars</p>
</td>
<td width="102">
<p>3 stars</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
<p><a href="http://www.aseaofblue.com/2016/2/3/10905000/kordell-looney-jaquize-cross-sign-with-kentucky-football/in/10668035" target="_blank">Link</a></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="127">
<p>Stephen Johnson*</p>
</td>
<td width="75">
<p>QB</p>
</td>
<td width="99">
<p>3 stars</p>
</td>
<td width="88">
<p>3 stars</p>
</td>
<td width="98">
<p>2 stars</p>
</td>
<td width="102">
<p>3 stars</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
<p><a href="http://www.aseaofblue.com/2016/1/19/10794006/kentucky-football-announces-stephen-johnson-and-naquez-pringle/in/10668035" target="_blank">Link</a></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="127">
<p>Naquez Pringle*</p>
</td>
<td width="75">
<p>DT</p>
</td>
<td width="99">
<p>3 stars</p>
</td>
<td width="88">
<p>3 stars</p>
</td>
<td width="98">
<p>2 stars</p>
</td>
<td width="102">
<p>2 stars</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
<p><a href="http://www.aseaofblue.com/2016/1/19/10794006/kentucky-football-announces-stephen-johnson-and-naquez-pringle/in/10668035" target="_blank">Link</a></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="127">
<p>Justin Rigg</p>
</td>
<td width="75">
<p>TE</p>
</td>
<td width="99">
<p>3 stars</p>
</td>
<td width="88">
<p>3 stars</p>
</td>
<td width="98">
<p>3 stars</p>
</td>
<td width="102">
<p>2 stars</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
<p><a href="http://www.aseaofblue.com/2016/2/3/10906088/justin-rigg-luke-fortner-give-uk-more-beef-up-front/in/10668035" target="_blank">Link</a></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="127">
<p>Luke Fortner</p>
</td>
<td width="75">
<p>OL</p>
</td>
<td width="99">
<p>3 stars</p>
</td>
<td width="88">
<p>3 stars</p>
</td>
<td width="98">
<p>3 stars</p>
</td>
<td width="102">
<p>2 stars</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
<p><a href="http://www.aseaofblue.com/2016/2/3/10906088/justin-rigg-luke-fortner-give-uk-more-beef-up-front/in/10668035" target="_blank">Link</a></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="127">
<p>Asim Rose</p>
</td>
<td width="75">
<p>RB</p>
</td>
<td width="99">
<p>3 stars</p>
</td>
<td width="88">
<p>3 stars</p>
</td>
<td width="98">
<p>3 stars</p>
</td>
<td width="102">
<p>2 stars</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
<p><a href="http://www.aseaofblue.com/2016/2/3/10905882/benny-snell-a-j-rose-strengthen-uks-loaded-backfield/in/10668035" target="_blank">Link</a></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="127">
<p>Benny Snell</p>
</td>
<td width="75">
<p>RB</p>
</td>
<td width="99">
<p>3 stars</p>
</td>
<td width="88">
<p>3 stars</p>
</td>
<td width="98">
<p>3 stars</p>
</td>
<td width="102">
<p>3 stars</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
<p><a href="http://www.aseaofblue.com/2016/2/3/10905882/benny-snell-a-j-rose-strengthen-uks-loaded-backfield/in/10668035" target="_blank">Link</a></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="127">
<p>Kayaune Ross</p>
</td>
<td width="75">
<p>WR</p>
</td>
<td width="99">
<p>N/A</p>
</td>
<td width="88">
<p>3 stars</p>
</td>
<td width="98">
<p>3 stars</p>
</td>
<td width="102">
<p>3 stars</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
<p><a href="http://www.aseaofblue.com/2016/2/3/10905716/zyaire-hughes-kayaune-ross-give-uk-more-offensive-playmakers/in/10668035" target="_blank">Link</a></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="127">
<p>T.J. Carter</p>
</td>
<td width="75">
<p>DE</p>
</td>
<td width="99">
<p>3 stars</p>
</td>
<td width="88">
<p>3 stars</p>
</td>
<td width="98">
<p>2 stars</p>
</td>
<td width="102">
<p>N/A</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
<p><a href="http://www.aseaofblue.com/2016/2/3/10905138/jordan-bonner-t-j-carter-jaylin-bannerman-upgrade-uks-pass-rush/in/10668035" target="_blank">Link</a></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="127">
<p>Ja'Quize Cross</p>
</td>
<td width="75">
<p>DT</p>
</td>
<td width="99">
<p>3 stars</p>
</td>
<td width="88">
<p>3 stars</p>
</td>
<td width="98">
<p>2 stars</p>
</td>
<td width="102">
<p>3 stars</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
<p><a href="http://www.aseaofblue.com/2016/2/3/10905000/kordell-looney-jaquize-cross-sign-with-kentucky-football/in/10668035" target="_blank">Link</a></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="127">
<p>Roland Walder</p>
</td>
<td width="75">
<p>LB</p>
</td>
<td width="99">
<p>3 stars</p>
</td>
<td width="88">
<p>3 stars</p>
</td>
<td width="98">
<p>3 stars</p>
</td>
<td width="102">
<p>2 stars</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
<p><a href="http://www.aseaofblue.com/2016/2/3/10905306/jamar-watson-roland-wader-bolster-uks-linebacker-depth/in/10668035" target="_blank">Link</a></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="127">
<p>Jamar Watson</p>
</td>
<td width="75">
<p>LB</p>
</td>
<td width="99">
<p>2 stars</p>
</td>
<td width="88">
<p>3 stars</p>
</td>
<td width="98">
<p>2 stars</p>
</td>
<td width="102">
<p>2 stars</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
<p><a href="http://www.aseaofblue.com/2016/2/3/10905306/jamar-watson-roland-wader-bolster-uks-linebacker-depth/in/10668035" target="_blank">Link</a></p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
https://www.aseaofblue.com/2016/2/3/10910436/kentucky-football-recruiting-25-man-2016-class-how-each-service-ratesJason Marcum2016-02-03T15:51:45-05:002016-02-03T15:51:45-05:00Stoops, Marrow speak on UK's Signing Day haul
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/3G1NTQrPicjab35WDyw5dUNmZRQ=/0x82:2211x1556/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/48723517/GettyImages-457066962.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>John Sommers II/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p dir="ltr"><span>Kentucky fans cannot blame Mark Stoops for not smiling the last few months considering how poorly his team performed in the pressure cooker of SEC play, but today the UK head man had a satisfied grin on his face at an early afternoon press conference.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>And why wouldn’t he? Stoops and his staff received the signatures of 25 young man in what Stoops from "my point of view, absolutely top to bottom, I feel like it's the most solid group. I feel like there's elite talent in this group and I feel like there's great glue, there's great players, great program guys."</span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>Even though Stoops said he doesn’t care about the rankings all major recruiting services have UK’s incoming crop as one of the best in the country. Rivals ranks the class 29th; 24/7 ranks it the 34th best class in America; ESPN awarded it the 31st overall spot in their rankings.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>The transcript below, provided by the UK Athletic Department, contains breakdowns of key players, the impact of five talented Kentuckians and a hodgepodge of other tidbits.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span><b>Q. Talk about those local guys.</b></span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>COACH STOOPS: The most important thing. Definitely, the most important thing is to get the local guys. We are blessed to have some great talent in state this year. We are blessed to have some guys very close to home here. I thought those guys were critical.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>Everybody talks about the three guys that were in the U.S. All-American game. Those guys represented us the right way. They're great players. Again, they're great leaders, with Kash and Drake being nominated captains says a lot.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>Of course, Landon arguably was one of the best players there, certainly one of the top offensive linemen. It was great with those guys in how they represented us at the All-American game. A guy that goes unnoticed in that group is Davonte. Being right down the road here. He was arguably as important of a guy in this class as anybody we got. Him and Jordan Griffin, I think it's so important to get those corners, those talented guys. Everybody comes after them and battles for those corners till the very last second.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>Davonte being in state, not because he's highly ranked, he didn't go to the camps, but everybody that sees him play, it's a no-brainer. He can play with just about anywhere in the country. Great player. Obviously excited about him.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>Zy'Aire the same way. Zy'Aire we watched two years ago in person. We loved him then. We love him now. He's a difference maker and a play-maker with the ball in his hands.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span><b>Q. (Question regarding Jordan Griffin.)</b></span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>COACH STOOPS: I think it was important because it was important from where he was at. Coming from the heart of the SEC, right in the Atlanta area, having every SEC school banging on him and knocking on his door. To win that so far away from home, in the heart of the SEC, I think is critical.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>We know we had the nucleus of the five guys in state that were as solid as can be. We know we've been extremely strong with Vince's leadership there in taking the lead role with the Ohio kids. It's also important to supplement them, get guys from the south.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>To win the battle against a bunch of SEC schools, we're very gratified. Teams were not letting up. It was relentless pressure with him to the point where we talked with him and mom every day this week, they were just getting absolutely hounded, wore out, wore out by head coaches, by assistants. It was ironic. This morning he was the first call I got. D.A. (Assistant Coach Derrick Ansley) handed me the phone. It was about 7:05 this morning. As we were on the phone, I could tell he was a little bit flustered. I heard mom in the background.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>I said, Jordan, are they on the phone with you right now? I'm not going to say who.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>He said, Yeah, they're wearing out my mom right now.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>I said, Tell them I got the fax in my hand. It's over. It was good to see. It was important.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span><b>Q. Why did this class stay together so much better than last year's?</b></span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>COACH STOOPS: I think it starts with the nucleus of last year's guys. Landon may have been the first guy. Drake really took a leadership role. I think it starts with those guys. What was nice is they were such high-profile guys in state and they were so solid. I think the guys from Ohio that have been committed for a long time have been extremely solid.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>I think this year we made it a point in just the message. A lot of times guys just want to take trips. What happens is when they want to take trips, it gets you that crack in the door, sends the wrong message to the other recruits.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>There were several guys down the stretch, I'm going to take a trip here, a trip there. We let them know that's not the perception we want from this class. These guys have been solid, they've been holding true and steady for a year. They said, I got it, coach. We're not going anywhere. We're staying here.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>There was one or two, but not much. I think that's a big part of it. But I think the unity of the whole class was important.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>Our staff does a great job of getting them on campus. When they get off campus during the contact period, we don't just get in and out of schools. Our coaches have done a great job getting in there. They may spend six, seven, eight, nine, ten hours at one place, whether at home, going to dinner with these folks, just spending time. I think the relationship piece you heard me talk about for years is still most important, to have those strong relationships with these players and with these prospects.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>I think it's a combination of things. I think it was the leadership, the staff doing a great job, and us really staying on it and really pushing for that unity this year.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span><b>Q. You've been around a lot of great DBs. Where does this group, the three guys, kind of rate on paper?</b></span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>COACH STOOPS: Very high. Very high. You know, we'll see. But just looking at them on paper and looking at what I've seen over the years, who we really wanted, who we targeted, it's a great group.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>That's where it gets dicey because if you have a defection, you can't go recruit more, because then they start looking at you. Coach, you have four corners, guys on your staff, that gets touchy because you always want to have some depth. You lose one, you lose two, that's where it hurts you, that's where it hurts your program and class. To see those bookends stay the course I think was real key.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>But they're a very talented group.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span><b>Q. With this class, how close do you feel you're getting to the type of depth you need not just for success, but sustained success?</b></span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>COACH STOOPS: I think that's something that we talk about in this room. You hear me talking about it all the time. Heck, it is what it is. Nobody cares, you've heard me joke about it before, nobody cares what your problems are. Nobody cares in this league, that's for darn sure.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>But you need to stack classes on top of classes on top of classes. Then you need to develop them and put them in position by coaching. There's a lot of things that go into it. But it absolutely starts with having great players.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span><b>Q. On importance of stacking good classes in consecutive years … </b></span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>COACH STOOPS: Take a good look around at our league. We feel very good about this class. Again, take a look around where we stand.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>The good thing is, wherever you slot us, nine, ten, whatever in the SEC, it's a lot closer than being way off. You know what I mean? The balance is getting closer.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span><b>Q. One of your early signees talked about is QB Gunnar Hoak. He committed and stayed with you. How important is that? What do you project and like about him?</b></span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>COACH STOOPS: I think it's very important for Gunnar. As you know, as things turned out with some of the guys on our team, it was extremely important to keep Gunnar because of depth and his ability.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>You're right because he's a quiet kid. He's been committed, kind of under the radar. He's a terrific football player, a great leader. Our players have been extremely impressed with him. Our receivers have been out throwing with him and they said he can spin the heck out of the ball, has a great touch, doing a great job out there throwing. He's a guy we're very excited about.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>I'm excited to get out there this spring and see what he can do, compete for playing time. So I'm very high on Gunnar.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span><b>Q. Is this your best recruiting class at UK?</b></span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>COACH STOOPS: I definitely do. I believe so. I feel that way. I don't know where the numbers stack up. I don't really care. From my point of view, absolutely top to bottom, I feel like it's the most solid group. I feel like there's elite talent in this group and I feel like there's great glue, there's great players, great program guys. There's guys that you can develop, guys you that can play right away, there's impact guys, there's guys that can change the scoreboard, guys that can get difficult yards in the run game, the big uglies you want. I think there's a nice combination of guys in this group, I definitely do.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>I think it can't be stated enough, going back to the question of why they stayed so close together, I think it just shows a lot about this group's character, who they are. They're exactly who I want and who we want in this program. They're great kids that football is extremely important to.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>Take a guy like Landon, five star, all that. We signed him when he was 6'6", a buck 80. Joking. But tall, skinny guy. Just developed and worked.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>The great thing about Landon is I'm sure he's proud of that, I know that, I've talked to him and his family, that's great recognition for him, but he feels it more for us or for the program, given credibility. It's not about him. He knows he's got to come in here and compete and play.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>He's so humble, that's what I think you take him all the way down to everybody in our class, they're very humble and excited about playing football. They're serious about the game. They're not so wrapped up in all the stars, all that kind of stuff. They want to get in here and get to work. That's what I love about this group top to bottom.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>There's enough characters. You got Kash in there. The great thing about Kash, just listening to him up there today, he spoke so well. He was on the broadcast. He's a great personality that I think everybody in this state will love, and our players certainly love, but he's a worker. He wants to get in that weight room and work, get on the field and work. That's what you want.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span><b>Q. You mentioned you're able to keep the class together. What kind of challenges did you face with so many coaching changes?</b></span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>COACH STOOPS: Very little. Very little changes with the coaching changes. I think the guys that came in picked it up quickly. Our staff really had a great fix on it. We were very much ahead of it in that regard. I really focused on that this year. If there was a lead guy, I really made sure we backed it up with a lot of guys.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>Vince will be the first to tell you. Vince gets a lot of credit and deserves it, closed in on a lot of guys. But our staff absolutely hammers away on the positions. We follow it up with two, three and four. Our whole staff recruits everybody. We have one guy on point, but we have everybody else that's very active. I think that's why we held everybody.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span><b>Q. Was last year somewhat of an anomaly with UK, the decommits, as many as there were last year?</b></span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>VINCE MARROW: I think there's something to that. I didn't see too many decommits last year. Our belief is we got kids on campus more than two times, three times, pretty much they committed. Part of the guys that decommitted, they was only here once or twice. The number one team in the country came after them. That was hard to old onto. But, yeah, I see a little bit of that.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>COACH STOOPS: Again, piggybacking on that, you see the decommits. I was watching briefly ESPN getting ready for this, you see all the flipping going on with major players. It's part of the game. Nobody likes to see it. Fans don't like to see it. But there's nobody that panics. It doesn't help you. Sometimes it's a kick in the gut, a kick in the other thing. It's a kick in the gut sometimes.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>Recruiting is very personal. Coaches spend and awful lot of time recruiting these guys. That's what gets hard when guys pledge against you. That's why at the end of the day anybody that is going to sit in my office and look me in the eye and lie to me, I don't want them in this program. It all works out for the best most of the time.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span><b>Q. As highly touted as your offensive linemen are in this class, how realistic is it to expect them to make an immediate impact?</b></span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>COACH STOOPS: I think people have to put the brakes on a bit. That's the problem, as you know, the balance I have. We're recruiting, recruiting. Yeah, we got to develop them. It takes years. We're at that point. We're at year four. We expect them to go in, play at a high level, be much more physical. It has to equate to wins. Young guys that are here at O-line in particular, that's sometimes very difficult to do. O-line and D-line. That's a physical game.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>With that being said, I think a guy like Drake is one of the most technique sound guys I've seen coming out of high school in a long time. I think Landon is most definitely one of the more talented true freshmen I've been around in any school. He has great upside. He's a worker, humble, wants to play. I think he has a good chance. Tate, he is not a high school guy, so we expect him to come in and be ready to play.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span><b>Q. Jim Harbaugh has raised the bar.</b></span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>COACH STOOPS: Is that what you call it?</span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span><b>Q. Derek Jeter, Tom Brady at signing day, do you feel there's a pressure or an arms race in that regard in the way you go about recruiting?</b></span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>COACH STOOPS: If I'm not mistaken, I think that cause is for raising money, and it's benefitting cancer. I think that's a great cause. It's my understanding, I don't know a lot about it, but he's tying that into a fundraiser for coach's grandson. I think that's a great idea. Anything you can tie in and use this platform or his platform to raise money for a cause like that, that's wonderful. I'm all for it.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>Some of the other shenanigans, not with coach, but other people, the craziness that goes on, I mean, you know, at some point we all do things maybe we're not real proud of. I'm not going to tell you all the things we do. We do what we have to do a lot of times to land recruits. Sometimes you got to put your pride aside, you know what I mean. You have to do what you have to do. We all get humbled by this process. But we work extremely hard.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>The shenanigans and that that go on throughout the country, we're not too big in all that.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span><b>Q. With the quality of guys you lost at the defensive tackle positions, can you talk a little bit more about these three guys and how important it was?</b></span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>COACH STOOPS: I think overall it was important to continue to build depth. You hear me talk about it all the time. O-line we really had a big class. D-line, same thing. I think it's extremely important to build depth and have those bodies to work with and to see the development.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>With Pringle being able to come in, being a junior college guy, we needed that depth at nose guard in particular, with Tymere being injured and Matt not having a solid backup. For him to come in and compete with Matt is important. We feel good about guys that will move in. But it's important to have depth and continue to build with these guys.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span><b>Q. Can you tell me a little about (Coach) Lamar Thomas, what he brings to the table? Was it always the plan to announce the signing before today?</b></span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>COACH STOOPS: I think it was important for me to find the right fit and the right person for our program. Lamar and I have known each other for some time, going back to my coaching days at Miami. He was just getting done playing in the league, if I'm not mistaken, at that time. He'd come back and be around Miami's program. I'd see him around there. Of course, when he was a high school coach, I was at Florida State, I'd stop in and see him at the high school. Seeing him progress, taking a small college job at Hampton, moving up. Seeing how he worked at it.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>He wants to be a great football coach. I have known Lamar. I think he brings great value to us being a terrific player in college and the NFL. His work ethic and competitiveness to be a great coach.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>The timing of it, we felt like it was right. To Lamar's credit, he wanted to stick by the last recruiting visit. It was not going to affect us. So I said, By all means, stay and finish through the last recruiting visit. We felt like the timing was right rather than to wait till after signing day.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>It made no difference to me whether it was at Louisville or any other program as far as the timing or anything like that. I don't think it's going to have a major effect on either one of us. It was just the right thing to do, to announce it. I've always told guys when I know something, the time is right, the decision is made, I'll tell you.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span><b>Q. Could you comment a little bit about Ross, the receiver from Arizona, the history with him? Also, a lot of kids in Ohio talk about what a big deal it is when Vince walks into the school or into their home.</b></span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>COACH STOOPS: That's because he's a big dog.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span><b>Q. What do they mean?</b></span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>COACH STOOPS: He's the big dog. He just tees them up, I close them.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>VINCE MARROW: Yeah (laughter).</span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>COACH STOOPS: No, Kayaune is a terrific football player. Lakota West High School which we've had a great track record with Lakota West. He's a guy that's a little bit of a hidden gem. They worked with us. He redshirted this year for a reason because we wanted him to have three years.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>He's a monster. He's a guy, wait till you see him out there running around. He is a pretty, pretty guy. He's a person, if you look at him and see him in pads, depending on what type of pads we want to put him in, we may want him to play defensive end because that's what he looks like. He looks like a cheetah out there. Big, good-looking guy.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>A great person, great worker, extremely humble. He's out there in Phoenix right now working, finishing his school, working every day. He's out there working with some folks out there throwing and catching. He is a great kid. Like I said, he's 6-foot-6, and he's all of that. But he's a great wide receiver. That's what he's going to play. We expect to get him the ball outside.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>Vince, you want to piggyback any more on him?</span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>VINCE MARROW: He stayed committed from day one that he committed to us. We don't talk about it, but a lot of big universities came after him. He would call us and tell us they were talking negative about us.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>COACH STOOPS: He wouldn't even entertain it.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>VINCE MARROW: He's going to be a good young man to add to this program.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span><b>Q. With the momentum you have now, looking a year down the road, how do you feel about 2017?</b></span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>COACH STOOPS: We got a junior day on Saturday. No rest. We go back to work, get on it. We already have been. So this week has been tying up the loose ends with this class, making sure we stay in contact with everybody, keeping it tight and making sure there was no surprises, which there wasn't.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>We were already in the office evaluating '17 as a staff. We've been grinding on '17. We have a big invite list that will come to the game this week. We're off to a great start in '17, as you know. It's going to be a lower number year for us. We won't be able to take as many as we've taken the past couple years. It will be a lower number, but there will be great quality in that class.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>VINCE MARROW: Let me say this, too, about the '17 class. Coach Stoops always tells us to recruit the next class. I think the class we have now is ranked in the top five. We have four committed, so we off to a good start on that class.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span><b>Q. About recruiting, for you to have back-to-back 5-7 seasons, to say this is your best class, what does this tell you about your process in building this, the kind of feedback that you're getting from recruits?</b></span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>COACH STOOPS: Yeah, I think that is important. Even myself sometimes, because I certainly don't ever want to look back, but it does say a lot about our potential and what we can do. It says a lot about the guys that we have in this program, our players on campus.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>If they were negative or not into it or dissension that some people try to spin or say, believe me, we wouldn't have this class. The players on your campus are going to help you recruit. When they come in here, we could spin our wheels, do everything, all the song and dances we want for years. When they get on campus, spend time with our players, they're going to tell them what it's all about. They're going to tell them what they believe in in this program, what we're doing. They're going to get that vibe.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>So for us to solidify this class and finish it off with the negativity towards the end of the year, I get it, nobody was more pissed than me, it does say a lot. It says a lot about our future. It also says a lot about it because the stadium was done. That was one piece. Now this 2017 class is starting to come in here this Saturday, we got to show them a building. But wait till it's done, you know what I mean? It's one thing to show them pictures, one thing to show them the building, but wait till we get the finished product and wait till we start getting to the point where we start winning games like we're going to win. It tells you the potential and where we're going to go.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span><b>Q. You talked about the pass-rush that needs improvement. How does this group help?</b></span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>COACH STOOPS: I think it helps a lot. There's guys in there, going down the list, Bannerman that can rush the heck out of the passer. Going to be a great player. Looney inside that we were talking about. Pringle inside. Walder outside backer. Jamar Watson, we call him Boogie, he can go. He's an electric outside backer. So there's guys there. Jordan Bonner.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>The guys we have in our program are starting to come along, too. We have to have a great off-season with them, as well.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span><b>Q. On the importance of the mid-year enrollees and how they fit in … </b></span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>COACH STOOPS: I think it's very important. I think the guys that came in midyear are important. I think the guys that are coming off the year where they couldn't play is important. I think that combination, it's great to see them. Those guys just plug right in. The guys that come in midyear, that's the type of person, the type of player, the type of leadership, the type of football junky that we have in this class. They just plugged right in, going right to work.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>They're going to be behind a little bit because they're not used to working out. I don't care how big and strong you are. They're not used to the level we're working out right now. Quite frankly, our players aren't used to the level we're working at right now. We're pushing harder right now than we ever have.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>But I think this group has fit right in.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span><b>Q. Vince, what is your relationship with Lamar Thomas, your first interaction with him? How did that go?</b></span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>VINCE MARROW: Well, I've been knowing Lamar for a long time. Played him in the league when he played in there. If I told you just where I knew him from and all that, I can't tell you that. I'll tell you what, he's going to be a great hire. He's exactly what we need. I think every coach that coach has hired has been a good addition, coming in and being good to our staff.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span><b>Q. Vince, T.J. Carter seemingly he flew somewhat under the radar. Talk a little bit about him.</b></span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>COACH STOOPS: Vince wasn't in on it much, so I'll comment on him.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>T.J. is a guy that's just a solid football player. Very good. What happened is we start looking at numbers, I started looking at numbers, we have to be so precise and specific, we can't over-sign in this league. So you start looking at who you're sending the papers to.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>I felt like he was too good of a player, too solid of a person, too much of one of those glue development guys, he's going to be a heck of a football player we couldn't pass up on.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>VINCE MARROW: When he came in on the visit, he was 6'4", 245, 250. I said, Wow, this kid is definitely underrated.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span><b>Q. Can you talk about quarterback and how Stephen Johnson fits into that?</b></span></p>
<p dir="ltr">COACH STOOPS: Big picture, like you hear me say all the time, let's go out on the field and let's prove it. They're all going to have to do it. Stephen is a guy, I can tell you this, he's a guy that's talented. He needs to physically get stronger. Right now that's probably his biggest weakness. He's an unbelievable person, leader, smart. He's serious about his business. He came here to win that job. He's going to go out there and compete for it.</p>
https://www.aseaofblue.com/2016/2/3/10907360/mark-stoops-speaks-on-kentucky-wildcats-national-signing-day-haulWarren Taylor2016-02-03T13:07:40-05:002016-02-03T13:07:40-05:00McKinniss could be in for big role at UK in 2016
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<p>UK signed one of the nation's top punters in Grant McKinniss, and he could be in for a starting spot as a true freshman. </p> <p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.aseaofblue.com/">Kentucky Wildcats</a> added just one specialist in the 2016 class, but he ended up being one of UK's highest-rated recruits.</p>
<p><span>Grant McKinniss committed to UK as an unranked prospect in most recruiting services back in June, </span><a target="_blank" href="http://www.aseaofblue.com/2016-football-recruiting/2015/7/25/9039541/kentucky-football-grant-mckinniss-4-star-prospect">but soon rose to four-star status</a><span> before signing with the Cats. He may end up playing as much as any incoming freshman with punter <span>Landon Foster</span> graduating, leaving that spot up for grabs heading into next season. </span></p>
<p>Here is McKinniss' UK profile and highlights</p>
<p><i>Grant McKinniss, Punter, 6-1, 210, Fr.-HS, Findlay, Ohio (Findlay) ... A four-star recruit who is rated the nation's No. 4 punter according to Scout ... Earned Three Rivers Athletic Conference first-team honors as a placekicker four straight seasons and was a first-team selection as a punter three seasons in a row ... Two-time first-team All-Northwest Ohio honoree ... Converted 38 of 40 PAT kicks and 10 of 11 field goals, including a season-long 52-yarder as a senior ... Averaged 39.4 yards on punts and put 11 of 32 kicks inside the 20-yard line ... As a junior, averaged 40.8 yards on 41 punts, dropping 12 punts inside the 20-yard line Converted 40 of 42 PAT attempts and was 5-for-8 in field goal attempts, including a school-record 53-yarder While kicking off in 2014, had 44 of his 60 kickoffs downed for touchbacks ... Earned second-team All-State honors as a junior, marking his second consecutive year honored Named MaxPreps 2012 Freshman All-<a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-football/teams/american">American</a> First Team ... Also earned third-team All-Ohio Division I as a freshman ... For his career, connected on 148 of 159 PAT attempts and 29 field goals ... His 235 points ties him for the sixth-highest total for points by a kicker in the Ohio prep football record books ... One of the Elite 88 high school seniors selected to compete in the 10th annual Offense-Defense All-American Bowl and the 2016 Ohio High Football Coaches Association North-South All-Star Classic.</i></p>
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https://www.aseaofblue.com/2016/2/3/10905968/grant-mckinniss-could-be-in-for-big-role-at-uk-in-2016Jason Marcum