Kentucky Sports Radio
[Moderated by Matt Jones, Drew Franklin and Tyler Thompson]
[Moderated by Matt Jones, Drew Franklin and Tyler Thompson]
I’m not sure there has ever been a more important off-season weekend for the Kentucky Football program. Seventeen high-level recruits will make trips to Lexington to meet with the new coaching staff, tour the facilities and attend Kentucky vs. Texas A&M in Rupp Arena. A lot of the names will be familiar, as they have been talked about for a couple of weeks now. There are others in the group that won’t be as familiar but are just as talented as the guys we have come know. Here is a full list of recruits that will make their way to the Bluegrass this weekend:
Committed elsewhere, but still considering Kentucky
Ra’Shaad Samples – Wide Receiver; 6’0″, 170 lbs.; Texas
Current Oklahoma State commit
Rivals: 4-Star, #35 WR
ESPN: 4-Star, #25 WR
Samples is currently committed to Oklahoma State, but has said in the past that Neal Brown, who recruited Samples at Texas Tech, was the coach who he felt the best connection with, which has caused him to give the Wildcats a look before National Signing Day. On Twitter, Ra’Shaad has definitely felt the love from the Big Blue Nation, tweeting his thanks for their support almost daily. Samples may be a slight longshot for the ‘Cats given his commitment to another Air Raid offense in Oklahoma State, but Brown’s relationship with him gives UK a chance. He said it himself, he want UK fans to make next weekend a “memorable” one for him.
Jason Hatcher – Defensive End; 6’2″, 240 lbs.; Louisville, Kentucky
Current USC Commit (recruited by Tee Martin)
Rivals: 4-star, #7 DE
ESPN: 4-star, #15 DE
Flipping Hatcher would be huge for Stoops. Hatcher is a powerful, bull-rushing DE that would be great in the Wildcats’ defensive end rotation. Stoops and company can sell Hatcher on the past success of Stoops’ pass rushers and also the idea that he would be immediately offered playing time.
Not signed, considering Kentucky
Asianti Woulard – Dual-Threat QB; 6’3″, 205 lbs.; Winter Park, Florida
Former USF commit
Rivals: 4-Star, #4 Dual-Threat QB, #120 overall
ESPN: 4-Star, #1 Dual-Threat QB, #146 overall
Woulard’s courtship by the Wildcats has picked up over the last couple of weeks after he sent a tape to Coach Stoops and staff following his decommitment. Based on the news coming out of his camp lately, there is definitely a mutual interest between the two sides. His dad told reporters last week that if his visit to UK goes well, a commitment may come soon after. Woulard has been impressive in his two years as a QB and won the MVP of the Elite 11 QB Camp after being the 24th QB selected.
Also considering: NC State, USF
Jojo Kemp – All-Purpose Back; 5’11″, 185 lbs.; DeLand, Florida
Former USF commit
Rivals: 3-star
ESPN: 4-star
Kemp was interested in the Cats before the coaching change, and has said the Cats have “been on me since Day 1.” He’s a dynamic athlete with the potential to play a variety of positions, and catches the ball very well out of the backfield. Kemp visited Pitt on December 7th. ESPN college football recruiting analyst Corey Long says he thinks the Cats are in the mix for him, along with Asiantii Woulard.
Also considering: Tennessee, Pittsburgh, West Virginia
Javess Blue – Wide Reciever; 6’1″, 194 lbs.; Babson Park, FL
Rivals: 3-Star
ESPN: 4-Star
This JUCO WR (Butler County C.C., Kansas) is one of the more sought after prospects in this class. He is a big wide receiver with great hands. Blue is also a precise route runner, who has the strength to shake off would-be tacklers to get yards after the catch. He’d be a great addition to Kentucky’s offense… and ready to contribute immediately. He and offensive coordinator Neal Brown are familiar with each other from his visit to Texas Tech in early December.
Also considering: Mississippi State, West Virginia, Texas Tech
Aregeros Turner – Running Back; 5’11″, 180 lbs.; Akron, Ohio
Former Cincinnati commit
Rivals: 3-star
ESPN: 3-star
Vince Marrow has been a busy man since joining Stoops’ staff. One of his first visits was to Aregeros Turner, who decommitted from the Bearcats after Butch Jones left for Tennessee. Turner liked what Marrow had to say so much that he’s coming to visit.
Also Considering: Cincinnati, Tennessee
MacKenro Alexander – Safety; 6’0″, 190 lbs.; Immokalee, FL
Rivals: 3-star
ESPN: 3-star
Almost the forgotten Alexander brother, MacKenro is a baller in his own right. As a safety, Alexander has great instincts that allow him to make a ton of plays in the back end of the Immokalee defense. He’s outstanding in zone coverage and isn’t afraid of taking an opposing wide receiver’s head off.
Also Considering: Clemson, Louisville, Miami, Rutgers
MacKensie Alexander – Safety; 5’10″, 180 lbs.; Immokalee, FL
Rivals: 4-star
ESPN: 5-star, 4th-rated CB in the nation
MacKensie is a playmaker, plain and simple. Alexander has a prior history with both Stoops and Kentucky. He toured the Kentucky facilities this past summer and was recruited to Florida State by Stoops. The combination of the two could land him at Kentucky, when it’s all said and done. Landing one brother will get you the other, so this is an important get for the Wildcats.
Also Considering: Clemson, Louisville, Miami, Rutgers
Alex Montgomery – Wide Receiver/Safety; 6’2″, 190 lbs.; Cypress Bay, FL
Rivals: 3-star
ESPN: 3-star
Montgomery plays both sides of the ball and does a great job at both positions. He is said to be looking to sign with the Cats pretty soon, so a solid weekend here will probably get a letter of intent from him.
Also Considering: Duke, East Carolina
James Clark – Wide Receiver; 5’10″, 170 lbs.; New Smyrna Beach, Florida
Rivals: 3-Star
ESPN: 4-Star
The Cats hope to lure this 4-star WR to Kentucky this weekend by showing how effective his talents can be used in the spread offense. Clark is speedy, shifty wide receiver who can do a lot on the football field.
Also considering: Florida, Clemson, Nebraska, Northwestern
Kyle Meadows – Offensive Tackle; 6’5″, 280 lbs.; West Chester, OH
Rivals: 3-Star
ESPN: 3-Star
Up to this point, Stoops has made his presence felt in his home state of Ohio. He will continue to do so as he brings Meadows to UK for a visit this weekend.
Also considering: Rutgers, West Virginia, Louisville, Oklahoma
Regie Meant – Defensive Tackle/ Defensive End; 6’5″, 271 lbs.; Caple Coral, FL
Rivals: 2-star
ESPN: Unranked
Meant plays almost ever position on the defensive line, something that is hard to find. Although he’s not highly regarded, you can’t teach size and that’s something this guy was blessed with.
Also Considering: Iowa State, NC State, Kansas State
Boaz Joseph – Cornerback; 6’1″, 190 lbs.; Cypress Bay, FL
Rivals: 3-star
ESPN: Unranked
Joseph was part of a Florida DB contingent that visited Kentucky this summer. Joseph, the Alexander Brothers and Purdue-commit Austin Logan all visited the Kentucky facilities. The Wildcats still have a chance to land three out of the four recruits, which would shore up the Kentucky secondary for years to come. Joseph is a physical corner who loves to help in the run game. He forces fumbles and has a nose the football, too. Joseph is familiar with Kentucky from his prior visit, something that only help the new coaching staff’s pursuit.
Antoine Miles – Defensive End; 6’3″, 250 lbs.; Canton, Ohio
Former Nebraska commit
Rivals: 3-star
ESPN: 3-star
Miles was recruited at Nebraska by Vince Marrow and has opened his recruitment back up since Marrow joined Stoops’ staff. His relationship with Marrow makes a commitment to the Cats next weekend a legit possibility, and even a lock according to some analysts. He also has a visit to Purdue lined up for January 18th.
Also considering: Nebraska, Purdue
Committed to Kentucky
Jaleel Hytchye – Cornerback; 5’11″, 170 lbs.; Cincinnati, OH
Rivals: 3-star
ESPN: 4-star
The speedy corner committed to play for the Wildcats last weekend. His combination of experience, instincts, and great man to man coverage skills makes it hard for me to imagine him not starting in Stoops’ defense next year. Hytchye is a track star as well and will possibly compete for UK on that front, too.
Blake McClain – Cornerback; 5’11″, 181 lbs.; Winter Park, Florida
Rivals: 3-star
ESPN: 3-star
Despite committing to Kentucky on June 27th, McClain visited Pitt on December 7th because of the Cats’ coaching change. McClain cited his family’s relationship with Joker Phillips as a primary reason for his commitment, so hopefully Stoops and company can make a good impression next weekend.
Alvonte Bell – Defensive End; 6’5″, 218 lbs.; Miramar, Florida
Rivals: 3-star
ESPN: 3-star
Bell is a tall, lean athletic lineman, who is 6’5″, 218 pounds and has had an impressive early summer. Regardless if the Wildcats land Hatcher or not, Bell is primed to immediately compete for playing time. He held offers from Florida State, Clemson, Notre Dame, West Virginia and Louisville among others.
[powered by WordPress.]
Bill Keightley Report : Never to be forgotten.
11 queries. 0.416 seconds
January 11th, 2013 at 1:10 pm
Could Jaleel be Andrew Wiggins incognito. They favor a lot
January 11th, 2013 at 1:13 pm
That list is elite!! What a job our new coaching staff has done to get those guys lined-up to visit this weekend. Way to Go StoopsTroops—-bring ‘em in!!!
January 11th, 2013 at 1:16 pm
Asianti Woulard….gotta have him! He’ll make every player on this list look good. #1 that’s funny
January 11th, 2013 at 1:17 pm
Javess Blue seems like a perfect fit to join the Big Blue Nation… it’s even in his name!
January 11th, 2013 at 1:18 pm
WE GOTTA GET ALVONTE! He’s 6’6 230 AND 6’5 218!
January 11th, 2013 at 1:22 pm
7 – it really depends on what I had for breakfast that day and what shoes I’m wearing when measured.
January 11th, 2013 at 1:22 pm
Good read. Thanks. Really STOOPED about football recruiting! Hear anything about Nate Willis? He’s one I hope to goodness we land! And the big DLman from Ohio that visited a week or two ago? Peterson? Woulard is major get! We need him bad!!!! Keep us posted! Go UK, go Stoops!
January 11th, 2013 at 1:22 pm
Free Trips
January 11th, 2013 at 1:26 pm
McClain reaffirmed his commitment to UK yesterday to the Orlando Sentinel even though Arkansas new Secondary coach has shown late interest. The Alexanders teammate, Deadrin Senat, a 4 star DT, is coming with them this weekend as well as RB Stafon McCray (3star) from Orlando.
January 11th, 2013 at 1:37 pm
There better be some name chanting in Rupp Saturday. Print this page out and bring it along with you. Also go vote for Kentucky for EA sports NCAA football cover on Facebook. Lets do it BBN!!
January 11th, 2013 at 1:40 pm
Second that #14 and while you are at it for all the offense guys turn onthe “Air Raid Sirens” this Stoops Blue train is about to pull out next stop Atlanta hop aboard young men!!!
January 11th, 2013 at 1:43 pm
Someone please answer this for me: why are there always so many good recruits from Ohio? I can see FL and Texas, both being warm year round and highly populated, but how does OH keep cranking out the stud football players?
January 11th, 2013 at 1:45 pm
We’re sitting in 4th in the EA Sports Cover vote right now. That’s not acceptable BBN. Our fan support will be a huge help for recruiting.
January 11th, 2013 at 1:48 pm
Targets with offers:
WR – 9 offers out – We are looking to add 3-4 more to go along with already commited Yancey.
****Blue
****Samples
****Timmons
****Gibson
****Valdes
***Montgomery
***Grant
***Badet
***Cumberlander
RB – 6 offers out – We are looking to add 1-2 more to go along with already commited Thomas.
****Kemp
****Chestnut
***Turner
***McCray
***Dayes
***Dawkins .. ??
DB – 5 offers out – We are looking to add 2-3 more to go along with already commited McClain and Hytchye.
*****Mackensie
***Macendro
***Willis
***Leonard
***Joseph
DE – 6 offers out – We are looking to add 1-2 more to go along with already commited Smith and Bell.
****Hatcher
****Suttles
***C.Smith
***Bryant
***Mayes
***Miles
DL – 5 offers out – We are looking to add 1-2 more to go along with already commited Hyde.
****Senat
****Reed
***Peterson
***Swain
***Jackson..??
LB – 6 offers out – We are looking to add 1-2 more.
***Clark
***Riley
***Williams
***James
***Higgins
***Dixon
OL – 4 offers out – We are looking to add 1-2 more to go along with already commited Day and Myers.
****Meadows
***Maka
***Bivin
***Johnson
QB – 2 offers out – We may take 1 more to go along with already commited Phillips.
****Woulard
January 11th, 2013 at 1:53 pm
G-uint, great work my man. that list is legit too! Recruiting Madness!!!
January 11th, 2013 at 2:00 pm
sure doesnt look like we will be settling with a 2-star “sterling wright” type of reach and developmental project to fill our last available scholly this year.
January 11th, 2013 at 2:08 pm
Collins Ukwu was one of those last second reach guys. I didn’t mind one or two of those, it’s when 90% of our class became those guys that it all went south.
January 11th, 2013 at 2:08 pm
Wow – Awesome information. Great post.
Would also be good to see: list of contributing players on the roster at each position right now, what year they are etc. to see how we are going to look when you add in the freshmen.
January 11th, 2013 at 2:28 pm
I actually just left the barber shop were I saw hatcher ( big guy but thought hed be a lot bigger lol ) cool guy but he said he’s still with USC and plans to go there he said they were gonna use him in a 3-4 linebacker role were he’d drop back in coverage a Lil to… But he did say that he wasn’t committing to Louisville also lol
January 11th, 2013 at 2:29 pm
post is entirely too long.
January 11th, 2013 at 2:35 pm
… and inaccurate .. James Clark just came out with his list of four and UK was not on it and was not an official visit.
January 11th, 2013 at 2:38 pm
Hatcher will likely end up at UL… these guys will Ben Bradley stoops dupes and go elsewhere ..
January 11th, 2013 at 2:44 pm
@22 I just talked to the hatcher guy. At my barbershop 30 mins ago lol. He is NOT going to Louisville he told me his self
January 11th, 2013 at 2:51 pm
The Alexander bros will be at UL with Hatcher… UK will steal recruits from Duke and and East Carolina that’s about it… the rest will go elsewhere… sad…
January 11th, 2013 at 2:56 pm
Are you sure Mackensie and Mackenro are visiting this weekend? I haven’t seen anything that says it is this weekend
January 11th, 2013 at 3:12 pm
@jattmones ure totally right….. Because he clearly told me to my face he’s not going to Louisville .. But who am I to believe what a recruit tells me personally inside a barbershop .So ure right he’s going most likely go to the place he told me he wasn’t going to go to.. clearly ure a mind reader right?
January 11th, 2013 at 3:23 pm
I said likely. That’s a prediction. Stupid. Quick has been and will continue to be allover him to switch.. He definefelraint going to UK… #dumbass#26
January 11th, 2013 at 3:25 pm
Definitely not UK…. just toying with Stoops dupes on the visit…Alexander bros again will likely Be at UL in the fall….
January 11th, 2013 at 3:35 pm
I actually have inside sources that Robert Nkemdiche and Reuben Foster are going to commit to UL even thought they don’t even list them as an option. My source is, of course, jatt mones who says UL is “da coldest”. And he told me this while I was in the Taco Bell drive through right after he asked me what type of sauce I’d like with my burrito.
January 11th, 2013 at 3:40 pm
Note how UK is competing with major schools from east coast to west coast. No more fighting the MAAC and Confernece USA for two stars.
January 11th, 2013 at 3:54 pm
The way recruiting is going it is only a matter of time until we start landing more of these 4 stars…we have two 4 stars committed now the balance are 3. That is already an improvement. I really hope we can pick up a couple of these guys visiting this weekend!!
January 11th, 2013 at 4:08 pm
I’m just happy that we’re even talking about football during basketball season. UK is a basketball only school right? I think the culture is changing!
January 11th, 2013 at 4:33 pm
G-Unit…you should take over writing duties for football here on the site. As for the ESPN rankings..as much as I would love for us to have some 4* guys, I was looking at them on ESPN recruiting page…ESPN has like 8,000 four star players…so take that for what it is worth…but if they are 4* on rivals or scout, a bit more excitement is warranted.
January 11th, 2013 at 9:56 pm
@21: just a hunch that Rashawn meant to list James Clark OLB out of Sebastian, FL and not the James Clark WR from New Smyrna Beach, FL. That’s my guess and I’m sticking to it, lol.
January 12th, 2013 at 9:14 am
I love the coverage on the football recruits!!! KEEP IT UP!!! THANK YOU!