The Danny Clark commitment looks like a major turning point for Mark Stoops' 2017 recruiting class. Prior to 2017, Stoops had been a productive recruiter. But when Mac Jones, James Hudson, Mike Warren decommitted from our 2017 class, it looked like Stoops' recruiting had peaked and was headed in the wrong direction. Weeks went by without much recruiting news, and I was honestly wondering if Stoops could hold onto Javonte Richardson and Tyrell Ajian. But Richardson and Ajian didn't decommit. A lot of fans think recruits make their decisions because Kentucky wins or loses a particular game. But those people probably haven't had to make this kind of a decision in their own lives. Yes, athletes certainly do want to join a successful program, but they don't decide on the basis of 1 game. They are looking for the right fit for themselves, including their relationship with the coaches and their comfort level on campus. I think Stoops and Gran have made a strong impression on recruits this year, by successfully managing improvements on a team that lost Barker, Baker, Mosier, Meant. I may be in the minority, but I never expected Kentucky to sign Jedrick Wills. But if Stoops hangs onto Clark, Richardson, Ajian, and if he adds a linebacker and a couple more quality defensive linemen, this can still be a surprisingly strong class for us.
