Originally posted by anthonys735:
-Kentucky Football recruiting, shew. The week leading up to Harris was about as positive as you can be about the program. Since he went to Bama I think we've had 7 flips and another one coming today. You can see why I was so pissed. Pretty much still getting kicked in the nuts. Staff better put up some W's this season.
:: Your point is spot on, losing on Harris was the ultimate buzzkill for this class. We're seeing the effect of missing on the local bell cow stud recruit. I imagine similar results for Stoops had he missed on Drew Barker last year. His social media presence and Elite 11 award and Army All American selections lent credibility to the vision that Stoops is selling. This year UK's class needed Harris' five stars and UA All American award to keep the buzz among recruits.
:: I also think this class looks entirely different had McWilson held onto that pick in the UofL game. A sixth win snaps the losing streak within the season as well as to UofL and UK earns a bowl bid in the process. Maybe they get Harris, maybe they don't, but they sure as Hell hold off the likes of NC State, UNC, Michigan St, and possibly Auburn for the Dinson kid.
:: The phenomenal post season for the B1G doomed UK with the last three Ohio kids in my opinion. Michigan State's comeback, Ohio State's playoff wins, and the destruction of the top of the SEC West in prime bowl games dispelled the myth of the SEC's strength as the top league in the country. Which is a huge part of the pitch in Ohio for Marrow/Stoops.
:: Can't lose six in a row to close out a season and expect to keep recruiting momentum. Wins will fix a lot when it comes to the next class. I also like that Drake Jackson is already out there leading the social media charge similar to the way Barker did his senior year of high school. Bottom line though is all signs were pointing for 2015-2016 to be the season where it all comes together. If the staff delivers then most of us will be happy.
:: On a positive note the guys that the staff has managed to keep on board is still better than most classes we've seen over the years. I like the quality that guys like Conrad, Walker, Brown, Asafo-Adjei and Richardson are bringing to the class. These guys will play a lot. Hell, Walker and Conrad might start. If the Rivals 100 DB Lewis signs (as expected...ugh, I know) that's a huge boost.
:: There are still some flipping long shots in play and I'm still holding out until after signing day to judge the class. It's not going to be as life changing in depth and scope as the first two, but if the few dominoes that are left fall UK's way the quality will be better than most classes we've seen.
:: RE: Flipping...let's be real here for a minute. The staff has made a living going after other program's recruits and getting transfers. Flips/Transfers from Stoops Era:
Marcus McWilson
Braylon Heard
Eli Brown
Denzel Ware
Jason Hatcher
Josh Krok
Jervontius Stallings
Courtney Love
Greg Hart
Marcus Walker was a decommit/recommit guy.
Hell, the Dowell twins and the Hamilton kid are at least on their third school now. The point is, this is big boy recruiting and UK now has a staff with big enough balls to at least play the game and go for guys other good programs actually want. Win and snag the bell cow they probably hold on to most. Lose and miss on the local stud and we've got what we have now...which is still better than most classes historically.