H.S. Football in Ky Could Elevate UK ...

[bballcat4]

H.S. Football in Ky Could Elevate UK's success in the SEC. I'm happy for the 3 players we have playing in today's Army All Star Game. (The fact all 3 are coming to UK doesn't hurt.)

The fact we had 3 highly rated players and that none of them are from Louisville is unusual. Ky high school football needs to begin putting multiple players in this kind of stage. Most years will include some players from Louisville. UK will not get all these players. (UL is tough to beat out for players from the same city.) UK will, however, get their share.

The fact that Lexington is beginning to generate top level players on a regular basis is a good thing.

Harris last year and Elam the year before was a good start. Hopefully Ky HS football begins to generate multiple 3,4 & 5 star players.

 

[jauk11]

I think you are forgetting two very good commits we have this year.

UK has had probably one other class in state that might be better than this one, but a long time ago and under different circumstances. The class with R BIrd, R Norton, S Ball, R Kestner, et al, all drafted very high and all from Kentucky.

But that was a time when African Americans weren't playing in the SEC (and many didn't get a chance to play anywhere), but their high draft status says it wasn't just a Kentucky thing, I think both Bird and Norton were #1 picks, AFL just starting up. Also there was a debate about whether Bird should be drafted as an offensive or a defensive player.

I hope our present commits can do nearly as well with their careers and get drafted close to that high, that would be a great thing for our program.

 

[Saguaro Cat]

In state talent is the number 1 through 3 reasons uk football has been so historically lackluster. Great to see such a spike this year. Hope it becomes a tend to supplement the talent from outside the state.

Need some skill position players to come up.

 

[hmt5000]

With 4.4 million people we should be able to produce a couple OL, wr, dB and lber every year. I just wish we could produce 1 legitimate dl player every year. But 6 to 8 from the home state and 6 to 8 from Ohio is a good base to start from

 

[TJS4UK]

UK should pressure the KHSAA to allow spring practice in KY. I know that it's been allowed a few times in the past, but I don't think that it is currently.

 

[laxcat#5]

Does the US census track states' 18 & under population? While KY has a decent total population, I'm guessing it's growing at a much slower rate than the rest of the SEC states and is also a lot older (median age) than the other SEC states.

 

[richbrookstomato]

UK should pressure the KHSAA to allow spring practice in KY. I know that it's been allowed a few times in the past, but I don't think that it is currently.

Yes it is.

 

[ArtSmass]

Two of the 3 playing are physical freaks. I don't care how hard a good, hard-working HS player in Ky. works or how good his coaching in HS is or whether he does spring practice (which has existed in Ky since the mid-90s by the way), he'll not be able to develop the HEIGHT/GIRTH of Landon Young or the FREAKISH ARM SIZE + AGILITY of Kash Daniel.

The other factor (main one for Drake J.) is that they/their family/their youth-middle coaches promoted them through what are the football equivalent of AAU since they were in middle school. That takes PARENTS who are willing to spend the time and money to travel to F.B.U. camps (more than $300 for 3 days) and middle school all-star events -- usually held far away from Kentucky.

So, what would need to happen to get Ky. kids more into things like this is to target kids who are likely to be 'physical freaks' (size and/or athleticism) at the ELEMENTARY and MIDDLE SCHOOL level. Then there'd have to be some kind of "support systems" in place for the best of these young kids who DON'T have parents with the means to get them to those events/camps when they're young (just like in bball AAU each team usually has a mix of great players and several 'so-so' kids whose parents pay the way for THEIR kids plus enough to cover the expenses for the 'great' kids who are unable to afford it).

There's a CULTURE of that kind of thing in Florida, Texas, Georgia. It (at least currently) doesn't exist here...maybe some of the #BBN around the state who really care AND have the means could start promoting those kinds of things in their community in all parts of the state?

 

[vhcat70]

While KY has a decent total population, I'm guessing it's growing at a much slower rate than the rest of the SEC states and is also a lot older (median age) than the other SEC states.

It's pretty easy to look up & not have to guess.

 

[ArtSmass]

Does the US census track states' 18 & under population? While KY has a decent total population, I'm guessing it's growing at a much slower rate than the rest of the SEC states and is also a lot older (median age) than the other SEC states.

It's not just about 'overall population' when you compare Ky to other SEC states. What tips the scales so much in others SEC states' favors (as has been brought up on this board many times in the past) is their MUCH higher minority population. Look at the makeup of any top 20 D1 team -- sorry, it demographically is NOTHING like the demographic makeup of the youth of this state.

 

[trumpetcat]

The only problem is we still might only have up to 5 SEC level players. I actually talked with a coach from Alabama (recruiting coordinator) today and he told me alot of insight to Alabama Football. Im going to get some hate from this I know. If you want to know I'll tell you via DM.

 

[ArtSmass]

The only problem is we still might only have up to 5 SEC level players. I actually talked with a coach from Alabama (recruiting coordinator) today and he told me alot of insight to Alabama Football. Im going to get some hate from this I know. If you want to know I'll tell you via DM.

Just curious, Trumpetcat: without letting the cat totally out of the bag, do those insights have anything to do with either of my two previous posts in this thread?

 

[Mr Schwump]

The only problem is we still might only have up to 5 SEC level players. I actually talked with a coach from Alabama (recruiting coordinator) today and he told me alot of insight to Alabama Football. Im going to get some hate from this I know. If you want to know I'll tell you via DM.

Most years the state of Kentucky will be lucky to produce 2-4 SEC quality players a year. Will spike from time to time but it's unlikely that number will ever go to 8-10 and stay there.

 

[andreIGUODOLLAsigns4UK]

The only problem is we still might only have up to 5 SEC level players. I actually talked with a coach from Alabama (recruiting coordinator) today and he told me alot of insight to Alabama Football. Im going to get some hate from this I know. If you want to know I'll tell you via DM.

It's a helluva lot better than the 2 SEC level players we used to have. But needless to say I don't believe you know anyone connected.

 

[trumpetcat]

Just curious, Trumpetcat: without letting the cat totally out of the bag, do those insights have anything to do with either of my two previous posts in this thread?

Not really. The guy is a friend of one of the antique dealers up at the show I work at. The antique dealer is from Alabama. Hes always UK and Bama. Anyways he told me that Landon Young was a backup plan and that Jackson they didn't like his personality. He also told me the inside story on how Harris went down there. If you promise not to hate I'll tell.

 

[trumpetcat]

Thing is he was just visiting his mother and they just showed up at our antique show.

 

[andreIGUODOLLAsigns4UK]

Not really. The guy is a friend of one of the antique dealers up at the show I work at. The antique dealer is from Alabama. Hes always UK and Bama. Anyways he told me that Landon Young was a backup plan and that Jackson they didn't like his personality. He also told me the inside story on how Harris went down there. If you promise not to hate I'll tell.

Im family friends with drake Jackson's family and I know the kid personally. He definitely doesn't have a bad personality in any way. Very nice, well spoken, respectful kid.

 

[Fresh Start]

UK should pressure the KHSAA to allow spring practice in KY. I know that it's been allowed a few times in the past, but I don't think that it is currently.

Has been allowed for years

 

[trumpetcat]

Im family friends with drake Jackson's family and I know the kid personally. He definitely doesn't have a bad personality in any way. Very nice, well spoken, respectful kid.

No I think you misunderstood me. They thought he was well mannered, but they also thought he was a bit too big of a goofball. Dont shoot the messenger.

 

[trumpetcat]

They said they have too many goofballs. One of their recruits when he showed up for fall camp when people cut him off he would point a gun at a person. Not smart. Im not saying Drake would do that, but they said they dont want anymore goofballs.

 

[WildcatofNati]

It's not just about 'overall population' when you compare Ky to other SEC states. What tips the scales so much in others SEC states' favors (as has been brought up on this board many times in the past) is their MUCH higher minority population. Look at the makeup of any top 20 D1 team -- sorry, it demographically is NOTHING like the demographic makeup of the youth of this state.

Florida has a smaller minority population than most other southern states, yet it is probably the top southern state for producing elite talent. So, it's not just about that.

 

[trumpetcat]

I also asked if there were any top targets of theres here in KY for 2017 he said exactly," No top targets as of yet". When I asked about Jedrick Wills he said,"He's more of a plan C". They dont necessarily see him as an All SEC OT any time soon. I kept my mouth shut because what do I know, hes a coach at Alabama he knows what hes doing.

 

[WildcatofNati]

I also asked if there were any top targets of theres here in KY for 2017 he said exactly," No top targets as of yet". When I asked about Jedrick Wills he said,"He's more of a plan C". They dont necessarily see him as an All SEC OT any time soon. I kept my mouth shut because what do I know, hes a coach at Alabama he knows what hes doing.

It's entirely possible that he's simply feeding you disinformation.

 

[trumpetcat]

I actually also know Drake. My Chemistry teachers son is his teammate (Leo Smart) and (me and Drake) talk sometimes on Twitter.

 

[trumpetcat]

It's entirely possible that he's simply feeding you disinformation.

Its possible, but my friend Brian (the dealer) is good friends with him and I dont think was dishonest. He didnt show any signs of dishonesty like not blinking at all, standing still, being eccentric etc.

 

[lz]

Trumpet, don't worry about haters, they will be around in all phases of your life regardless of what you say or do. You're young, but the sooner you realize that, the better for you personally. Be yourself, but keep toughening your skin, took me into my late 20's to realize it! The Al guy sounds pretty arrogant, his big DL was handled quite well by the smaller Jackson today, believe he tired him with his usual tenacity and Young looked to be the best OL on the field.

 

[3kidsandme]

Trumpet, don't worry about haters, they will be around in all phases of your life regardless of what you say or do. You're young, but the sooner you realize that, the better for you personally. Be yourself, but keep toughening your skin, took me into my late 20's to realize it! The Al guy sounds pretty arrogant, his big DL was handled quite well by the smaller Jackson today, believe he tired him with his usual tenacity and Young looked to be the best OL on the field.

Any team that don't want Landon Young is full of ish. Dude is a protypical nfl tackle. He's gonna be 6"7 315 when he's drafted and running a sub 5 40. Drake Jackson is an elite Center so if Bama don't want him good luck. But they offered both extremely early for being back up plans.

 

[trumpetcat]

Trumpet, don't worry about haters, they will be around in all phases of your life regardless of what you say or do. You're young, but the sooner you realize that, the better for you personally. Be yourself, but keep toughening your skin, took me into my late 20's to realize it! The Al guy sounds pretty arrogant, his big DL was handled quite well by the smaller Jackson today, believe he tired him with his usual tenacity and Young looked to be the best OL on the field.

Yeah I kind of thought his opinions of our commits were wrong but if he doesnt want them then thats fine by me. The coach said he was impressed by Kash, but Kash didnt want to come to workout for them. Thanks for the advice.

 

[trumpetcat]

If Alabama dont want them Im completely fine with that. Same if they dont want Wills that much.

 

[JordanJ21]

Not really. The guy is a friend of one of the antique dealers up at the show I work at. The antique dealer is from Alabama. Hes always UK and Bama. Anyways he told me that Landon Young was a backup plan and that Jackson they didn't like his personality. He also told me the inside story on how Harris went down there. If you promise not to hate I'll tell.

I'm really intrigued on the Harris story if you wouldn't mind to share. With all the talk of building this great offensive line, one wonders how much of an impact Harris and Boom could have had together.

 

[Levibooty]

We have SIX Army All-Americans on our team next year--Hatcher, Barker, Elam, Jackson, Young, and Daniel.

 

[trumpetcat]

I'm really intrigued on the Harris story if you wouldn't mind to share. With all the talk of building this great offensive line, one wonders how much of an impact Harris and Boom could have had together.

Sure NP. Basically the coach from Bama told me when Harris went on his visit for the Iron Bowl he quietly committed. This explains why they werent really recruiting RBs that much even before Harris formally committed. Basically Harris said that he wasnt ready to be a starting RB with a bad OL. So he thought it made more sense to learn from some of the best and win a title or two.

 

[Krisys]

Sure NP. Basically the coach from Bama told me when Harris went on his visit for the Iron Bowl he quietly committed. This explains why they werent really recruiting RBs that much even before Harris formally committed. Basically Harris said that he wasnt ready to be a starting RB with a bad OL. So he thought it made more sense to learn from some of the best and win a title or two.

Makes sense. A running backs production relies heavily on the ability of the offensive line in front of him. It's not a coincidence the Lemons kid says he's leaning UK after seeing how Drake Jackson and Landon Young were performing at the Army practices. Elite running backs and elite quarterbacks want to play behind an elite offensive line. We're moving towards having an elite line, especially if we sign Wills.

 

[Krisys]

I don't blame harris for not wanting to come here with how putrid our line has been. I dislike him for how he led our staff on, but what can you do. I still think he made a mistake and is destined to be the Kenyon Drake to Bo Scarboroughs Derrick Henry for the rest of his career. Bama likes the big bruiser backs.

 

[trumpetcat]

Speaking truthfully I like a variety of backs. If Horton can become our bruiser back then we have a full arsenal of backs. If not I cant wait for Snell (although he probably RSs)

 

[ashleys handfull]

Florida has a smaller minority population than most other southern states, yet it is probably the top southern state for producing elite talent. So, it's not just about that.

While Florida has a smaller minority % than other southern states it has a gigantic overall population, thus more total minorities than all the other states sans Texas(which just entered this conversation not too long ago).

16.8% of 19,893,297 million people is 3,342,073 blacks living in Florida. That's only a million less blacks than the total amount of all people in KY, for example.

 

[WildcatofNati]

While Florida has a smaller minority % than other southern states it has a gigantic overall population, thus more total minorities than all the other states sans Texas(which just entered this conversation not too long ago).

16.8% of 19,893,297 million people is 3,342,073 blacks living in Florida. That's only a million less blacks than the total amount of all people in KY, for example.

That's a fair point. However, Ohio has about half the population of New York state, and a smaller black population per capita than New York state, and yet Ohio produces legitimate football prospects to the tune of about 10 to 1 compared to New York. California has a comparable demographic to Kentucky for African-Americans, and produces about 10 to 1 legitimate prospects per capita compared to Kentucky. Not 10 to 1 in numbers, 10 to 1 per capita. How does California do that? How does Ohio do it, in comparison to New York?

The demographic argument is a crutch. Moreover, the population of Kentucky is what it is. Kentucky just needs to start focusing on football.

 

[trumpetcat]

I just thought I'd mention this but Michigan just offered Kash. Nothing gonna happen just thought I'd let everyone know.

 

[ashleys handfull]

New York is a complete outlier to this conversation. It has one city that contains a gigantic portion of its population (8.5 million people) but hardly any football fields to play the game on to develop youth at the game. That's what separates it from states like California and Ohio. And none of those states are in the south, which is what your original post was about.

You can continue to bury your head if you wish but demographics is the issue, as I sit and watch NFL playoff games and see very little diversity on the field, much like just about every football game available to watch on TV. The game is dominated by blacks, there's just no argument against that. The more you have in your state the bigger advantage you have in recruiting. That's real talk, not a crutch.

 

[HiStepper]

KY and MO have the lowest Per Capita production of FBS recruits among the schools in the SEC.