Taking a look at our incoming recruiting class

[Rhavic]

Updated Rivals rankings came out. Figured I would shift the topic from the woes that many are ranting about for now. Let's take a look at a few of the guys who are coming in, their updated rankings from Rivals, etc. Also, I'm interested to hear which players you all think will make an immediate impact next season!

Landon Young - 4 star - 6.0 rating
Tate Leavitt - 4 star - 5.9 rating
Jordan Griffin - 4 star - 5.8 rating
Drake Jackson - 4 star - 5.8 rating
---
Tobias Gilliam - 3 star - 5.7 rating
Kobe Smith - 3 star - 5.7 rating
Kash Daniel - 3 star - 5.7 rating
---
Dakota Holtzclaw - 3 star - 5.6 rating
Roland Walder - 3 star - 5.6 rating
Jaylin Bannerman - 3 star - 5.6 rating
Kayaune Ross - 3 star - 5.6 rating
Kordell Looney - 3 star - 5.6 rating
Asim Rose - 3 star - 5.6 rating
Davonte Robinson - 3 star - 5.6 rating
Justin Rigg - 3 star - 5.5 rating
Benny Snell - 3 star - 5.5 rating
Luke Fortner - 3 star - 5.5 rating
Zy'Aire Hughes - 3 star - 5.5 rating
Gunnar Hoak - 3 star - 5.5 rating
---
Jamar Watson - 2 star - 5.4 rating
Ja'Quize Cross - 2 star- 5.3 rating
Grant McKinniss - 2 star - 5.2 rating

=====

Things to note:

- Of Kentucky's 4 four-star recruits, 3 of them are offensive linemen. 2 of them we have a desperate need for (both offensive tackle positions). I think Young and Leavitt will provide a tremendous boost for Kentucky at protecting the edges. We've been able to pound the ball up the middle against really good teams this season, it was the edge where most of Kentucky's woes were. Having Young and Leavitt will also allow us to move George Asafo-Adjei back to his natural, OG position, and will further strengthen the interior of our offensive line next to Jon Toth.

- We have 3 players who are just outside of a four-star ranking, all of which are defensive players. Bringing in guys like Jordan Griffin, Tobias Gilliam, Kobe Smith, and Kash Daniel will provide depth and talent at every level of our defense. It doesn't hurt that another DB, Davonte Robinson, who was pursued hard by ND, and a player that Alabama has shown interest in due to his length, speed, and athleticism, will also be added to the roster. The future of our secondary is arguably brighter than we've ever seen before at Kentucky.

- I'm very pleased with the talent of those 5.6 rating guys that we're bringing in. Just to take a better look at a few of them:

Dakota Holtzclaw: What a unique physical profile for this guy. A wide receiver, 6'7, 217#, runs a 4.5 forty, and one of the best track runners in Ohio. Rare combination of size and speed. If he can consistently catch the football, he'll find a solid role on the football team. Nightmare match-up for most CB's, especially those sub-6 foot DB's.

Roland Walder: I look at Walder as a less physically developed version of Kash Daniel, yet I do like his size. He's shown the ability to see plays develop pretty quickly, and he uses terrific speed to hit the gap, and lay a big hit. Love his physicality. I think he could develop into a very good linebacker, a place where I'm growing more and more confident in leading up to next season.

Jaylin Bannerman: He was sold on the idea of becoming a Bud Dupree-type player. He's lengthier than Bud, he has that kind of athleticism, and he's starting to physically develop. I'm not entirely sure that he's going to get immediate playing time, I think that's dependent on how effective our pass rush is. He has an offer from Michigan State and received a lot of interest from Ohio State for a while. I think we're getting a real player.

Kayaune Ross: If Dorian Baker struggles to make catches, I won't be surprised to see Ross take his spot. Bigger bodied player, but has shown exceptional hands. Should make Kentucky that much more of a red zone threat next season as well. It can't be stressed how important that is.

Kordell Looney: Solid pick-up for Kentucky. For a guy that has only played a couple of years of high school football, if I'm not mistaken, he manhandles people. Shows good explosiveness, has a nice first step. I think he will be a good fit next to a nose tackle like Matt Elam or Kobe Smith.

Asim Rose: Draws a lot of comparisons to TJ Yeldon (only not quite as strong in the lower body at the same stage). Has a nice frame, solid speed, likes to play physical, downhill football. I think once he fills out, potentially gets to about 215 pounds or so, and learns a few tricks of the trade, he'll be an outstanding RB for Kentucky.

Davonte Robinson: We've all seen what he offers. Legit 4.3 speed and standing at a lengthy 6'1, which is solid for a CB today. He has the kind of physical tools that had Notre Dame and Alabama knocking on his door, and as long as the tools are there, I'm more than confident in the ability of our DB's when they have these kinds of physical tools. Stoops has proven time and time and time again that he can coach these guys up to be very good players, and if we retain Ansley to help out, that will help that much more.

I would like to hear what some of you all think about our recruiting class!

 

[oboroCATfan]

That's a good breakdown, Stoops is definitely improving the talent and it hard not to get excited about some of these guys.

 

[Dallas-Wild]

Ross is one I expect to play a lot....keep in mind two BIG RS WR's Richardson and Greenwood.

I was glad we RS these two and I expect them to be big players for UK.

 

[Goingfor9]

Where is our class ranked?

 

[Catfanlou_rivals54997]

Where is our class ranked?

And how many more can we take?

 

[Mr Schwump]

And how many more can we take?

Class is 20th on Rivals and they'll likely take 2-3 more unless they can back count.

 

[TeoJ]

Updated Rivals rankings came out. Figured I would shift the topic from the woes that many are ranting about for now. Let's take a look at a few of the guys who are coming in, their updated rankings from Rivals, etc. Also, I'm interested to hear which players you all think will make an immediate impact next season!

Landon Young - 4 star - 6.0 rating
Tate Leavitt - 4 star - 5.9 rating
Jordan Griffin - 4 star - 5.8 rating
Drake Jackson - 4 star - 5.8 rating
---
Tobias Gilliam - 3 star - 5.7 rating
Kobe Smith - 3 star - 5.7 rating
Kash Daniel - 3 star - 5.7 rating
---
Dakota Holtzclaw - 3 star - 5.6 rating
Roland Walder - 3 star - 5.6 rating
Jaylin Bannerman - 3 star - 5.6 rating
Kayaune Ross - 3 star - 5.6 rating
Kordell Looney - 3 star - 5.6 rating
Asim Rose - 3 star - 5.6 rating
Davonte Robinson - 3 star - 5.6 rating
Justin Rigg - 3 star - 5.5 rating
Benny Snell - 3 star - 5.5 rating
Luke Fortner - 3 star - 5.5 rating
Zy'Aire Hughes - 3 star - 5.5 rating
Gunnar Hoak - 3 star - 5.5 rating
---
Jamar Watson - 2 star - 5.4 rating
Ja'Quize Cross - 2 star- 5.3 rating
Grant McKinniss - 2 star - 5.2 rating

=====

Things to note:

- Of Kentucky's 4 four-star recruits, 3 of them are offensive linemen. 2 of them we have a desperate need for (both offensive tackle positions). I think Young and Leavitt will provide a tremendous boost for Kentucky at protecting the edges. We've been able to pound the ball up the middle against really good teams this season, it was the edge where most of Kentucky's woes were. Having Young and Leavitt will also allow us to move George Asafo-Adjei back to his natural, OG position, and will further strengthen the interior of our offensive line next to Jon Toth.

- We have 3 players who are just outside of a four-star ranking, all of which are defensive players. Bringing in guys like Jordan Griffin, Tobias Gilliam, Kobe Smith, and Kash Daniel will provide depth and talent at every level of our defense. It doesn't hurt that another DB, Davonte Robinson, who was pursued hard by ND, and a player that Alabama has shown interest in due to his length, speed, and athleticism, will also be added to the roster. The future of our secondary is arguably brighter than we've ever seen before at Kentucky.

- I'm very pleased with the talent of those 5.6 rating guys that we're bringing in. Just to take a better look at a few of them:

Dakota Holtzclaw: What a unique physical profile for this guy. A wide receiver, 6'7, 217#, runs a 4.5 forty, and one of the best track runners in Ohio. Rare combination of size and speed. If he can consistently catch the football, he'll find a solid role on the football team. Nightmare match-up for most CB's, especially those sub-6 foot DB's.

Roland Walder: I look at Walder as a less physically developed version of Kash Daniel, yet I do like his size. He's shown the ability to see plays develop pretty quickly, and he uses terrific speed to hit the gap, and lay a big hit. Love his physicality. I think he could develop into a very good linebacker, a place where I'm growing more and more confident in leading up to next season.

Jaylin Bannerman: He was sold on the idea of becoming a Bud Dupree-type player. He's lengthier than Bud, he has that kind of athleticism, and he's starting to physically develop. I'm not entirely sure that he's going to get immediate playing time, I think that's dependent on how effective our pass rush is. He has an offer from Michigan State and received a lot of interest from Ohio State for a while. I think we're getting a real player.

Kayaune Ross: If Dorian Baker struggles to make catches, I won't be surprised to see Ross take his spot. Bigger bodied player, but has shown exceptional hands. Should make Kentucky that much more of a red zone threat next season as well. It can't be stressed how important that is.

Kordell Looney: Solid pick-up for Kentucky. For a guy that has only played a couple of years of high school football, if I'm not mistaken, he manhandles people. Shows good explosiveness, has a nice first step. I think he will be a good fit next to a nose tackle like Matt Elam or Kobe Smith.

Asim Rose: Draws a lot of comparisons to TJ Yeldon (only not quite as strong in the lower body at the same stage). Has a nice frame, solid speed, likes to play physical, downhill football. I think once he fills out, potentially gets to about 215 pounds or so, and learns a few tricks of the trade, he'll be an outstanding RB for Kentucky.

Davonte Robinson: We've all seen what he offers. Legit 4.3 speed and standing at a lengthy 6'1, which is solid for a CB today. He has the kind of physical tools that had Notre Dame and Alabama knocking on his door, and as long as the tools are there, I'm more than confident in the ability of our DB's when they have these kinds of physical tools. Stoops has proven time and time and time again that he can coach these guys up to be very good players, and if we retain Ansley to help out, that will help that much more.

I would like to hear what some of you all think about our recruiting class!

Very nice write up,don't let the doom and gloom boys bring you down.opcorn:

 

[*Bleedingblue*]

My personal opinion is that a few more should be 4 stars.

 

[NCukcat62]

The class is pretty good even though we've had a down year. Hopefully this class will help with the turning point for stoops.

 

[*Bleedingblue*]

Daniel, Kobe Smith, Gilliam, Robinson should be 4 stars and some others like Rose, holtzclaw, Walder, looney should be 5.7

 

[Bluetick2100]

A well timed post.
Nice job OP

 

[K_TIME]

This a very solid (not great class...or as good as class 2 years ago). It is especially helpful to have 4 of the top 6 in the trenches which is where we are way behind the competition...and even more specifically...nice to have two offensive tackles where UK is just plain awful on protecting the edges.

I'll still go on record that Kobe Smith is the best player in this class to me...and most important to UK. We have to keep him at all costs..

 

[SanAntonioCat_rivals376502]

This a very solid (not great class...or as good as class 2 years ago). It is especially helpful to have 4 of the top 6 in the trenches which is where we are way behind the competition...and even more specifically...nice to have two offensive tackles where UK is just plain awful on protecting the edges.

I'll still go on record that Kobe Smith is the best player in this class to me...and most important to UK. We have to keep him at all costs..

Mercy, I remember a few years ago the very thought of recruiting one or two four stars set off celebrations and visions of greatness.

 

[BoulderCat_rivals187983]

My first thoughts are very nice write-up. Thanks for taking the time to do and post that. There are some of us here who do appreciate post like this, especially me who's a big fan, but doesn't take the time to inform myself like you obviously have. Now you've done it for me.

We're definitely improving the talent. The 4 star O lineman seem very appropriate. It was the root of some of our problems though certainly not all. Stoops has definitely stepped up recruiting. It's results from it we want though, not recruiting class rankings. I'm still on board and hoping. Next year is absolutely critical to his tenure at UK.

 

[SmokinGun9]

Great analysis, I like the breakdown of the players coming in. Building a program means we have to have in place a solid redshirt program, Our looks to be about 1/4 done with having to play some of the guys early on. I hope we keep all these guys together and add a couple of surprises by NSD and use that momentum going into spring practice.

 

[seccats04]

Very solid class. Does anybody have any insight on OL Trysten Hill who's going to commit this weekend? Ga Tech is his only decent offer. I know we harped over and over this year that our guys weren't talented enough (don't know if I believe that) so is this guy an improvement over what we have?

 

[How Blue Can You Get?]

Not bad assesment but you are severely overestimating the impact our true frshman linemen will have next year. Uk will not truly compete until we rshirt all incoming linemen. If we need those guys to play immediatly, we are in trouble again. I dont know why so many of our fans assume true freshman linemen can handle playing against rshirt juniors and seniors, which make up the lines of most sec teams?

 

[*Bleedingblue*]

This a very solid (not great class...or as good as class 2 years ago). It is especially helpful to have 4 of the top 6 in the trenches which is where we are way behind the competition...and even more specifically...nice to have two offensive tackles where UK is just plain awful on protecting the edges.

I'll still go on record that Kobe Smith is the best player in this class to me...and most important to UK. We have to keep him at all costs..

He signed his financial aid papers so he is good to go.

 

[Rhavic]

Very solid class. Does anybody have any insight on OL Trysten Hill who's going to commit this weekend? Ga Tech is his only decent offer. I know we harped over and over this year that our guys weren't talented enough (don't know if I believe that) so is this guy an improvement over what we have?

Trysten Hill is being recruited as a defensive tackle. He was recruited to Ga Tech as an offensive lineman, but he decommitted from GT following the big incident of the campus police at GT harassing a fellow commitment (who also decommitted from GT). I don't think that was his reason for choosing to re-open his recruitment, but that's the timing of it. To his credit, Michigan State is also looking at him, and I believe I've read before that Florida was giving him a look, but don't hold me to that second one.

Not bad assesment but you are severely overestimating the impact our true frshman linemen will have next year. Uk will not truly compete until we rshirt all incoming linemen. If we need those guys to play immediatly, we are in trouble again. I dont know why so many of our fans assume true freshman linemen can handle playing against rshirt juniors and seniors, which make up the lines of most sec teams?

When your offensive line is as weak as ours, it will be an instant impact. Reality is, our offensive line is prone to being beaten off the edges, and Landon Young has rare athleticism and physique for his height and weight, and that alone will help Kentucky block against the pass rush. Young is raw when it comes to technique, but he'll learn, as of today though, he has a very high ceiling and the physical tools are immediate impact-type tools against a certain style. Even elite programs let true freshmen play on the offensive line, you see it from schools like Alabama, Michigan State, LSU, Ohio State, so on and so forth. When you get a guy that's near the top 50 of a class, there's a big chance he's an immediate impact kind of guy, especially at a school like Kentucky. Also, I don't think there's much question that Leavitt is an immediate impact player. That's why he's being brought in. I don't necessarily feel that Jackson will be immediate impact, but that's entirely because he's playing behind Jon Toth, who is one of the best centers in the country. As I said, I feel that we'll see noticeable improvement in certain areas of the offensive line right out of the gate, young or not.

 

[willievic]

Great write up Rhavicc. In order to be competitive in the SEC, we must be able to recruit this type of recruits. However, that is only part of the solution. We must be able to red shirt some of these players. We cannot expect a 17 or 18 year old lineman to compete, and beat a 21 or 22 year old man, which is what most SEC teams have as DL and OL. Our Rb's and some wide receivers can compete as Freshman, but most will be greatly improved their Sophmore year, and definitely their Junior year.
The weight program and nourishment program will improve these recruits dramatically. Their bodies will change. I think the program is on the right path, and we will see a lot of improvement in the next two years.
Stoops will improve his game management, and the Assistants will continue to improve.

OLD STOLL FIELD GUY!

 

[kyjohn]

Anyone know how mean these youngmen are? I saw a highlight of Drake Jackson at a camp and he was knocking the hell out of people and appeared to be the type of player UK so desperately needs.

 

[screwduke]

Great class for UK. Anybody care to guess which ones will be redshirted and which ones won't be?

 

[TheBigBlueSpectacle]

When did Kash go from stud ILB to middling 3 star???

 

[seccats04]

Great class for UK. Anybody care to guess which ones will be redshirted and which ones won't be?

We shouldn't need many to play but Smith will be at least in the two deep if not a starter. Hoak may have to play if there are any injuries at QB as we only have 3 scholly QB's including him. Snell and Rose may play because as we saw this year, 3 RB's is not enough (don't know if King will ever play RB). Leavitt is a lock to start and Young may as well. Daniel may play depending on Firios' recovery. 1 or 2 of the CB's may play because we lost Quinn and Tiller.

 

[Brock28]

When did Kash go from stud ILB to middling 3 star???

Some other recruiting services have him ranked much higher.

 

[EZBLUE1]

This a very solid (not great class...or as good as class 2 years ago). It is especially helpful to have 4 of the top 6 in the trenches which is where we are way behind the competition...and even more specifically...nice to have two offensive tackles where UK is just plain awful on protecting the edges.

I'll still go on record that Kobe Smith is the best player in this class to me...and most important to UK. We have to keep him at all costs..

I actually think this class could end up being the best of the Stoops era. The need to play immediately isn't as glaring and they will be able to 2nd/3rd team players and develop. Now, I'm not saying they won't have to play just not playing 50 snaps a game.

 

[Chuckinden]

Anyone know how mean these youngmen are? I saw a highlight of Drake Jackson at a camp and he was knocking the hell out of people and appeared to be the type of player UK so desperately needs.

I heard Chuck Norris is afraid of some of them.

 

[kyjohn]

I heard Chuck Norris is afraid of some of them.

Not the Chuck Morris i know.He is the meanest sob in the valley,and i hope these new recruits are as well.UK needs some mean sobs' not boy scouts.

 

[trueblujr]

Not the Chuck Morris i know.He is the meanest sob in the valley,and i hope these new recruits are as well.UK needs some mean sobs' not boy scouts.

I think some imminent attrition may open up a couple scholarships. I think we remove a few cancers and sign a full class.

 

[TheBigBlueSpectacle]

Some other recruiting services have him ranked much higher.

Good. Whole thing seems a little "he's just Kentucky" to me

 

[Rhavic]

Good. Whole thing seems a little "he's just Kentucky" to me

He's retained that same status for Rivals (which still isn't bad, he's a borderline 4 star recruit). If you look at 247sports though, they have him ranked as a 4 star, top 100 recruit with a 95/100 rating.

 

[Grumpyolddawg]

I actually think this class could end up being the best of the Stoops era. The need to play immediately isn't as glaring and they will be able to 2nd/3rd team players and develop. Now, I'm not saying they won't have to play just not playing 50 snaps a game.

I think it has the potential to be more of a program builder than the other top class he signed. That class was full of athletic guys, WR, RB, DB type kids, and Barker of course. All of those are great gets, but the linemen haven't developed for whatever reason. This class which might not be as highly ranked has more OL who are ready or near ready to play and aren't projects to build. Without the lines, all those fast guys get splattered before they can use that speed.

 

[VikingsCat]

A very solid class and IMO the best class in the Stoops era. Some recruits might not have the ranking we covet, but they have IMO a higher ceiling than previous Stoops classes due to their size and athletic abilities.

 

[DACats86]

Nice post.

 

[KentuckyWildcat4Life]

Answer this who is going to be our QB? Another 2-3 Star who can't run the offense like we have seen since the brooks era?
I don't care who we recruit or who comes in next year because Kentucky will be lucky to win three games next year.
Plain and simple our coaching staff sucks. We don't have a good QB. Its going to be a miserable season of football for Kentucky especially the fans. Watch and see what happens.

 

[Oldtrainer_rivals]

Thanks Rhavicc, solid info!
Wouldn't be surprised to see Tate and true freshman Landon start at tackle. Imo Landon Young is best o. tackle prospect coach Stoops has recruited. May see Big George and Meadows start as guards next fall!

 

[JHB4UK]

Man I hope & pray the returning O linemen along with Leavitt are decent enough that we can redshirt Young & Jackson. then in '17 Jackson can start & be this programs center for the next 4 years, Young can maybe play right tackle opposite Leavitt his senior year, then take over as starting LT for the next 3 years.

 

[JW PRPcoach]

Updated Rivals rankings came out. Figured I would shift the topic from the woes that many are ranting about for now. Let's take a look at a few of the guys who are coming in, their updated rankings from Rivals, etc. Also, I'm interested to hear which players you all think will make an immediate impact next season!

Landon Young - 4 star - 6.0 rating
Tate Leavitt - 4 star - 5.9 rating
Jordan Griffin - 4 star - 5.8 rating
Drake Jackson - 4 star - 5.8 rating
---
- Of Kentucky's 4 four-star recruits, 3 of them are offensive linemen. 2 of them we have a desperate need for (both offensive tackle positions). I think Young and Leavitt will provide a tremendous boost for Kentucky at protecting the edges. We've been able to pound the ball up the middle against really good teams this season, it was the edge where most of Kentucky's woes were. Having Young and Leavitt will also allow us to move George Asafo-Adjei back to his natural, OG position, and will further strengthen the interior of our offensive line next to Jon Toth.
-
I would like to hear what some of you all think about our recruiting class!

I agree 100% about the O line. With Toth, Meyers, and GAA (IMO) we will be solid in the middle. Our biggest need, maybe on the whole team, is OT. Tate will hopefully start at one T spot the second he walks on campus, and if Young can beat out the others, even as a true frosh, you have to play him.

 

[Chuckinden]

Not the Chuck Morris i know.He is the meanest sob in the valley,and i hope these new recruits are as well.UK needs some mean sobs' not boy scouts.

I don't know who Chuck Morris is, but I'll take your word for it.

 

[Rhavic]

Answer this who is going to be our QB? Another 2-3 Star who can't run the offense like we have seen since the brooks era?
I don't care who we recruit or who comes in next year because Kentucky will be lucky to win three games next year.
Plain and simple our coaching staff sucks. We don't have a good QB. Its going to be a miserable season of football for Kentucky especially the fans. Watch and see what happens.

You're assumption is purely frustration-based (understandably so, fans should be frustrated), but right now, we can only count Barker's sample size on one hand, and it was behind an abysmal offensive line to boot.
Drew Barker will be the QB unless Reese Phillips or Gunnar Hoak win the spot (which is very doubtful). I think the QB play was a step in the right direction. Barker hits his intermediate throws. Next year, I have to feel like another year of experience for the starters, and more talented depth at WR will remedy the drops in one fashion or another. Either guys like Dorian Baker will make catches that he should make, or he'll be replaced by guys like Greenwood, Richardson, or Ross.
I would like to see the game management improve as well, I get that, but this thread is about our recruits and I would appreciate it if we kept it that way.