Mark Stoops stresses need for fit, culture in Kentucky recruits
Mark Stoops has built the football program at Kentucky into a brand that very much fits his image as a coach. That trickles down to the recruiting trail as the Wildcat staff looks to add players that fit a similar mold.
Stoops spoke about the importance of fit with Kentucky’s approach in recruitments during his press conference on National Signing Day. He made it clear that always has been and always will be a noteworthy thing they look for when evaluating prospects.
“I think it’s a very big factor,” said Stoops. “It always has been.”
To Stoops, it’s a crucial factor because he’d rather his young players already be about what they’re about rather than having to teach them the way. It helps them integrate into their building that much better, especially since most players aren’t on campus for as long as they used to be anymore.
“You’re never going to be perfect. I think we always work hard to educate our players and inform them. I think we have to expedite that process now,” said Stoops. “There’s an urgency to teach, develop, and have them understand what we’re all about quickly because some guys aren’t here that long anymore.”
Whatever Stoops is evaluating when recruiting is clearly still working in Lexington. Kentucky signed the No. 25 class in the nation last week per On3’s Industry Team Rankings with 21 total signees. That group includes six four-stars with Brian Robinson, an edge out of Ohio, as the class’s top name.
That doesn’t even include the six transfers from out of the portal that Kentucky has added who also fit what Stoops is looking for.
If nothing else, UK has and has had an identity under Stoops after his 11 seasons in the bluegrass. With those values in mind, he and his staff can bring in those who they feel are the best yet are also quality fits for the Wildcats.
JJ Weaver announces return to Kentucky
JJ Weaver announced last week that he will return to Kentucky for his sixth season with the program.
The native of Louisville, Kentucky shared the news in a post on social media.
“First and foremost, I’m going to keep it short and simple. I want to say thank you to God, my coaching staff and the BBN community. I’m coming back for my last season,” he said.
In five seasons with Kentucky, Weaver has compiled 160 total tackles, 15 sacks, four forced fumbles and two interceptions. He has done so as a mainstay in the Wildcats’ front seven over the past four seasons.