Kevin William’s Potential Impact: Immediate and Continuous

Yes, I have a problem. I watched Kentucky’s spring game a couple or five times. My opinion remains constant after every viewing; Mark Stoops is a defensive lineman and third offensive tackle away from being pretty darn good.

As is, 2016 is the most talented and deepest roster he’s constructed. One week after the spring finale, Nebraska grad transfer DT Kevin Williams will visit Lexington. To say his campus and city tours are critical would be a tremendous understatement. I’m no recruiter, but simply popping in last Saturday’s game film into the VCR machine should be all the selling that Vince Marrow will have to do in order to gain his signature.

Apparently, Kentucky is competing with Texas A&M for Williams’ services. In the SEC grand scheme of things, both the Cats and Aggies are not projected near the top of their respective divisions. Thus, comfortability, familiarity, and potential for immediate impact will likely factor in the decision. Let’s take a look at each:

Comfortability

As a proud US Army Basic Training graduate, I can read a map. Lexington appears to be closer to Springfield, Ohio (two hours and thirty-eight minutes’ drive time) than does College Station, Texas (eighteen hours, seventeen minutes). Comforting to young Mr. Williams is the ease and access of I-75.

Familiarity

Williams hails from Springfield, Ohio. Incoming defensive tackle Kordell Looney is also a Springfield High Wildcat. As a true freshman, Looney has the skill and size to also press for clock. To further connect the dots, Springfield High School’s head football coach is Maurice Douglas. The same Maurice Douglas that starred at defensive back for Jerry Claiborne before playing eleven seasons in the NFL. Coach Douglas’ son, Moses received his first college offer from UK. That’s quite a bit of familiarity, but it goes further. Williams’ recruiter, Vince Marrow, was his high school coach and was later with him in Lincoln. Oh yes, and you can add the other twenty-four Ohioans that now call Lexington their football home.

Impact

Immediate, continuous, and constant. Coach Jimmy Brumbaugh needs a veteran to light a peer to peer fire under his current collection. Williams, a former Cornhusker starter, can provide that steady spark. Texas A&M may want him; Kentucky desperately needs him. Colossal yearning difference when you’re talking about just one year of remaining eligibility.

How will this play out?  No clue, but I like UK’s chances.