Mark Stoops said the 2019-20 recruiting class will be his smallest yet

To kick off National Signing Day, the Kentucky football team added four-star cornerback MJ Devonshire to bring their total to 22 in the class of 2019. During his appearance on KSR this morning, Mark Stoops said he was excited about the newest Wildcat and was hoping to sign one or two more prospects today, adding that “that’s really all we have room for” to close out the class.

With 23 or 24 signees this year, it still won’t make for a “full” scholarship class of 25. And don’t expect a full signing class next year, either.

This morning, Stoops said that Kentucky’s class of 2020 will be his smallest yet.

“I’m only going to be able to sign 14 or 15 guys next year,” he said. “We’ll have a small class next year.”

The reason why? Kentucky’s upcoming senior class will be extremely light, meaning the Cats will return almost their entire roster the year after next.

“We only have eight or nine senior guys this next year,” he said, adding that he’ll have to be extremely selective with who he goes after on the recruiting circuit.

Following the team’s historic 10-3 season and a massive victory over Penn State in the Cirtus Bowl, along with a record number of NFL Draft selections expected this spring, Stoops knows they’ll be able to use that momentum to rake in high-level talent.

“We can have as many guys in the country at the combine, we’re still working on getting one or two more in there,” he said. “It can be historic for us, I’m sure it’ll be a record.”

Kentucky’s top draft prospect? Star pass-rusher Josh Allen, who Stoops believes absolutely should be the No. 1 player off the board this spring.

“You can’t go wrong with him,” he said. “He’s the safest bet because of his versatility. It starts off the field, he’s great in the locker room, he’s a great teammate, he’s coachable. He can take it, he can take coaching. Money will not change that young man, he’s going to strive to be the best in the NFL. We know he can rush the passer, he’s phenomenal on his feet, he’s great in coverage. The sky is the limit for him.”

We aren’t going to see a high number of signees next season, but you better believe Stoops and the Kentucky coaching staff are going to swing for the fences with the 14 or 15 recruits they are able to sign.

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