Prospective Wildcat Chris Oats Compares to Former SEC, NFL Linebacker

Vince Marrow has won his fair share of recruiting battles. Kentucky went into Michigan and signed the state’s highest-rated overall player (Marquan McCall) and its best defensive prospect (Deandre Square). Currently, Winton Woods LB Chris Oats is considered by many to be a Kentucky lean. Oats sports offers from Michigan, Georgia, Michigan State, The U, and many, many more. Intriguingly, Oats hails from Cincinnati and according to 247Sports has also been offered by Ohio State. Kentucky beating the Buckeyes for an Ohio prospect would be a ridiculous hallucination prior to Mark Stoops taking over the Wildcat football program. I have no say-so in the crystal ball predictions; but if I did….I’d project the Big Dog (Vince Marrow) for the win proving that prospect/coach relationships can overcome in-state preferences. Vince Marrow. Big Dog. Folks, Marrow is an invaluable and irreplaceable leader of the Wildcat’s recruiting program.

Chris Oats is a 6’4, 215-pound linebacker. He also played special teams and hardly left the field. Most, if not all recruiting services are projecting him to play on the edge, more specifically outside linebacker. I disagree and forecast the elite athlete putting on quality weight and strength to become a Mike (Middle) LB. After watching hours of Oats’ tape, I had a reoccurring sensation that I’d seen a similar type player but I couldn’t quite recall the name. I couldn’t sleep last night after watching the Cats beat Auburn so I watched Lone Survivor for about the 20^th time. While in the middle of the movie and second bag of popcorn, the answer hit me right between the eyes; Oats possesses a build (while in high school), instincts, speed, and traits that are eerily similar to former Mississippi State linebacker Benardrick McKinney. My investigation ensued. My hunch was correct, or at least in my opinion. If Oats’ anticipated development goes as expected, he indeed sufficiently compares to McKinney.

Benardrick McKinney

Benardrick McKinney was an All-American inside linebacker while playing for Dan Mullen at Miss State. He was the defensive captain of the Bulldog team that bolted to the nation’s top ranking. Prior to leading the Dog defense, McKinney was 6’3, 210-pound all-state ATH prospect from Rosa Fort High School, Mississippi. He played multiple positions (same as Oats) and was the team’s quarterback and starred on the basketball court. He totaled 2,036 yards and accounted for 22 touchdowns. McKinney grew, added weight-strength, settled in on an inside linebacker position, developed, and flourished in Starkville by finishing his career measuring 6’4, 245 pounds. Oats is also 6’4 which is considered tall for an inside linebacker. He was drafted by the Houston Texans in the second round and was recently selected by NFL.com to the All-NFL Under 25 Team.

Let’s Go to the Tape

Benardrick McKinney at Rosa Fort High School

Chris Oats at Winton Woods High School State Championship Highlights

National Signing Day is on February 7. The BBN could learn of Oats’ final decision prior to NSD or it could come down to a hat trick next Wednesday. Kentucky could be getting a tremendous athlete that I project to inside linebacker. Oats has the speed and instincts to play that position at an extremely high level. Expect an earth-shaking roar from the Joe Craft Football Training Center if and when Chris Oats’ fax is transmitted. This is big boy recruiting at its finest.

[mobile_ad]