Review: Assessing Kentucky Football Recruiting in June
The days are numbered for the month of June. This week Mark Stoops’ coaching staff is exhaling after seemingly endless weeks of camps, official visits and commitments. Before we gear up for an extended holiday weekend that will be filled with announcements, let’s take a look at what we learned about the Kentucky football recruiting operation for the class of 2024.
A Blue Chip Quarterback Cornerstone
In previous years the showcase camps served as a proving grounds for potential prospects. The duel between WR Jordan Watkins and CB Andru Phillips made for an entertaining afternoon at Kroger Field. Instead of showcasing recruits that were playing for a scholarship, this summer was all about one player already pledged to the University of Kentucky, Cutter Boley.
The Top 100 talent committed to the Cats in May, giving Kentucky some juice on the recruiting trail. Allowed to work out with the coaches during the evaluation period, the Lexington Christian Academy quarterback made the short trek to campus for almost every camp. Not only was he there to test some potential pass-catchers, he was always around whenever Kentucky needed somebody to contribute to their respective recruiting pitch.
Multiple Kentucky Assistant Coaches are in the Mix
Early in the Mark Stoops era, Vince Marrow did most of the heavy lifting on the recruiting trail. In all walks of life, it’s always wise to diversify your portfolio. Marrow is still doing his thing, playing a significant role in landing Willie Rodriguez, but he’s getting help from others on the coaching staff.
Chris Collins was in early on CB Quavo Marshall. Jay Boulware got two players for his position room, RB Tovani Mizell and K Jacob Kauwe. Scott Woodward and Liam Coen tapped their northeast connections to land IOL Jadon Lafontant, while Brad White and LB Anwar Stewart locked up Antwan Smith from the peach state.
Big Swings on Players with Athletic Traits
Kentucky has a type in this recruiting class. We should’ve known. Brad White told us just that a few weeks ago. The Wildcats love big, long athletes. Many of the new guys are either listed as athletes, or are being recruited to play a position they rarely play on their highlight tape.
Most of what you’ll find on film from Quavo Marshall is at wide receiver. Kentucky wants him to play cornerback. Antwan Smith has been an EDGE for an enormous school in the Atlanta metro. He’ll be an inside linebacker at UK. Cam Dooley, a safety target announcing next week, played quarterback and wide receiver for his small school in Alabama. ATH Elijah Groves fits that mold and is announcing his decision this Saturday.
The Kentucky coaching staff is mimicking many NFL front offices by valuing traits over production. With two former NFL guys serving as coordinators, it makes sense. However, it is a big risk. These players are boom or bust prospects. Fortunately, this group of coaches has earned the benefit of the doubt for recruiting and developing talent over the years.
Kentucky Still Looking for a Few More Big Fish
The 2024 Kentucky football recruiting class has nine commitments and ranks No. 43 nationally in the On3 Industry Ranking, which is last in the SEC. Don’t get too hung up on that. As the wise Adam Luckett once said, getting worked up over recruiting rankings in June makes as much sense as fuming over Bracketology in January.
There are some intriguing summer additions to this recruiting class. Willie Rodriguez has some impressive pass-catching chops at a position Kentucky has evaluated well in recent years. Tovani Mizell is a former Georgia commit that will be a versatile weapon out of the backfield. Most importantly, Cutter Boley is the highest-ranked high school quarterback to commit to Mark Stoops’ program. That cannot be taken for granted.
There is a roster building formula that works at Kentucky. Sign a top 30ish high school class, then land some big pieces from the transfer portal while filling developmental gaps on the roster. Kentucky can reach the high school recruiting milestone if they can pick up commitments from one of a few players in the near future.
EDGE Brian Robinson is a consensus top 150 prospect from Youngstown that could give Vince Marrow a big win over Michigan. He’s currently duking it out with Steve Clinkscale over CB Terhyon Nichols, another blue chip prospect. Florida WR Hardley Gilmore could be the second-highest wide receiver to commit to Stoops’ program. All are within reach. Roll the dice a few times and the Cats are in great shape.
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