Reviewing The Red Shirts Part 3

I want to apologize for the delay in getting to this installment of now this FOUR part series on the blog. I have been tied down with some things at work and finishing up finals. Better late than never though, so here you go with the part 3 of reviewing the red shirts. Antonio Thomas 6'3 200-Safety Spartanburg (SC) Gettys D Broome High School Coach Said: “Antonio is a late bloomer, a big rangy kid who likes to hit and has the physical tools to play in the SEC,” Farr said. “He’s also an outstanding young man. He brings a lot to the table.” #49 Antonio Thomas Red Shirt Season Evaluation: Antonio Thomas is the former high school team mate and package recruiting deal that came from Spartansburg, SC with defensive end Antwane Glenn. A  nice sized safety with a strong ability to be in the right spot at the right time. Has shown his increasing athletic ability as the season has progressed. Will have to fight Ashton Cobb and others for time in the rotation, but this athlete is a winner who will work as hard as it takes to reach his full potential. Ryan Tydlacka 6'2 200-Punter Louisville (KY) Trinity What High School Coach Said: What a weapon! Anytime you can gain 50 yards with a punt, it changes the game,” Beatty said. “Ryan is a student of the game who improved his consistency this year. He’s also a class kid from a tremendous family, some of the best people you’ll ever meet. UK is going to be proud they got this one.” #9 Ryan Tydlacka Red Shirt Season Evaluation: Tydlacka is a name familiar out of Trinity high school in Louisville, Ky. A family tradition that continues to thrive in the Shamrock program, when you hear the name Tydlacka, you know there is a big time leg involved. Ryan pushed for the punting job this season but was unable to beat out veteran Tim Masthay which forced the red shirt. There is a huge future ahead for Ryan as he can one of best ever to boot the ball for the blue and white. Greg Wilson 6'2 185-Athlete College Park (GA) North Clayton What High School Coach Said: “Greg can be a major factor on defense (at Kentucky),” Shockley said. “He has great range and loves to hit. Mentally, he believes nobody can beat him. He’s a warrior, a fierce competitor, and playing quarterback helped him as a defensive back.” #11 Greg Wilson Red Shirt Season Evaluation: Greg Wilson is an interesting prospect. At 6'2 he is a tall  corner much like current Wildcat standout Trevard Lindley. A serious passion for never getting beat, Wilson displays a true football mentality with a little mojo to go along with it. Another prospect that the coaching staff is very high on for the future. Perfect size for the prototypical SEC corner. Phillip Hibbard 6'7 300-Offensive Line Keavy (KY) South Laurel What High School Coach Said: “The first thing about Phillip is that he is a legit 6-7, 285 (pounds),” Chappell said. “What sold him on all these schools is he has great hip flexibility and lateral movement. We clocked him at 4.9 (seconds in the 40-yard dash). He’s a tremendous athlete for his size. We run a lot of downfield screens and we have so many highlights of him running downfield and making plays. Another thing about Phillip is that he’s only played three years of football. With that kind of athletic ability, his upside is tremendous. I think he’s a surefire SEC offensive tackle and will have a great career at Kentucky.” #58 Phillip Hibbard Red Shirt Season Evaluation: Hibbard is a lineman with excellent size and footwork to become a stellar tackle for the Cats. A very late pickup in the recruiting process, Phillip has the tools to get down field and block with an attitude as well as the ability to protect the quarterback with a long reach and good strength. Watch his development in the spring as he could explode up the depth chart. Jake Lanefski 6'5 250-Offensive Line Mobile (AL) McGill Toolen What High School Coach Said: “The first thing about Jake is his outstanding character,” Powell said. “He doesn’t miss a minute in the weight room. He’s raw, but there’s no telling how far he will go. Kentucky got a great find.” #63 Jake Lanefski Red Shirt Season Evaluation: To be quite honest with you guys I have not heard much of anything on Jake this off season. Obviously by looking at his weight, he needs to add significant more strength to become a factor in the future. At 6'5 though he possesses a good body frame to hold the extra poundage. i Will let you know if I hear anything in the future on Jake. ***Look for Part 4 sometime tomorrow which will finish up the freshman and look at the upper classmen who red shirted in 2007.***