Stay Home, Big Dog: Marrow is 'irreplaceable' in Lexington

Vince Marrow is as important to Kentucky as bourbon and race horses. 'Recruit and Develop' is the mantra adopted by the Kentucky Football coaching staff. The program's emphasis on both has resulted in a 10-win season, two consecutive bowl wins and Governor’s Cup victories, and an upward trajectory in the ultra-competitive Southeastern Conference. Mark Stoops has gained national attention by identifying talent early on in the process and recruiting his home state of Ohio. His go-to man in the Buckeye state and beyond has been Vince Marrow. Marrow has successfully extended UK’s home recruiting base northward and signed a significant portion of UK’s roster including a plethora of program defining players. Forever connected to the Youngstown native are the likes of Lynn Bowden, Benny Snell, Mike Edwards, CJ Conrad, Lonnie Johnson, and so, so many more. He’s also played a key role in-state by inking a majority of the Commonwealth’s best players. In other words, Marrow is irreplaceable. Sources tell KSR that Michigan State has already reached out to Marrow to be its lead recruiter. Cats Illustrated’s Justin Rowland tweeted that MSU could offer Marrow close to a million per year. Can or will Kentucky match that figure? I’ll go to my favorite phrase here: “We’ll see.” Vince Marrow is much more than a recruiter. He’s also more than an associate head coach, tight end coach, and NFL liaison. The Big Dog is the personality behind “The New Kentucky Football.” No longer selling an abstract dream to prospect, it is Marrow that has reminded the BBN that it’s OK to be good and know it. It’s Vince that isn’t afraid to speak his mind during the Governor’s Cup week and embrace the rivalry. It’s the Big Dog that has sold Kentucky as a “Cool” destination for recruits. It is Marrow that discusses the once impossible task of competing for a Southeastern Conference title. It is Vince that preaches the importance of staying home for in-state recruits and the benefits of their 40-year decision. Most importantly, it’s the man Vince Marrow that is a father figure to so many players that desperately need a role model in their life. Will he go or will he stay? At this point nobody knows other than the man himself. For this, I am sure: Vince Marrow is irreplaceable and his contribution to the Kentucky Football program is immeasurable. Mark Stoops is the best UK head coach during my lifetime of following the Big Blue. Marrow has been by his side since the beginning. The Stoops/Marrow combination has proved to be historical and is on the verge of an unimaginable level of going into the new decade. I’m being 100% selfish with this request but I’m going to say it... Stay Home, Big Dog!