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Posted by prophet (Member # 2089) on 01-29-2008, 05:14 PM:

Once again Brooks and staff will have to do more with less (ESPN):

Kentucky

Signing day storylines: The Wildcats created an early national buzz this fall and finished strong with a win over Florida State in the Music City Bowl. Despite back-to-back winning seasons and consecutive bowl victories, there is not a lot of excitement for Rich Brooks heading into signing day.

The Wildcats currently lack an ESPN 150 prospect for the first time in three years, and with three weeks to go before signing day, their committed class is not comprised of any players rated in the top 25 at their respective positions. Kentucky does have a shot at No. 1-rated in-state prospect, wide receiver Aaron Boyd (Lexington, Ky./Henry Clay), a tall, much needed playmaker right out of Lexington. Boyd would be a huge pickup considering the Wildcats will be low on receiver depth in 2008 and they have already lost out on the remaining top-six in-state talents, not a good sign for a program trying to turn the corner in a difficult conference.

Top prospect: Defensive end Donte Rumph (Saint Matthews, S.C./Calhoun) is a versatile prospect with a fine blend of size, strength and quickness off the line. A solid defensive lineman at this point with a good base and strong hand technique, but he will need continued physical development, improved explosiveness and refined pass rushing technique to make an impact in Lexington.

Class highlights: Along with Rumph, Kentucky has another talented defensive player locked up for 2008. There is some depth at corner but we felt the Wildcats needed to recruit a prospect who could compete and match up against the strong SEC receiver talent. Cartier Rice (Duncan, S.C./James Byrnes) could be that guy. Lack of height will hurt him, but he is well-versed in a variety of coverages showing the tools to play press, mirror in off coverage or turn and stick to the hip in man.

On offense, Deaunte Mason (Nashville, Tenn./Pearl-Cohn) is a legit dual-threat quarterback who could blossom in this spread system with his playmaker, Andre Woodson-type qualities.

Could see the field in 2008: Rice.

Posted by Tiptree (Member # 844) on 01-29-2008, 05:32 PM:

After lifting my spirits with an adrenaline-pumping video in the basketball forum, now you drop me into football despair.

This weak recruiting class, coupled with the loss of our stellar senior class, spells T-R-O-U-B-L-E for Brooks and company.

Oh well, the basketball team promises to improve just as football is poised to tank...

Posted by prophet (Member # 2089) on 01-29-2008, 06:35 PM:

You know, Tiptree, I had the same deflated feeling but I tried to recall the signing of Woodson, Woodyard, Little, Burton, etc., and wondered if the scouts and rivals didn't say something similar. I was hoping for better results of back-to-back 8-5's and a couple of bowl wins but perhaps it's too early. Taking a look at top 25 classes you see programs such as Illinois, Pitt and NC State (not to mention other mentions -- Minnesota, Missouri and South Carolina) and you wonder why UK can't do better.

NOTE: SEC has 6 in top 25 including Gators 1 and Dogs 3.

[ 01-29-2008, 06:45 PM: Message edited by: prophet ]

Posted by Tiptree (Member # 844) on 01-30-2008, 07:08 AM:

Regarding the Gators and the Dogs, it must be said that the class divide between the "haves" and the "have nots" in the SEC widens...

Yes, UK will likely uncover a number of overachievers, diamonds-in-the-rough, and overlooked players in our class. Yet, as is often alluded to on the basketball forum, there really isn't any substitute for loading up on 4- and 5-star players if you want the best odds for success. I was really hoping that our back-to-back bowl successes would improve recruiting, but alas! The jersey still says "Kentucky", which clearly doesn't carry the panache of Florida, Ohio State, LSU, or Georgia.