Deep dive: New UK commit K.D. McDaniel

Cats Illustrated first alluded to the looming commitment, now made public, of K.D. McDaniel, the 6-foot-2, 227-pound outside linebacker from Georgia who visited over the weekend.

Now we've got much more in the way of details on the three-star prospect.

Playing History

McDaniel has played a lot of linebacker throughout his high school career. But last year, McDaniel told Cats Illustrated, he switched to more of a defensive end/outside linebacker hybrid and then primarily a defensive end.

He registered 104 tackles and 10 sacks for a team that finished the year 11-2.

How He Projects

Kentucky's coaches spent a lot of time talking to McDaniel during his junior day visit over the weekend. New assistant coach Brad White is going to be his position coach. McDaniel knows that much. But it's not yet clear to McDaniel exactly what position he will play. He did speculate that he might get a shot at the Jack position, but all bets are off at this point. He could also be a 'SAM' and could even, potentially, get a look at one of the two inside positions.

Scouting McDaniel

McDaniel told Cats Illustrated that he prides himself on not just being a one tricky pony. In other words, he's comfortable playing the inside run in the box but he also feels like he has the range and athleticism to run and make plays sideline to sideline.

Furthermore, McDaniel said he measured 6-foot-2, 227 pounds at Kentucky, meaning his listed profile height and weight are legitimate. More impressive, McDaniel said he measured an 88 inch wingspan. That's elite length.

Recruiting History

McDaniel has offers from South Carolina, Central Florida, South Florida and several others. But after his visit to Kentucky over the weekend, his recruitment effectively ended. He told Cats Illustrated late Sunday night that he planned on committing to Kentucky. The biggest factor was his relationship with the coaching staff. McDaniel said he has absolute trust in the staff and is leaning heavily on his relationship with those coaches. He built a strong relationship with several of the defensive coaches in Lexington.

Why He Matters

Kentucky needs to replenish its linebacking corps. The losses after the 2018 season will be heavy. Fortunately, the coaching staff has worked hard well in advance of now to build some quality younger depth, but the youth movement will take a year or two so any additional help is significant.

On top of that, McDaniel told Cats Illustrated, "I look forward to signing with them," and said he will not reopen his recruitment at any point. McDaniel is not sure whether he will be an early enrollee.