Half of 2011 class played as true freshmen

This is the final installment of a four-part series examining the signing classes for the Kentucky football team from 2008-11. Taking another look at how the previous recruiting classes panned out can help explain where the program has been and where it might be this year.

Below is a brief summary of each player's career to this point. Players are organized into groups according to how their careers played out, then listed alphabetically.

After just one year, it's early to re-examine the 2011 class. But there have already been some changes, and some of the 25 signees have already made their presence felt. Of the 25, 10 played as true freshmen, 10 redshirted, three never reached campus, and two departed the program following the 2011 season. The class was ranked No. 61 on signing day by Rivals.com.

Many of those who played early, especially those on defense, were important contributors as true freshmen. And at least two of those who redshirted are expected to be starters this fall. The class also includes the presumptive starting quarterback on for the season opener. If the Wildcats are to exceed expectations this fall, the 2011 class could be the core of the turnaround from last year's 5-7 campaign.

Still on team

Marcus Caffey: Redshirted as a running back in 2011. Moved to cornerback in the offseason and will likely open the season as starting boundary corner.

Josh Clemons: Physically impressive running back earned starting job early in the season before tearing his meniscus on Oct. 8. Did not take contact in spring practice, but should be healthy at start of fall camp.

Bookie Cobbins: Signed as a quarterback and redshirted during the 2011 season. Moved to wide receiver in the offseason, but missed some of spring while focusing on academics.

Christian Coleman: Became an important player in the defensive tackle rotation as a true freshman despite many more experienced players in front of him. Likely to fill a similar role this year.

Daryl Collins: Wide receiver would have played as a true freshman before suffering a torn meniscus in fall camp. Expected to be a contributor as slot receiver and returner in 2012.

Rashad Cunningham: Big receiver gained nearly 25 pounds while redshirting in 2011, but likely won't be a major player in 2012.

Eric Dixon: Defensive back contributed quietly as a true freshman, played nickelback. Expected to be in the mix at corner and nickel as a sophomore.

Alvin Dupree: Jumbo athlete settled at linebacker in fall camp after signing as a tight end. Had 2.5 sacks as a true freshman and was impressive late in the season. Will be a starter in fall and could be a star going forward.

Glenn Faulkner: Highly-touted safety played mostly on special teams in 2011. Could see increased playing time on defense as a sophomore.

Josh Forrest: Signed with UK as an athlete and redshirted. Listed behind Miles Simpson at the hybrid linebacker/safety position.

Farrington Huguenin: Defensive end reached campus with this class after signing originally in 2010. Redshirted in 2011, but appeared to help himself in spring and could play this year.

Shaq Love: Offensive lineman redshirted this year and will have opportunity to play his way into the rotation at guard in 2012.

Ashely Lowery: Was a contributor throughout the season at safety, but came into his own when pressed into the starting lineup late in the year after Martavius Neloms was injured.

Darrian Miller: Offensive lineman played early and often in 2011. Will start at left tackle as a sophomore.

Travaughn Paschal: Defensive end not eligible to play in 2011 because he played two years of prep school, but practiced with team. Moved to hybrid linebacker/defensive end role in spring 2012.

Demarius Rancifer: Linebacker redshirted in 2011. Likely a second-stringer in 2012.

Demarco Robinson: Tiny wide receiver played sparingly in 2011, but was a star of spring practice and should see an increased role.

Maxwell Smith: Enrolled in January 2011 as a greyshirt. Became starting quarterback following injury to Morgan Newton and will likely open the 2012 season as starter.

D.J. Warren: Was starting fullback in 2011, but playing time on offense was hit-and-miss. Could see an increased role in 2012 as he gains experience.

Zach West: Lexington-area standout redshirted in 2011, but will be a starter at guard this year.

No longer with program

Nile Daniel: Wide receiver didn't qualify in time for fall camp and came up short again while trying to become eligible to join the team in spring. Landed at Garden City Junior College in Kansas.

James Elliot: Redshirted, then transferred to South Alabama after the season. Would have been the backup center in 2012.

Daylen Hall: Played extensively on special teams as a true freshman, but was dismissed for violation of team rules before spring practice. Later arrested in Louisville for striking a police officer.

Bubby Tandy: Wide receiver never reached campus and spent 2011 at a junior college in Mississippi.

David Washington: Defensive lineman never reached campus and spent 2011 at Hinds Junior College in Mississippi.

Map below, compiled by Aaron Smith, shows high school, prep school or junior-college location of each 2010 UK signee. A blue marker means that player is still on the team. A red marker means the player is not on UK's roster.

View 2011 UK football recruiting class in a larger map