Signing Day mailbag: Answering questions about UK's 2018 class
Cats Illustrated readers and Kentucky fans on Twitter ask questions about the Wildcats' 2018 recruiting class. Here
Scott asks on Twitter, "Of all the players we signed, who do you see as being the surest thing?"
I'm going with an outside the box answer I probably wouldn't have given a couple of weeks ago, and definitely wouldn't have a month or two ago (because he wasn't committed yet): Pinson Valley (Ala.) wide receiver Allen Dailey.
I don't know exactly how good he's going to be, but I would be really surprised if he's not a real contributor on some level. Not only is Dailey a physical blocker with a strong work ethic, but he's played under former college coach Pat Nix and he had the second-most touchdown receptions in a single season of any receiver in the history of the state of Alabama.
That sounds like a pretty good resume to me.
Brad from Twitter asks, "I love that we’re ranked 7 in SEC on Rivals right now, but how in the world is Ole Miss ahead of us or any other team? Do their sanctions have no affect?"
I don't think sanctions have the same crippling effect they used to. They're there, but Matt Luke has definitely done a good job recruiting this class for the Rebels given those circumstances. You've also got the fact that Ole Miss has been recruiting at a high level for a while and that recruiting prestige doesn't just disappear. Plus they're in the SEC West and that's the top division in college football.
Shew from Cats Illustrated's House of Blue asks, "J R, do you think Smoke's speed is comparable to Snell?
Short answer, yes. It's in the same ballpark. I've always said Benny Snell turned out to be faster than I thought it would be. Significantly faster. Usually when I watch a guy's film and especially when I watch a recruit in person as I did with Snell, I have a pretty good feel for his speed. But he just seems faster at Kentucky. I think Smoke's speed is comparable.
Mason from Twitter asks, "Who will fans notice to have the biggest impact this year?"
Max Duffy, Chance Poore and Domonique Williams. They won't be the only guys who play, but you have to believe they will have all the chances in the world. Kentucky needs a new punter and kicker, and there's playing time available for a safety/nickel type, especially an early enrollee JUCO.
Born2RokRupp from Cats Illustrated's House of Blue asks, "Prospect you’re most excited about: GO!
I don't think this question was for me any more than anyone else but I'll take a shot at it. I'm going to say DeAndre Square. He's got to gain weight and because of the depth chart being as solid as it is right now, he's not going to make an immediate impact. But this is a guy with a high football IQ, good length, great closing speed, cover skills and just a unique set of tools for the linebacker position, plus he's at Kentucky already. I'm not saying I think Square is the best prospect, but I'll enjoy watching his development.
Born2RokRupp also asks, "The Prospect no one is talking about that everyone SHOULD be talking about: GO!"
Quintin Wilson. He can play center or offensive guard, left or right, and has a great base to go along with a good head on his shoulders. He's just tapping into his potential. He could be a really nice starter down the road.
Deeeefense from Cats Illustrated's House of Blue asks, in response to our story about Chris Oats and Kentucky telling him he'll start as a second stringer and could challenge for starter's reps, "He says he was told he's #2 on the depth chart, and then below that it says he hasn't been told what position he will play(?)"
I thought that was interesting, too. He will be an inside guy, it seems, either MIKE or WILL, although the potential is there to eventually move outside if circumstances warrant. If you're talking about him starting as a two and challenging for the starter spot, it would have to be MIKE. Now we'll see how it plays out.
James from Twitter asks, "Most underrated player in the class?"
I will say Darian Kinnard, the offensive tackle from Cleveland (Ohio) St. Ignatius. He's a three-star but was a U.S. Army All-American. There are still things he can do to refine his technique and footwork but he has a massive frame and enormous potential. My second choice would be Davoan Hawkins. Both of these guys are three stars but I probably would have had them as fours.