Kentucky dominates in-state scene

[WildcatRick]

More than anything else, the one thing Rich Brooks felt Kentucky lacked when he took over the program five years ago was speed.

The Wildcats might not be at the level of fellow Southeastern Conference schools Florida or Georgia, but Brooks thinks his surging program is making inroads, calling the 20 players who signed a letter of intent to play for Kentucky on Wednesday the fastest class he's brought to Lexington.

"I think it continues to bring us to SEC levels in speed and athletic ability," Brooks said.

Coming off consecutive Music City Bowl victories also opened some doors that were previously closed to the Wildcats.

"The bowls have shown that if you come to Kentucky, it's not going to be hopeless," he said. "By winning, we've eliminated some of the negatives said about our program."

http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=348115

[WildcatRick]

More than anything else, the thing football coach Rich Brooks felt Kentucky lacked when he took over the program was speed.

The Wildcats might not be at the level of Florida or Georgia, but Brooks thinks his surging program is making progress.

He calls the 20 players who signed letters-of-intent on Wednesday to play for Kentucky the fastest class he's brought to Lexington.

The Wildcats' signees include five players from Kentucky.

Louisville's 22 signees included eight junior college transfers, and had more players from Texas than Kentucky.

http://www.newschannel5.com/Global/story.asp?S=7834848

[sardiscat]

I only hope that UL's recruiting foray into Texas produces the same results for them that it did for UK when Mumme did it.

[WildcatRick]

It is a class that is lacking the star power that recruiting services salivate over, but Rich Brooks addressed some key needs as the University of Kentucky announced its signings Wednesday.

With holes at wide receiver and in the secondary, Brooks and his staff addressed those needs as well as adding plenty of linemen.

"As you know, five years ago one of my greatest statements was that what our team needed was speed. This class has a lot of that in it," Brooks said. "We also have some good linemen that are faster than a lot of our linemen that we've brought in before. They are also in the athletic category. There are a lot of guys who play defensive and offensive line at the high school level. Some of them have five-flat-or-under speed that are big men. That's a step forward for us as well."

UK's biggest catch came early Wednesday when Lexington Henry Clay's Aaron Boyd announced that he had selected the Wildcats over Oregon. Boyd, a 6-foot-5 wide receiver, is rated as the top prospect in Kentucky by Rivals.com and Scout.com and is the brother of former UK quarterback Shane Boyd. As a senior, Boyd caught 55 passes for 1,157 yards and 15 touchdowns.

http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080207/SPT0104/802070410/1062/SPT

[poodoo]

Thanks for all the links, WildcatRick.

Too, like Coach Brooks, I especially like that we have added a lot of speed. SPEED KILLS in football. :) GO CATS! GO COACH BROOKS!

[jkeller]

Half the Rivals top ten for the state are coming to UK, with only one going to UL. I think we'll do well if we continue going after and getting the top in state talent, because they will play with more pride for their home team. Also, it's nice stealing kids from UL's backyard. I think they shot themselves in the foot with in state kids with the way they treated Durham last year.

[boomdaddy]

The best player of the whole class may very well be Wintson Guy. I am as excited to have this kid, with blazing speed and ability to play any position, as any of the other signees.

[Matt Dillon]

Half the Rivals top ten for the state are coming to UK, with only one going to UL. I think we'll do well if we continue going after and getting the top in state talent, because they will play with more pride for their home team. Also, it's nice stealing kids from UL's backyard. I think they shot themselves in the foot with in state kids with the way they treated Durham last year.

Their treatment of Durham certainly didn't help their cause in my opinion. Also, they had a down season last year, while we're on the upswing. In my opinion, our winning ways have helped as much as anything. State pride not withstanding, recruits want to play for a winner.