Five Impact Newcomers For Kentucky
Kentucky brought in what should go down as its best recruiting class ever in 2017. With one of the youngest teams in the SEC with only 11 seniors, Mark Stoops can afford to take his time with his freshmen. However, there are a few players who could step right in. Let’s take a look at five impact newcomers for Kentucky.
Lynn Bowden
Much has already been written about Bowden on this site and many others. With his comparisons to former Cat Randall Cobb, True Blue Fans everywhere are wondering can he live up to all the hype. From all indications, this is going to be no problem.
The 6-1, 185-pound athlete from Youngstown, Ohio, ran for 2,277 yards, threw for 1,366 and accounted for 57 touchdowns as a senior.
Stoops expects Bowden to play from day one, and they plan to get him snaps all over the field. He will also run the ball 10 to 15 times a game in the Wildcat to relieve Benny Snell.
Simply put, Bowden comes to Lexington as the best athlete Kentucky has signed in the last 10 years. Furthermore, he is the kind of player who usually never picks Kentucky. The Big Blue Nation has every right to be excited about seeing Bowden on the field this fall. Need one more example of his crazy athletic ability, check out this video.
https://twitter.com/H_Huncho/status/831870513983135744
Phil Hoskins
A 6-5, 275-pound defensive lineman out of Highland Community College in Kansas, Hoskins will have three years of eligibility remaining. He recorded 25 tackles and four sacks in 2016 playing all the defensive line positions. Hoskins brings some experience to a position of need for the Cats and will see playing time this fall.
#FINISH17 #BBN @phil_hoskins pic.twitter.com/L8WWzhzIRw
— Mark Stoops (@UKCoachStoops) February 1, 2017
Lonnie Johnson
A 6-3, 215-pound defensive back out of Gary, Indiana, Johnson ranks as the second-best junior college safety by 247Sports. He has the type of size Stoops looks for in a defensive back. In addition, Johnson can play every position in the secondary.
Johnson sat out 2016 to concentrate on academics, so he will have to shake off some rust. While Kentucky is loaded at safety with Chris Westry and Derrick Baity, Johnson is going to see action in 2017.
Check out Johnson’s junior year stats right here.
2018 ATH 6'2 185
Lonnie Johnson @LsLiving_
L.W Higgins High (LA.)
4.65-40 4.0GPA/22 ACT
Jr Highlights: https://t.co/w3iQo4WOwe #hudl— Jo Eddlemon (@justamom48) December 31, 2016
Joshua Paschal
The highest-rated incoming player on defense, Paschal will line up at a number of positions. At 6-4 and 270, he ranks as the second-best defensive end in Maryland and 28th in the nation. However, Stoops plans on playing him at outside linebacker similar to Bud Dupree, now a standout with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The linebacker position is another position of need, and Paschal gives the Cats immediate depth. One look at Paschal’s highlights shows his abilities.
Check out Joshua Paschal's Senior Mid-Season Highlights on @Hudl https://t.co/qGkbDzQ1dk #hudl–Last 1, best 1. Special player.
— Freddie Maggard (@FredMaggard606) January 4, 2017
Javonte Richardson
Kentucky’s biggest deep threat from last season, Jeff Badet, has transferred. Still, with all the returning players the Cats are loaded at receiver.
It is going to be difficult for coach Lamar Thomas to keep Richardson off the field. Rated by Rivals as Kentucky’s best incoming player, the 6-4, 230-pound player from Maple Heights, Ohio played both ways but will play offense for the Cats.
Last Word on College Football did a feature on Richardson on signing day which you can check out here.
Kentucky Recruiting Profile- Javonte Richardson – https://t.co/lAz5j6RqvP pic.twitter.com/s3CqZuUTAz
— 🏈LastWordOnCFB🏈 (@LastWordOnCFB) February 1, 2017
These are five guys who will make an immediate impact for Coach Stoops and the Wildcats. Next time out a look at some under the radar players in the 2017 class.
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