Kentucky’s incoming 2017 recruiting class ranks 29th in the nation and 10th in the SEC. Coach Mark Stoops is looking to build on the momentum from last season’s TaxSlayer Bowl bid and 7-6 record. As is becoming the norm seven players from the class have enrolled early in hopes of getting a head start learning the program. Time now to take a look at Kentucky’s 2017 Early Enrollees.
Danny Clark– Many True Blue Fans are familiar with Clark’s story. He committed to Urban Meyer and Ohio State after his freshman year of high school. After backing out on that pledge last summer Clark quickly committed to the Cats.
He comes to Lexington ranked as the 17th best pro style quarterback in the 2017 class. Barring a redshirt he will push the current quarterbacks for playing time. Clark was featured during Last Word on College Football’s signing day coverage.
Kentucky Recruiting Profile- Danny Clark – https://t.co/GV33GaQGsp pic.twitter.com/ZFqsDpfSTJ
— 🏈LastWordOnCFB🏈 (@LastWordOnCFB) February 1, 2017
Jamin Davis– A 6′ 2″ inside linebacker out of Florida, Davis has a chance to step in and get some playing time right away. Kentucky has had three linebackers leave since the end of the 2016 season. Many think it is due to them being recruited over and Davis certainly fits that bill.
Cedric Dort- The defensive back out of Florida gives the Cats even more depth at a position where they are strong. During his senior season he did not allow a touchdown pass, a first down pass or a pass over five yards. The depth of talent in the secondary should allow Dort time before he needs to make an impact.
Why Kentucky?@CedrickDjr says the future is bright. #FINISH17 pic.twitter.com/ArtxotaHBn
— Kentucky Football (@UKFootball) January 13, 2017
Lonnie Johnson- At 6-foot-3 and 190 pounds the junior college signee from Kansas fits the mold of the big corners Stoops likes. While Kentucky already has Derrick Baity and Chris Westry, Johnson can also slide over and play safety.
Bryant Koback– The lone running back commit in the 2017 class, the 5-foot 11 Koback fills a position of need for the Cats. However he missed part of his season after breaking his leg. When he gets healthy offensive coordinator Eddie Gran thinks Koback can see action right away.
Clevan Thomas– One of seven players from Florida, Thomas ranks as the second best incoming receiver behind JaVonte Richardson. The Wildcats are pretty well stocked at receiver but with the loss of Jeff Badet playing time is available. Thomas has been turning heads in practice so far.
Clevan Thomas Making Early Impression https://t.co/MIMeDHcp2J via @Sportslabs
— Freddie Maggard (@FredMaggard606) March 21, 2017
Walker Wood– A local kid from Lexington Lafayette, Wood led his school to the Class 6A Championship game. However Wood suffered a dislocated knee that included some cartilage damage in the title game. As a result he is not taking part in spring drills.
Wood says he will medically cleared by June 1st. With a crowded group of quarterbacks, the coaching staff is trying to decide how to best used him.
The 2017 recruiting class should go down as the best in Stoops’ five years at Kentucky. These seven players will be pushing for immediate playing time once fall practice arrives.
