In each of Mark Stoops‘ five seasons in Lexington, recruiting has steadily improved. That is no more evident in the incoming group for next season. An already great group has gotten even better as Kentucky adds to an impressive 2018 recruiting class.
Returning to the Fold
Jarren Williams, the biggest prize of the 2018 class, decommitted from Kentucky on April 24th and reopened his recruitment. Shortly thereafter, he received offers from pretty much a who’s who of college football. This left Cat fans feeling deja vu as Mac Jones, the top quarterback in Kentucky’s 2017 class, spurned the Wildcats, eventually ending up at Alabama.
To the relief of True Blue Fans, Williams appeared on Kentucky Sports Radio and reaffirmed his pledge to Kentucky. Shortly thereafter, Williams announced his future plans to the rest of the country via Twitter.
— Kilo (@Jarren2Williams) May 15, 2017
The six-foot-three, 201-pound Williams ranks as the 11th best dual threat quarterback in the nation, according to ESPN and is a four star prospect.
A Northern Power Play
Ever since Stoops and lead recruiter Vince Marrow came to Lexington, they have hit the state of Ohio hard. Now they have moved further north invading Michigan and making a huge impact.
Marquan McCall, a 6-4, 320-pound offensive guard from Oak Park, Michigan pledged to Kentucky over Ohio State, Michigan, and other Big 10 schools. McCall ranks as the number one lineman in the state and fourth best player overall. His highlight reel is very impressive.
https://twitter.com/MccallMarquan/status/661982363111596032
Going into Ohio and getting great players is one thing. However, going into Michigan and pulling out a top player is something else all together. Quite simply, these are the types of players who previously would never consider playing at Kentucky.
One more in the Buckeye Pipeline
The third addition to the class is Quinton Wilson, a center out of Cincinnati. The six foot three 290 pound Wilson rates as the ninth best player at his position in the country. He chose Kentucky over Boston College, Cincinnati, and Virginia, among others.
Happy Mother's Day! #BBN pic.twitter.com/ePU6DTzBg9
— Quintin Wilson (@q_wil42) May 14, 2017
As it stands now, the 2018 recruiting class ranks 21st in the country by Rivals and 20th by ESPN. They also have three players in the ESPN Top 300.
Furthermore, the Cats are in the lead for L’Christian Smith, a teammate of future Cat Alex Reigelsperger. Smith ranks as the 29th best player in the country by Rivals, and may be a five-star player when the new ratings come out this summer.
Generally, these aren’t the type of players who choose the Wildcats, but it signals the great strides Stoops and his staff have made.
Of course there are those who mention it is one thing to get these players to commit, but it is another to get them on campus. Bringing Williams back into the fold has been huge for the Wildcat program. The 2018 recruiting class is shaping up to be very impressive. It is also a sign Kentucky may finally be ready to contend in the SEC East on a consistent basis.
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