Dane Key had an impressive freshman season that could have helped UK’s signing day class. (Vicky Graff Photo)
Kentucky freshmen receivers Barion Brown and Dane Key got a lot of national recognition for their play this season and defensive lineman Deone Walker got even more.
Did that help coach Mark Stoops with recruiting the 17 high school players UK signed Wednesday?
“You never know how that’s going to go. We used to have to play freshmen because we didn’t have guys that could play. Now you have guys that are coming in that are too good to keep off the field,” said Stoops at his signing day press conference.
“Again, the truth is you’re recruiting somebody, it proves to them if you’re the best player, you’re going to play. We have to do that. The competition’s open. If guys are confident enough in themselves, know that they can come in and compete, it shows and proves to them that if they’re the best player, they’re going to be on the field and they’re going to play.”
Kentucky did very well in the transfer portal again but Stoops insisted his program is built with high school recruiting and that won’t change.
“Really feel like we hit all areas of need, some big, strong guys, physical guys on the offensive line. Three more great playmakers at the wide receiver position. Another talented tight end. Really hit some areas of needs out of high school on the offensive side of the ball,” Stoops said.
“Defensively much the same. Just feel very good with the players that we signed. We went really all over the place, signed from Alabama, Ray Davis, Ray from California, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Illinois, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio and Tennessee. Feel like our staff did a good job finishing extremely strong.”
Stoops believes signees Avery Stuart and Jeremiah Anglin are both “good football players, versatile guys” that UK wants in the secondary.
“I like guys that are versatile, intelligent. They have length, they have speed. I think they both bring a lot of versatility,” Stoops said.
