Mark Stoops Expecting a lot from J.J. Weaver and Izayah Cummings

Izayah Cummings (Vicky Graff Photo)

As soon as he became the head coach at Kentucky in-state recruiting has been a priority for Mark Stoops.

Certainly he went to Ohio early in his career to bring in talented players but he’s always emphasized bringing the best in-state talent to UK and recruiting coordinator Vince Marrow has helped do a great job of that.

Kentucky has over in-state 30 players on this year’s roster including scholarship players and walk-ons. Stoops has tried to always make Louisville a recruiting priority because he knows the perception of bringing top talent from Louisville to UK spreads the perception that UK has the best program in the state.

Linebacker J.J. Weaver and tight end Izayah Cummings are probably the best players from Louisville on this year’s UK team.

“The whole state’s important to us, certainly Jefferson County,” said Stoops Monday at the UK Football Kickoff Luncheon at Churchill Downs in Louisville. “J.J. has been a steady guy for us for years, as you know. I’m looking forward to him having a really big season.

“He needs to make a big jump, just for him personally. He’s always been a good player for us, but he’s gained weight, he’s worked really hard, he’s had a great camp and I expect him to have a really good season.”

What about Cummings who went from a rising star in 2021 when Liam Coen was offensive coordinator to a forgotten player last year when Rich Scangarello was the coordinator?

“With Izayah, it’s really nice because you saw him two years ago with Liam  as the offensive coordinator. He really emerged as a playmaker for us and a difference-maker,” Stoops said.

“I’m seeing that again this year. I’ve seen him take a big jump. We have a good tight end room and he’s a big piece of that.”