Decommits

[RV]

D-Line
DT - Middleton, Looney, Cross
NG - Pringle, Elam, Dubose, Hyde
DE - Carter, Hoskins, Ke Daniel, Taylor

I think Middleton, Pringle, Carter and possibly Looney will have breakout seasons. Elam is at the very least depth and he and Hyde can be helpful in goal-line or short yardage situations. Dubose has great size with good ability and should start showing it if he is going to. Daniel is in our pass rush sub package and should be on the field with one other 'big' and the Jack and Sam LB's with their hand in the dirt. We should be able to get good pressure with that group. We might be able to add Hoskins (depending on shoulder surgery recovery) and Paschal in that grouping as well. Cross shows promise as a RS Frosh. If Taylor ever plays meaningful minutes I will be pleasantly surprised.

I couldn't be more excited about our incoming group of Paschal, Bohanna, Abadi-Fitzgerald and Whittaker. I would love to see all red shirt but I have the suspicion that one or two will force their way onto the field in some capacity.

[Old School]

Here's an update on kids who decommitted from UK, with info on what they did in 2017.

2014

OL Derrick Kelly - Florida State: 2015, missed most of the season due to injury; 2016, was backup LT to All-ACC Roderick Johnson, who declared for the 2017 NFL draft as a junior and was taken in the fifth round; 2017, entered fall as the second string LG, as a 6'5" 323 junior, but ended up starting every game, some at LT and some at LG.

2015

CB Montrell Custis - Ole Miss: decommitted from UK to go to Alabama, but then was told Bama didn't have a ride for him, and ended up at Ole Miss; 2015, redshirted; 2016, played in 6 games as a second/third stringer, with 10 tackles and 2 defended passes; season high 3 tackles vs. Georgia; 2017, played in most games, though I don't know that he started any, and his stats didn't indicate great contribution.

DB Jeremiah Dinson - Auburn: played as a true freshman in 2015 but was injured and redshirted in 2016. This was the decommit that led to Kentucky landing Chris Westry instead. Dinson was the starting nickelback in 2017 and played in every game, and also played S. 47 tackles in 2017 May play S or CB in 2018.

LB Andrew Dowell - Michigan State - played in 13 games as a true freshman, with 22 tackles, one for a loss; 2016, started 8 games, with 67 tackles (4th on team), 3 for loss; 2017, entered fall as the starter, at 6'1" 221, and started every game, finishing third on the team with 70 tackles (2.5 TFL, 1 sack).

DB David Dowell - Michigan State: 2015, redshirted; 2016, 10 games and 10 tackles as a reserve; 2017, was first team All Big Ten at safety as a sophomore, and was 8th in FBS with 5 interceptions, a record under D'Antonio at MSU. He had 2 INTs, 1 FF and 7 tackles against Michigan. He only started the last nine games in 2017 while ending up all conference, and 2018 may be an excellent season for him. David and Andrew Dowell are twin brothers, and their younger brother Michael is set to join them at Michigan State in 2018.

DE Darius Fullwood - Virginia Tech: 2016, I think was third string as a redshirt freshman, playing in 3 games; 2017, second string at NT on a thin DL, at 6'3" 252, but got up to 282 and played in 12 games. Tech's D line is a jumble going into 2018 and he could end up anywhere from third string to starter, I think. Fullwood probably wouldn't be an answer for UK's interior line at 252 pounds but might've seen time at DE.

DT DaVon Hamilton - Ohio State: entered 2016 as a fourth string redshirt freshman, but played in 13 games, with 10 tackles, 2.5 for loss; 2017, probably entered fall as third string DT, as a 6'4" 300 sophomore, and played in most games, totaling 12 tackles. He would probably be a helpful addition at a current position of need at UK.

OL Luke Hiers - Central Florida: I think Hiers and Wells ended up not having offers from UK; he may have had a second surgery on his shoulder (which may be part of why he didn't end up at UK), and I don't know if he showed up at UCF; I can't really find any information on this former 4* recruit. It doesn't appear he'd have added much at UK.

DE Tyrone Riley - North Carolina State: 2015, redshirted; 2016, I think he started out third string, but he played in 11 games and had 9 tackles; 2017, entered fall as a 6'6" 285 second string DE, behind a likely first team All ACC and potential All American player, Bradley Chubb. He played in all 13 games for NC State in 2017 but totaled only 3 tackles (1 solo) for the year. He could be a contributing addition to UK's DL, maybe.

DE Jason Strowbridge - North Carolina: 4* recruit; 2015, redshirted due to injury; 2016, I think he began as third string as a redshirt freshman, ending up with 12 tackles and 1 start; 2017, entered fall as second string DT as a 6'4" 270 sophomore and played in 12 games with decent stats. He'll probably be an important part of the 2018 UNC defense. He probably would've added something to UK's DL.

WR Alex Stump - Ohio State: 2015, redshirted; 2016, as a third stringer, had a total of 1 catch for 8 yards in a 58-0 win over Rutgers; 2017, transferred to Vanderbilt and will sit out. If he had transferred to UK, he'd likely have a place to lose among the 2018 WRs, given how many will be gone after 2017, and how few will remain with experience. Then again, at this point, who's to say he's any better than anyone on UK's roster. We'll see.

OL Larry Wells - Purdue - I think Hiers and Wells ended up not having offers from UK; Wells didn't qualify academically to play at Purdue, which may explain why he didn't end up with UK. I don't know if he's still playing football. (it doesn't appear he'd add anything at UK)

2016

RB Quinton Baker - Western Kentucky - arrested and convicted of DUI and possession of marijuana, then played in every game, with 542 rushing yards and 4 TDs on the season as a true freshman, second best on the team behind Anthony Wales (Louisville Central) with 1,621 yards and 27 TDs; would have entered 2017 as the starting RB except he got in trouble again. Stoops wouldn't keep this guy on the team with his track record. He dropped to 233 rushing yards in 2017, third on the team, in 7 games.

DT Kobe Smith - South Carolina (after committing to NC State and then Kentucky): 2016, had four tackles while appearing in 11 games as a true freshman; entered 2017 as a 6'2" 297 second string DT but ended up fourth, but played in every game and tallied 13 tackles, 1.5 TFL. Probably would've had some playing time on the DL at UK. Since Carolina starts two DTs and only has two returning, he is a likely starter in 2018.

2017

LB DeMarco Artis - Baylor: committed to UCF, then to Florida State, then signed with Baylor; is in the top 10 of that class, which apparently was weakened by the scandal there. Doubtful he'd have played at Kentucky in 2017; he appeared in half of Baylor's games but with minimal stats to show for it.

DT James Hudson - Michigan: 4* recruit but barely in the top 20 in their outstanding class; came in at 6'5" 294 out of HS. Would've played DL at Kentucky and likely seen significant time in 2017 with a lot of playing time on the way, but I think Michigan put him on the OL and redshirted him in 2017.

QB Mac Jones - Alabama: not in the top 20 recruits in their class; looks to be irretreivably buried on the depth chart. Getting arrested for DUI in November 2018 didn't help and neither did the backup's heroics in the national championship game.

TE Charles Reeves - Pitt: 4* recruit, in the top 5 in their class, came in at 6'5" 280, redshirted in 2017.

RB Michael Warren - committed to Toledo, then signed with Cincinnati as the top recruit in UC's class; as a true freshman ran for 324 yards (3rd on the team) on 54 carries (6.0 average) and caught 5 passes for 57 yards. Probably enters 2018 as the #2 or #3 RB.

CB Russ Yeast - Louisville: 4* recruit, in their top 4 or 5 recruits; started playing five games into the season and became an important part of a defense that didn't perform very well. He also returned some punts.

2018

DT Tyler Bentley: committed to UK, took a visit to Pitt, and I think the coaches may have cut him loose after that. He ended up at Pitt.

WR Jermaine Eskridge: began as a 5* and top 100 recruit; very briefly committed to USF long after decommitting from Kentucky; reportedly had offers to Ohio State, Oregon, Penn State, Alabama, Georgia, LSU, Texas A&M, Florida State, Michigan, Oklahoma, Southern Cal, UCLA, Washington, and several others. Ended up as a 3* recruit committed to Iowa Western Community College.

WR Cadarius Gaskin: announced a commitment to Kentucky in the spring, but the interest did not seem reciprocated. He did not sign with any program yet.

WR Meechi Harris: 3*, committed to UK for a few months, then visited Cincinnati and ended up there.

WR Shocky Jacques-Louis: 3* with some nice offers, committed to Kentucky, then to Tennessee, then after Butch Jones was fired appeared to come down to Kentucky and Pitt, but I'm not sure how interested Kentucky was at the end, and he signed with Pitt.

LB Xavier Peters: 4*, well regarded player with nice offers; announced his commitment but I'm not sure any of us ever knew how sincere or solid it was, and apparently at least one family member wasn't sold on his decision. He ended up at Florida State.

DE Alex Reigelsperger: 3* by most services, committed to Kentucky and it was hoped his teammate Blue Smith would join him; Smith ended up at Ohio State and Reigelsperger ended up at Minnesota.

QB Jarren Williams: 4* player, committed to UK, decommitted, recommitted, picked up some terrific offers, jumped late to Miami.

My take: OL Derrick Kelly, DB David Dowell, and DT Devon Hamilton would almost certainly be on the two deep at UK and might've been starters. DT Kobe Smith, LB Andrew Dowell, DB Jeremiah Dinson would probably see significant time. DB Russ Yeast might too. DE Jason Strowbridge would probably be playing on the DL and so would James Hudson most likely. RB Michael Warren would probably have a place on next year's team. LB Xavier Peters and QB Jarren Williams could've challenged for starting spots and two deep slots in 2018. But, most schools can look around college football and see their former commits contributing elsewhere.

[Uncle Dave]

Thanks Old School, I appreciate the effort. There's quite a few of those guys I'd like to see playing for the Cats. My take on all of this: win some...lose some.

[Lighthouse]

Thanks for the research and report Old School.

[RV]

You da man Old School. Some of these guys were like a fish you stop reeling, hoping it will throw the hook so that you don't have to get your hands all fishy smellin'.

[SBCatMan]

The real loser -- well, i really hate to use the term "loser," but I cannot think of a better one right now -- appears to be Mac Jones. He seemed like a really talented kid, and barring something unforeseen, his football career may be over before it even got started.

[boomdaddy]

The real loser -- well, i really hate to use the term "loser," but I cannot think of a better one right now -- appears to be Mac Jones. He seemed like a really talented kid, and barring something unforeseen, his football career may be over before it even got started.

I agree with that one. Was his choice to make. I wonder if he regrets it. He will have a championship ring for being on the team, but will likely never get on the field for the Tide.

[Brasslock]

We've had some really talented kids at QB that seemed to have all the physical requirements but it just didn't translate to their performance on the field. It didn't help that our OL, at times, resembled a screen door as far as protection is concerned. Didn't help to have receivers at times who couldn't catch a cold skinny dipping in January during flu season. I don't know if Mac Jones would have seen the field here. I will be disappointed if our OL doesn't provide some solid protection for our QB this year. With teams focused on stopping the run, we may have a banner year throwing the ball. It would make sense to me anyway.

[Old School]

Some updates for now; I'll revise everything later when there are more developments to report.

Jeremiah Dinson (2015) was injured again, in Auburn's spring game, and just underwent shoulder surgery. He's expected to be back for fall camp. He had a nice 2017.

Quinton Baker (2016) was dismissed from WKU's team, for "consistent violation of team rules". He was CUSA All-Freshman, as a true freshman.

Kobe Smith (2016) looks to have a starting spot to keep or lose at DT for South Carolina. If he doesn't hold on to it, he's almost certain to be on the two deep and playing significantly.

Mac Jones (2017) was actually the second string QB in Alabama's recent spring scrimmage...Tua Tagovailoa had a hand injury and Jalen Hurts is Alabama's only other scholarship QB.

Cadarius Gaskin (2018) ended up with FIU. I've not really ever heard that he had an actual offer at UK.

[Old School]

Alabama spring game:

Mac Jones awarded spring game MVP, completing 23 of 35 passes for 289 yards, 2 touchdowns and 1 interception.

Jalen Hurts was 19 of 37 for 195 yards, no touchdowns and one interception.

Tua Tagovailoa did not play due to a hand injury.

Jarren Williams at Miami:

Spring game, 9 for 14 for 107 yards and a touchdown

Scrimmage this week, completed 2 of 3 passes for 31 yards, and ran twice for 13 yards

This week, 6 of 8 for 86 yards and two touchdowns in two series with the second-team offensive unit.

[Old School]

Here's an update on kids who decommitted from UK, with info on what they did in 2017 and how 2018 may shape up for them.

Part 1 (character limits on posts):

2014

OL Derrick Kelly, Florida State: 2018, likely starter at LT, ahead of 4* sophomore Jauan Williams, and a viable candidate for All-ACC honors. 2017, entered fall as the second string LG, as a 6'5" 323 junior, but ended up starting every game, some at LT and some at LG. 2016, was backup LT to All-ACC Roderick Johnson, who declared for the 2017 NFL draft as a junior and was taken in the fifth round. 2015, missed most of the season due to injury. He'd likely start at most other schools in the country, but also plays a position where UK appears very strong.

2015

CB/LB Montrell Custis, Ole Miss: 2018, appears to be having a tough time finding a place; was moved from DB to LB where he is probably third string and undersized. 2017, played in most games, though I don't know that he started any, and his stats didn't indicate great contribution. 2016, played in 6 games as a second/third stringer, with 10 tackles and 2 defended passes; season high 3 tackles vs. Georgia. 2015, redshirted; Decommitted from UK to go to Alabama, but then was told Bama didn't have a ride for him, and ended up at Ole Miss. I don't know that he would contribute at UK at this point.

DB Jeremiah Dinson, Auburn: 2018, moves from NB to FS and is the likely starter unless an underclassman makes an unexpected run, despite an injury in the spring game and resulting shoulder surgery. 2017, was the starting nickelback and played in every game, and also played S, finishing with 47 tackles. 2016, redshirted due to injury. 2015, played as a true freshman in 2015 but was injured. Dinson was the decommit that led to Kentucky landing Chris Westry instead. He'd compete for and possibly win in a starting spot in UK's secondary, though I'm not sure he'd have won that spot as a freshman or sophomore.

LB Andrew Dowell, Michigan State: 2018, likely starter at LB. 2017, entered fall as the starter, at 6'1" 221, and started every game, finishing second on the team after the bowl game with 74 tackles (2.5 TFL, 1 sack). 2016, started 8 games, with 67 tackles (4th on team), 3 for loss. 2015, played in 13 games as a true freshman, with 22 tackles, one for a loss. Andrew and David Dowell are twin brothers, and their younger brother Michael is set to join them at Michigan State in 2018. I don't know what his place on the depth chart would be if he was at UK right now.

DB David Dowell, Michigan State: 2018, starting FS and may repeat as first team All Big Ten; he had more interceptions last year than any returning player in the Big Ten and Michigan State's secondary and pass defense are expected to be among the best in the nation. 2017, was first team All Big Ten at safety as a sophomore, and was 8th in FBS with 5 interceptions, a record under D'Antonio at MSU; he had 2 INTs, 1 FF and 7 tackles against Michigan, but only started the last nine games in 2017 while ending up all conference. 2016, 10 games and 10 tackles as a reserve. 2015, redshirted. He'd likely start at UK, or most schools.

DE Darius Fullwood, Virginia Tech: 2018, may have fallen farther down the depth chart at DT, and may not have a build for DT, DE or LB (6'3" 278); Tech's D line is a jumble going into 2018 and he could moe up (or down) but he may not be much of a contributor. 2017, he was second string at NT on a thin DL, at 6'3" 252, but got up to 282 and played in 12 games. 2016, I think he was third string as a redshirt freshman, playing in 3 games. Fullwood probably wouldn't be a factor at UK.

DT DaVon Hamilton, Ohio State: 2018, likely second string DT. 2017, probably entered fall as third string DT, as a 6'4" 300 sophomore, and played in most games, totaling 12 tackles; he has 7 TFLs in the past two years. 2016, entered the season as a fourth string redshirt freshman, but played in 13 games, with 10 tackles, 2.5 for loss. He would probably be a helpful addition to the two deep at a current position of need at UK.

OL Luke Hiers, Central Florida: Does not appear to be playing college football, and may never have taken the field for anyone. I think Hiers and Wells ended up not having offers from UK; he may have had a second surgery on his shoulder (which may be part of why he didn't end up at UK), and I don't know if he showed up at UCF; I can't really find any information on this former 4* recruit. It doesn't appear could have added much at UK.

DE/OT Tyrone Riley, North Carolina State: 2018: was moved from defense to the offensive line for his junior year, where he may be the second string RT. 2017, entered fall as a 6'6" 285 second string DE, behind a likely first team All ACC and potential All American player, Bradley Chubb; he played in all 13 games for NC State in 2017 but totaled only 3 tackles (1 solo) for the year. 2016, I think he started out third string, but he played in 11 games and had 9 tackles. 2015, redshirted. At 6'6" 285 and moved away from a DL that isn't one of the ACC's better units, I don't know what he would do at UK.

DE Jason Strowbridge, North Carolina: 2018, likly second string DT at 6'4" 280, behind fellow 4* recruit Jalen Dalton. 2017, entered fall as second string DT as a 6'4" 270 sophomore and played in 12 games with decent stats. 2016, I think he began as third string as a redshirt freshman, ending up with 12 tackles and 1 start. 2015, redshirted due to injury 4* recruit; ; ; He'll probably be an important part of the 2018 UNC defense. I'mt not sure where he would be on UK's DL or depth chart.

WR Alex Stump, Ohio State/Vanderbilt: 2018 will be his first eligible year at Vanderbilt after transferring from Ohio State; he is a likely starter and will play against UK on October 20. 2017, transferred to Vanderbilt and had to sit out. 2016, as a third stringer, had a total of 1 catch for 8 yards in a 58-0 win over Rutgers. 2015, redshirted. I don't know how he would far on UK's roster, but we'll know by the end of this season. He might've been a starter at UK, or a reserve...hard to tell right now.

OL Larry Wells, Purdue: I think Hiers and Wells ended up not having offers from UK; Wells didn't qualify academically to play at Purdue, which may explain why he didn't end up with UK. I don't know if he's still playing football. It doesn't appear he'd add anything at UK.

2016

RB Quinton Baker, Western Kentucky: dismissed from the team and I don't know if he is playing anywhere now. 2017, would have entered the year as the starting RB except he got in trouble again; played in 7 games, rushing 65 times for 233 yards (third on team, 3.6 average) and 1 TD, catching 9 passes for 91 yards and 1 TD. 2016, arrested and convicted of DUI and possession of marijuana, then played in every game, with 542 rushing yards and 4 TDs on the season as a true freshman, second best on the team behind Anthony Wales (Louisville Central) with 1,621 yards and 27 TDs and enough to be CUSA All-Freshman. His off the field issues would have resulted in dismissal from the team.

DT Kobe Smith, South Carolina: 2018, likely starter or second option at DT. 2017, entered as a 6'2" 297 second string DT but ended up fourth, but played in every game and tallied 13 tackles, 1.5 TFL. 2016, had four tackles while appearing in 11 games as a true freshman. I don't know where he would be on the DL at UK; he hasn't been able to secure a starting spot against interior competition that isn't superb. Committed to NC State, then Kentucky, then South Carolina.

[Old School]

Part 2:

2017

LB DeMarco Artis, Baylor: 2018, does not appear likely to be in the rotation at LB despite Baylor's setbacks. 2017, appeared in half of Baylor's games but with minimal stats to show for it; was in the top 10 of their recruiting class, which was weakened by the scandal there. He committed to UCF, then to Florida State, then signed with Baylor. I do not think he would be a factor at UK.

DT/OT James Hudson, Michigan: 2018, may be the second string LT. 2017, moved from DL to OL and redshirted. 4* recruit but was barely in the top 20 in their outstanding class. He'd likely be playing, and at DL, at UK, but that's speculation.

QB Mac Jones, Alabama: 2018: third string QB but will not see action in a contested game unless Tagovailoa and Hurts are both unavailable. Looks to be irretreivably buried on the depth chart despite being the MVP of Alabama's spring game (23 of 35 for 289, 2 TDs, 1 INT; Hurts was 19 of 37 for 195, 0 TD, 1 INT; Tagovailoa sat out due to a hand injury). Getting arrested for DUI in November 2018 didn't help and neither did the backup's heroics in the national championship game.

TE Charles Reeves, Pitt: 2018: dismissed from team and doesn't appear to have landed anywhere. 2017, redshirted. 4* recruit, in the top 5 in their class, came in at 6'5" 280. A dismissal at Pitt most likely would mean a dismissal at UK, and from a position of roster depth.

RB Michael Warren, Cincinnati - 2018, likely second string RB behind sophomore Gerrid Doaks, who is a potential All-AAC candidate. 2017, played in 12 games, posted 324 yards (6.0 average) and 1 TD as a true freshman (3rd on team) and caught 5 passes for 57 yards. Committed to Toledo, then signed with Cincinnati as the top recruit in UC's class. If Rose can perform as he did in the spring game, I don't think Warren would play much at UK.

CB Russ Yeast, Louisville: 2018, likely starter at CB as a sophomore. 2017, started playing five games into the season and became an important part of a defense that didn't perform very well, starting 7 games and finishing with 23 talkes and 2 PBUs; also returned some punts (3.3 average, long of 21). 4* recruit, in the top 4 or 5 recruits in their class. I don't know where he would stand in UK's backfield.

2018

DT Tyler Bentley, Pitt: 2018, enters as a 6'2" 300 true freshman, doubtful to play much unless he really comes on strong. Committed to UK, took a visit to Pitt, and I think the coaches may have cut him loose after that. He ended up at Pitt. I don't know if he would complete for playing time at UK this year and I don't know how he would fare in future years as a Wildcat.

WR Jermaine Eskridge: 2018, appears to be headed to Iowa Western Community College. He began as a 5* and top 100 recruit; very briefly committed to USF long after decommitting from Kentucky; reportedly had offers to Ohio State, Oregon, Penn State, Alabama, Georgia, LSU, Texas A&M, Florida State, Michigan, Oklahoma, Southern Cal, UCLA, Washington, and several others, at least at one point. Ended up as a 3* recruit. I don't know what issues or circumstances were present. I have no idea if he could compete for a roster spot or playing time at UK.

WR Cadarius Gaskin, FIU: 2018, committed to Florida International, but I don't know if he's on their football roster; he also wanted to play baseball there. He announced a commitment to Kentucky in the spring, but the interest did not seem reciprocated. I don't think he's compete for a roster spot or playing time at UK despite playing a likely position of need.

WR Meechi Harris, Cincinnati: 2018, unlikely to play much unless he's a real surprise. 3*, committed to UK for a few months, then visited Cincinnati and ended up there. I don't know that he'd play this year at UK and I don't know what his future prospects would've been at UK or how the staff viewed him as the recruiting process wound down.

WR Shocky Jacques-Louis, Pitt: 2018, unlikely to play much unless he's surprisingly good. 3* with some nice offers, committed to Kentucky, then to Tennessee, then after Butch Jones was fired appeared to come down to Kentucky and Pitt, but I'm not sure how interested Kentucky was at the end, and he signed with Pitt. I don't know that he'd play this year at UK and I don't know what his future prospects would've been at UK or how the staff viewed him as the recruiting process wound down.

LB Xavier Peters, Florida State: 2018, I don't know if he'll be eligible, or if he has any chance of not redshirting. 4*, well regarded player with nice offers; announced his commitment but I'm not sure any of us ever knew how sincere or solid it was, and apparently at least one family member wasn't sold on his decision. If eligible, by reputation, he'd compete for time this year at UK and in later years.

DE Alex Reigelsperger, Minnesota: 2018, likely to redshirt unless he is better than expected. 3* by most services, committed to Kentucky and it was hoped his teammate Blue Smith would join him; Smith ended up at Ohio State and Reigelsperger ended up at Minnesota. If at UK, I'd expect him to redshirt, and have no idea how he'd stack up in future years.

QB Jarren Williams, Miami: 2018, appears to be one of 5 QBs on the roster and very unlikely to play; was 9 of 14 for 107 yards and 1 TD in the spring game. 4* player, committed to UK, decommitted, recommitted, picked up some terrific offers, jumped late to Miami. I don't know if he could make a run at the job at UK in 2018; I could see him as the starter or 4th stringer or anything in between, and not necessarily at the same point on the depth chart month to month.

[Old School]

Part 3

My take:




The losses that really counted (2):

OL Derrick Kelly, Florida State
DB David Dowell, Michigan State

The losses who may well have been contributors (3):

DB Jeremiah Dinson, Auburn
DT DaVon Hamilton, Ohio State
QB Mac Jones, Alabama

Losses who likely wouldn't contribute at UK much or at all (10):

CB/LB Montrell Custis, Ole Miss
DE Darius Fullwood, Virginia Tech
OL Luke Hiers, Central Florida
OL Larry Wells, Purdue
RB Quinton Baker, Western Kentucky
LB DeMarco Artis, Baylor
TE Charles Reeves, Pitt
RB Michael Warren, Cincinnati
WR Jermaine Eskridge
WR Cadarius Gaskin, FIU

Can't really tell at this point (13):

LB Andrew Dowell, Michigan State
DE/OT Tyrone Riley, North Carolina State
DE Jason Strowbridge, North Carolina
WR Alex Stump, Ohio State/Vanderbilt
DT Kobe Smith, South Carolina
DT/OT James Hudson, Michigan
DT Tyler Bentley, Pitt
CB Russ Yeast, Louisville
WR Meechi Harris, Cincinnati
WR Shocky Jacques-Louis, Pitt
LB Xavier Peters, Florida State
DE Alex Reigelsperger, Minnesota
QB Jarren Williams, Miami

I would guess that at least half of that last group would eventually be contributors at UK and some combination of about half of them would be starters, with a couple of them being stars. There's just no way to tell right now who those might be, other than guessing based only on recruiting rankings, which can be far wide of the mark.

On balance, I would say:

1) I see no evidence that UK loses more kids to decommitments than most other schools, especially schools posting .500 records in P5 conference play as opposed to the Alabamas of the world;

2) I'd say that more than half of these decommitments were kids who would be dead weight or worse on UK's roster at this point, and in many instances, it was the staff instead of the player who decided to part ways;

3) Like all schools, there were some kids that UK wanted and didn't get; it may be that landing a later-lost commitment from a solid prospect brings benefits, attention, coverage that is positive compared to making no such news;

4) losing football commitments to Alabama, Auburn, Florida State, Ohio State, Michigan, Miami isn't something to be ashamed of; it happens to the best programs as well.

[Old School]

Part 4 of 4

UK’s decommits under Stoops are pretty evenly spread by position. In fact, they just about squarely constitute a starting 11 on both sides of the ball.

I would not take the roster of decommits over who UK will field this year.

QB Mac Jones, Alabama
QB Jarren Williams, Miami
RB Quinton Baker, Western Kentucky
RB Michael Warren, Cincinnati
WR Alex Stump, Ohio State/Vanderbilt
WR Meechi Harris, Cincinnati
WR Shocky Jacques-Louis, Pitt
WR Jermaine Eskridge
WR Cadarius Gaskin, FIU
TE Charles Reeves, Pitt
OL Derrick Kelly, Florida State
OL Luke Hiers, Central Florida
OL Larry Wells, Purdue
DT/OT James Hudson, Michigan
DE/OT Tyrone Riley, North Carolina State

DT DaVon Hamilton, Ohio State
DT Kobe Smith, South Carolina
DT Tyler Bentley, Pitt
DE Darius Fullwood, Virginia Tech
DE Jason Strowbridge, North Carolina
DE Alex Reigelsperger, Minnesota
LB DeMarco Artis, Baylor
LB Andrew Dowell, Michigan State
LB Xavier Peters, Florida State
CB/LB Montrell Custis, Ole Miss
DB David Dowell, Michigan State
DB Jeremiah Dinson, Auburn
CB Russ Yeast, Louisville

I'm not sure I would eagerly switch out any current or likely starter for anyone on that list, at least at this point. Once into the season, or a year or two from now, I might feel differently about a position or two. The one possible exception might be the DB Dowell.

[SBCatMan]

I generally agree — not too many serious losses here. However, I think that either Mac Jones or Jarred Williams would likely either be the starter at QB or seriously in the mix. Remember, if we get either of those guys, we probably do not get Wilson. THAT will be a very interesting story, depending upon how it plays out.