Kentucky Sports Radio
[Moderated by Matt Jones]
[Moderated by Matt Jones]
In the weeks leading up to the UK-UL game, we spoke a great deal about how the game had potential long-term impact for both programs. For Louisville the reason was obvious, as the loss has taken the program further into a spiral and has caused all the boo birds to call for Coach KragCooper’s head. But for Kentucky, there also existed many reasons why the game was of extreme importance. The game could end up key for any bowl potential, stakes the Cats’ claim as leader of the state and gives Micheal Hartline the experience he needs going into these next few weeks.
However even more than any of these reasons, the game was crucial for one reason, recruiting. As we wrote earlier today, the momentum that UK has right now in recruiting in football is nearly unprecedented. With two top QBs, the second rated center in America and a host of three star gems, the pathway is open for top success. And now the hits keep coming. Ridge Wilson of course committed on Monday and now according to a TCP article, we hear that Ed Hazelett, the ULTRA large 6′8″, 275 Tight End (yes you read that correctly) from Indiana is considering committing to UK as early as next week. Hazelett has always been one of my favorites in the class, in large part because of the huge possibilities he would bring to any program. He is tall and relatively quick, which makes him a potential beast at the TE spot, where he could dominate with his physicality. However if he is moved to the OL as some have suggested, his quickness and agility could make him helpful against the new generation of quicker defensive linemen. In short, he gives versatility that is unmatched in the class and would be an athlete like none other to add to the program (and oh yeah, he can play basketball a bit too).
Hazelett is considering UK along with Louisville, Cincinnati, Arkansas and Indiana. That school list showcases what UK has been able to do in recruiting. Becoming a rising SEC school does not require UK to beat out the Florida, LSU or Ohio States of the world consistently. But being a top school does require consistently beating other mid-level BCS programs. And for the first time in my lifetime, that is happening….not just once, but over and over. If Kentucky can find itself ahead of the Big East neighbors (Ville, Cincy, Pitt, etc) and beating out the SEC bottom half (Vandy and the Mississippi schools), while also getting players from the middle teams (South Carolina, Arkansas) and occasionally stealing from the near-elites (Alabama, Auburn, Tennessee, Georgia) then they can be a mid-level power in the SEC…..which would be an amazing accomplishment. That can only happen with recruiting and it is getting done…..which continues to surprise and please me every day.
Ed Hazelett makes his decision soon….and he could be the 20th commitment for UK (Louisville has 6). Never has UK done so well, so soon. But get used to it….I dont see this staff letting it slip.
More throughout the day…..we look back at Week 1 of the Pick Em challenge, look at Norfolk State a bit and other tidbits….
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Bill Keightley Report : Never to be forgotten.
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September 3rd, 2008 at 12:54 am
I love it!!!!!
GO CATS!
September 3rd, 2008 at 1:00 am
Dude seriously. Learn how to spell MICHAEL. It’s not a typo, you do it every time.
September 3rd, 2008 at 1:02 am
http://sports.espn.go.com/chat/sportsnation/rank?versionId=1&listId=16 1#topOfList
September 3rd, 2008 at 1:24 am
I watched Ed Hazelett just Saturday at Paul Brown Stadium. The dude is a beast, but looked lazy at times during the game. But no doubt he could be unstoppable when he wanted to be and would be an asset on the line or out catching passes.
I worked the game for wazoosports.com and video of it should be up sometime later in the week for those interested in seeing him in action. There were 3 games we did that day, and several good players on several good teams had UK on their short list.
September 3rd, 2008 at 2:07 am
That’s killer. That dude is huge. How good is he at b-ball?
Did you guys see Morgan Newton’s stats from last weekend? I may have missed it if it was posted here. He threw one touchdown and ran for three, including one run for 70 yards. 194yds passing and 152yds on the ground. Amazing
September 3rd, 2008 at 5:57 am
Matt you’re right. Coach Brooks has constructed this program from his vast experience and it’s working. Better than some thought it would. Better than some younger Coach on the rise with little experience and a gimmick that everyone buys into at first. Barnhart deserves praise for his pick in (experience) Brooks.
You never know once we are out of the pits and have reached the plateau we may raise even further. Let’s not get ahead of ourselves; this team still has a lot of work to do. A lesson from the Ville who had ‘road to BCS’ painted on the weight room walls.
September 3rd, 2008 at 8:14 am
CATS leave Alabama 5-0
September 3rd, 2008 at 8:19 am
In this picture above the person taking it said, “hey Ed your arm you’re hit your bleeding man..to which Ed replied “I aint got time to bleed.”
September 3rd, 2008 at 8:56 am
Consider also that by nearly wrapping up this class it gives the staff more time to evaluate HS jrs and sophs. Bound to pay off in the future.
September 3rd, 2008 at 8:58 am
#2- You sound upset. I’m guessing that either your name is MICHEAL (haha) or you are a fourth grade English teacher.
September 3rd, 2008 at 9:18 am
That’s not Hazelett, that John X. Haliburton!
September 3rd, 2008 at 9:22 am
I gotta say. A few years ago I did not think the Old man was right for the job. I honestly thought of him as filler to get through probation. Now, I have a man-crush on gramps! I wanna be him when I grow up!
September 3rd, 2008 at 9:29 am
UK vs SOUTH CAROLINA
MOVED TO THURSDAY NIGHT ESPN MATCHUP!
September 3rd, 2008 at 9:33 am
Darn! I was coming from Chicago for that South Carolina game!
September 3rd, 2008 at 9:37 am
drewky, where did you see this? UKathletics.com still has the
11th.
September 3rd, 2008 at 9:39 am
6′8” 275 lbs??? Good God, the kid is a BEAST! The only thing that would make that giant frame better is some blue and white.
September 3rd, 2008 at 9:40 am
13) ESPN’S schedule right now has Clemson v. Wake; where did you see that?
September 3rd, 2008 at 9:53 am
heard it from a cocks fan. he said he got an email from someone at USCe. we’ll see.
September 3rd, 2008 at 11:51 am
Ky doesnt play on Thursday nites at home, never have never will