Kentucky’s Junior Day impressed all of its visitors, but some came away more impressed than others. Believe it or not, a die-hard Kentucky fan may have been the most excited about his day in Lexington.
In the next few years, the Kentucky defensive-line could be centered around [B]Jacob Hyde[/B], a 6-foot-3, 315-pound monster from Clay County High School. Up to his junior year, he has seen time at defensive tackle and on the offensive line.
Prior to his visit to Lexington over the weekend, Hyde was very high on the Cats. But after the weekend, he may have even got even more intrigued by the Cats.
“The entire visit went really well. It was my first time to have my mother and brother with me while I was visiting,” Hyde began. “My favorite is definitely Kentucky right now. The visit only helped.”
Aside from seeing campus and receiving in-depth tours, the star junior had the opportunity to speak with several coaches, including Rick Minter, Greg Nord, and Joker Phillips.
“I talked with Coach [Rick] Minter, and he told me I would be splitting time with Mister Cobble during my freshmen year. By the time I was a sophomore, he said I would be starting,” Hyde explained.
Early playing time is a big factor right now for Hyde, like many recruits nowadays. But few could have the impact like Hyde.
“Kentucky has shown me a lot of love and respect over the past few months, and I feel like a top-priority. It’s a dream come true for someone that was born-and-raised a Kentucky fan.”
In addition to the other coaches, Hyde has spent most of his time communicating with David Turner; the two have built a relationship that Hyde describes as “really good and positive.”
Hyde will head to Western Kentucky next weekend for their Junior Day, where an offer is expected to be extended.
Mississippi State, Georgia Tech, Louisville, Florida, Missouri, and Texas A&M are among the other schools expressing interest in the Clay County-standout.
A decision could come soon for Hyde, too.
“I would like to make my decision this spring or before my senior season.”
To this point, it looks like Jacob Hyde is Joker Phillips & Co.’s recruit to lose.
Follow Garrett Tucker on Twitter [URL=”https://twitter.com/#%21/GTuckersports”]@GTuckersports[/URL] for more info on Kentucky recruiting.
