Recently the state of Kentucky has witnessed some of its most superb athletes leave the state lines and carry on their college careers elsewhere.
During the most recent National Signing Day, linebacker Lamar Dawson (Boyle County HS) opted to sign with USC; he chose the Trojans over Tennessee, UCF, and in-state school Kentucky.
Also during that time, dual-threat quarterback DaMarcus Smith, a high school standout at Louisville’s Seneca High School, stunned Louisville fans as he chose UCF over Louisville; Michael Fluellen, his favorite target, also recently decided to attend UCF.
And the most recent occurrence is Tyrone Pearson. After committing to Louisville and decommitting (twice), last week the defensive lineman decided with Central Florida.
Overall, UCF has made a dent in the state of Kentucky, and many people will point finger at the Knights for “stealing” recruits (there are other schools, but you know what I mean).
Quarterback Zeke Pike has already committed to Auburn for the Class of 2012, too.
While many fans have exiled the players that have not respected their in-state roots, it may not be the recruits’ fault exactly. At least that is what one recruit native to Kentucky is saying.
This is what an anonymous player had to say about Tyrone Pearson choosing UCF, and not staying in-state:
[B]”The in-state schools (Louisville and Kentucky) aren’t really recruiting any of us hard, so it’s their fault (the coaches) why everyone wants to leave state.”[/B]
Jeffersontown running back DeMichael Jackson echoes those comments, as he expressed his desire to hopefully leave state when going to college in an interview.
In fact, he and teammate Daniel Ross are planning their own visit to UCF this summer together; Ross is easily one of Kentucky’s primary targets in the Class of 2012.
Other 2012 names include Mekale McKay and Anthony “Ace” Wales. These respective four players could match up against any athletes in the state of Kentucky.
However, if I had to bet on it, I would say that two of these players will take their talents elsewhere guaranteed. A third or possibly fourth could easily leave as well.
It all goes back to who is recruiting who hard or the lack thereof.
Until the coaches start stepping up and throwing impressive pitches to Kentucky recruits, the top talent in the state will continue to flock to other institutions, like UCF, Cincinnati, USC, Ohio State, Auburn, and Illinois.
The list of impressive recruits that are planning to leave state continue to grow, and over time more and more coaches will slide into the picture.
If the coaches don’t step their game up like the quote above indicates they need to, Kentucky and Louisville will never advance to accomplishments they desire.
Follow Garrett Tucker on Twitter [URL=”https://twitter.com/GTuckersports”]@GTuckersports[/URL] for more info on Kentucky recruiting.
