It seems like Kentucky has been searching for a coach who can run the pick n’ roll on the football field since Bear Bryant left Lexington in the 50’s. Sure, there were a few highlights under Hal Mumme, Rich Brooks and Joker Phillips, but for the most part football season at Kentucky has been a mere appetizer for the school’s main course at Rupp Arena in the winter. Mark Stoops is trying to change that.
After a hauling in a solid 2013 recruiting class, Stoops is already working on an encore for 2014. Per CoachingSearch.com, Stoops and his staff recently sent 115 handwritten letters to in-state class of 2014 quarterback prospect Drew Barker (Conner HS, Hebron, KY.). You can get a look at the 6’3″, 210 pound signal caller’s junior year highlights below.
Like Butch Jones last week, Stoops is trying to revive a program that hasn’t been relevant in the SEC for a couple of years. Moves like this show recruits that they’re wanted and that can sway some kids.
In addition, I think Stoops recognized that the state of Kentucky is not a state that’s going to produce an SEC-caliber quarterback every year. Barker could be the only four or five star quarterback prospect from Kentucky that Stoops has an opportunity to recruit during his tenure.
If that’s the case, Stoops has to be on record as having gone all-in to secure a commitment from Barker for next season.
I wonder if John Calipari would be willing to do something like this for Andrew Wiggins…
