Kentucky stays the course, lands four-star RB Michael Drennen

It is difficult being considered the team to beat for a period of months or years in recruiting. Kentucky found that out over the last few weeks with Dublin (Ohio) Coffman four-star running back Michael Drennen II, but in the end the Wildcats got their man.

MORE NSD COVERAGE: Kentucky's 2020 signing list | NSD Winners and Losers

HOW IT HAPPENED

This recruitment is a lesson in persistence by the Kentucky coaching staff, which gave Drennen his first scholarship offer back in the eighth grade. Tight ends coach and recruiting coordinator Vince Marrow was the primary recruiting contact for those last four years, but almost derailed Kentucky’s chances in the final week when he considered taking the head coach position at Youngstown State. Marrow declined to return to his hometown and was able to deliver Drennen for head coach Mark Stoops. In the end, only Kentucky and USC would host Drennen on official visits, and his choice came down to those two schools. He bypassed the Early Signing Period and had planned to take additional official visits in January, but determined the process was complicated enough with the two choices he was already considering.

RIVALS’ REACTION

I am told this decision was very close and was debated down to the very end. USC certainly had its advocates among Drennen’s family, but in the end the relationships he had at Kentucky were able to deliver this commitment for the Wildcats. In the end Drennen landed over 40 scholarship offers during the course of his recruitment. At times Michigan was considered a favorite and at other times it looked like Ohio State might ultimately end up with the local product. Kentucky, however, was always a contenders and that consistency is difficult to maintain. This was another example of why Marrow is one of the best recruiters in college football today.

SCOUTING REPORT

Drennen is an interesting prospect with a high ceiling, but he missed a lot of time with injury during his high school career. If he can stay healthy, Drennen can provide the type of versatility Kentucky fans have become accustomed to from their offensive stars. Though he will likely never line up at quarterback, like current Wildcat Lynn Bowden, Drennen can be used at running back, at receiver and in the return game. Although he has good size, expect the four-star to be used more like a change of pace back as well as in the slot receiver role at the next level. His best attributes are his overall athleticism and quickness. He has the ability to make guys miss, and that is why getting him the football in open space will be key.