10/10/2014 football Edit

Take Two: Wandering wide receivers

Adam Gorney

Recruiting Analyst

Kentucky is hardly an SEC power, but the Wildcats have certainly turned a corner.

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Notre Dame lost a big-time QB commitment this summer, but gained one this week. Did the Irish come out ahead?

Blake Barnett was recruited to Alabama by Lane Kiffin.

Notre Dame was on the bitter end of a quarterback flip this summer when Corona (Calif.) Santiago's Blake Barnett surprisingly flipped from the Irish to Alabama. It came full circle this week when Notre Dame landed four-star quarterback Brandon Wimbush, a former Penn State commit.

Is it odd to think if both Barnett and Wimbush flipped again, it might be a better fit? Barnett is the top-rated dual-threat quarterback in this class and many people believe he would have been spectacular in Notre Dame's offense. He could run, he could move in the pocket and stretch plays out, he's smart and would have no problem adapting to coach Brian Kelly's offense.

Wimbush is more of the pocket passer with a cannon arm who could run Alabama's offense to a tee. He showed off great skills at the Rivals100 Five-Star Challenge presented by Under Armour in Baltimore last summer. He would have been a tremendous pickup for the Nittany Lions and now could be the future in South Bend.

Both Barnett and Wimbush should have successful college careers because they're ultra-talented and have a lot of upside. But it's interesting to note that their skill set might be best suited if they just flipped schools one more time.

"It's hard to argue with Wimbush's choice to switch commitments, in my opinion. He falls right into the mold of quarterback Brian Kelly has been recruiting since scoring a pledge from Everett Golson almost four years ago now. Kelly wants pass-first quarterbacks with the mobility to, most importantly, extend plays and then run if needed. He's also showing a willingness to run Golson outright. Malik Zaire and DeShone Kizer fall into the same category. Wimbush's combination of arm strength and athleticism gives him a chance to really flourish in South Bend."

-- Jake Brown, IrishIllustrated.com

"Barnett was a big addition to Alabama's recruiting class as the Crimson Tide wanted to add an elite quarterback. First-year offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin has used a variety of formations this fall, which includes the spread, hurry-up offense and no-huddle. Alabama quarterback Blake Sims has been a dangerous weapon in the Tide's offense with his arm and legs. Barnett's running ability makes him a dangerous weapon in any offense. He will also have plenty of playmakers surrounding him, including the nation's No. 1 wide receiver Calvin Ridley."

-- Andrew Bone, TideSports.com

"It's odd that Wimbush is a better fit for the Alabama offense and Barnett is a better fit for the Notre Dame offense. Barnett is a better runner. But I think they'll both be very successful under coaches who will use them and utilize their skills. It's a win-win for both programs. Saban has had good success with quarterbacks and they have a quarterback who can run now. Kelly has been very successful with Everett Golson, who is a shorter quarterback."

-- Farrell