Updated 2017 Kentucky State Rankings: Meet the Top Five
The most recent Rivals.com National Rankings update was completed last month, but now the complete state rankings are rolling out. Take a look at the top five players in Kentucky, how they got there and where we think they might end up signing next year.
Background: The 6-foot-5, 300-plus pound Wills burst onto the recruiting scene last spring when he racked up offers and impressed at various camp events. But it wasn’t until the Rivals100 Five-Star Challenge presented by Under Armour that he made his case five-star status. He dominated the event, which included several older, more experienced prospects. His strong played continued into the fall and several offers have followed since.
Recruiting: The early race for Wills appears to be between four schools, Kentucky, Alabama, Notre Dame and Alabama. After shying away from trips in the past, Wills has made an effort to get out and take more on-campus visits in recent months.
Prediction: Kentucky. Wills rarely misses a Kentucky home game and the Wildcats signed one of his high school teammates in 2015 and already have another committed in 2016. Assuming there are no major coaching changes, the Wildcats remain the school to beat.
Background: Bentley has become a major name to watch over the past few months, first starring at the Army Combine in San Antonio and following it up with impressive performances at a few other marquee events. Despite being relatively new to playing guard, several schools have taken notice and the offers have started to come for Bentley.
Recruiting: Bentley has seen early offers come in from several schools, with Marshall and FAU probably being his most notable thus far. Schools like Kentucky and Tennessee are showing interest in Bentley, but it looks like Power Five schools will wait to see him camp over the summer before extending offers.
Prediction: Tennessee or Kentucky. I have little doubt that Bentley will add Power Five offers, the question is will they be SEC caliber? If he gets an offer from the Vols or the Cats, expect him to jump on the opportunity.
Background: Wood is a talented dual-threat quarterback, who had the luxury of playing behind a pair of five-star offensive tackles over the past two seasons. The question is, will he be a quarterback at the next level? He has the ability to play several other positions in college, including wide receiver or defensive back.
Recruiting: Wood received an offer from Kentucky and quickly committed last year.
Prediction: Kentucky. Barring any coaching changes, expect Wood to stick with the hometown Wildcats.
Background: Hayes is a talented multi-sport athlete, who could probably have a future playing baseball if he wanted. However, football is his sport of choice and he’s begun to pick up steam on the recruiting trail as of late, with a trio of offers coming in over the last month.
Recruiting: Hayes has collected offers from Cincinnati, Toledo and Bowling Green in recent weeks.
Prediction: Louisville or Cincinnati. The Bearcats have the advantage of being the first school to offer, but if Hayes gets an offer from the Cardinals it could be too hard for him to pass up.
Background: Cleasant is a bit of a raw prospect at 6-foot-2 and 275 pounds, but his intriguing athleticism has caught the eye of several college coaching staffs. Much like Bentley, coaches will want to see a strong camp showing before they’re comfortable enough to pull the trigger on an offer.
Recruiting: Cleasant holds offers from Vanderbilt and Miami (Ohio).
Prediction: Louisville. Cleasant doesn’t have an offer from the Cardinals yet, but it’s tough to see him getting out of the city if once does come his way.