Mark Stoops is at his best when he’s reeling in quality football recruits.
He has been on a tear over the last week, scoring four commits in as many days.
First, defensive back and Georgia native, Jay Ward announced his commitment to Kentucky via his Twitter page. Ward is a 3-star corner back and is ranked 82nd at his position.
Second, and also on Friday, was Taures Payne. The former Northwest Mississippi Community College defensive end recorded 33 tackles and 2.5 sacks last season.
BREAKING: Cats Illustrated can confirm that JUCO defensive lineman Taures Payne has committed to Kentucky. Two years to play two. Visited today https://t.co/cNRff5kh18
— Justin Rowland (@RowlandRIVALS) June 23, 2018
Third was a major in-state grab. Stoops managed to steal away former Louisville commit Demontae Crumes. Crumes is a Louisville native from Butler Traditional High School and is the state’s 10th-ranked prospect.
BREAKING: Cats Illustrated has learned that Louisville, Ky., receiver Demontae Crumes, formerly committed to his hometown Cardinals, has committed to Kentucky. Huge in-state get for Vince Marrow and Kentucky https://t.co/eoOH3YrGHC
— Justin Rowland (@RowlandRIVALS) June 24, 2018
The last one (for now) was the sweetest of the four. Running back and Georgia native, Travis Tisdale, is a 4-star recruit and is 16th in his running back class. With Benny Snell Jr. likely to be NFL-bound after this season, Tisdale could potentially step in to Snell’s role as a true freshman.
Kentucky is still two months away from starting their 2018 season and the 2019 season is already stealing headlines.