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Friday, Sep. 05, 2008

High profile running back commits to Cats

The commitments continue to roll in for the University of Kentucky following its 27-2 win over Louisville, as Coach Rich Brooks and his staff have added a pair of three-star prospects to its 2009 class.

First, Louisville Central product Ridge Wilson committed to the Wildcats early in the week, then Thursday Kentucky received an out-of-state pledge from South Carolina running back David Sims.

Wilson chose UK over Arkansas, Cincinnati and Indiana. The 6-foot-4, 210-pound Wilson will join high school teammate Mister Cobble in Lexington next fall.

Sims, a 6-foot, 208-pound senior at Calhoun County High School in St. Matthews, S.C., picked Kentucky over offers from Florida, Florida State, Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia Tech, North Carolina State, Michigan, Kansas and South Carolina, among others.

Sims told his coach that he chose Kentucky because he liked the direction the UK program was headed, liked the way Kentucky has been recruiting and because of his relationship with UK offensive coordinator/future head coach Joker Phillips.

Sims’ high school, coach, Walter Wilson, said he has a 3.0 grade-point average.

"I told Coach Phillips that he's real lucky," Wilson said. "This guy (Sims) is a leader. You don't have to worry about him qualifying, and he’s going to be a fantastic college player."

Sims played quarterback at Calhoun County last season but projects as a running back at Kentucky, according to Wilson. Sims ran for more than 1,100 yards and 11 touchdowns while throwing for more than 1,900 yards with 19 touchdowns last season. He also intercepted five passes as a defensive back and returned three for touchdowns.

UK now has 20 commitments and could finalize its class soon as the Wildcats aren’t expected to have the full allotment of 25 available scholarships in 2009.

Kentucky is also reportedly the leader for Ed Hazelett, a 6-foot-8, 270-pound tight end/offensive lineman from Indianapolis Warren Central. Hazelett is listed as a three-star prospect by Rivals.com and Scout.com.