First Down Kentucky: In-State Prospects Shine at Combine

I’m about to type a regrettable phrase: “2027 recruiting class.” That will be the SIXTEENTH different group of prospects I’ve covered in some form or fashion. It might be time to take this old geezer out to pasture.

Underclassmen are beginning to make their first marks in recruiting circles and a pair of kids from Kentucky did just that over the weekend at the Best of the Midwest Combine outside of Indianapolis.

Zane Johnson did something last fall very few can say. He was the Trinity High School starting quarterback as a freshman. The pressure wasn’t too big for him as he slung the rock (pun intended) for more than 2,500 yards and 30 touchdowns to lead Trinity to their first 6A Title since Bob Beatty’s retirement. During the combine event, 247’s Steve Wiltfong said Johnson had a strong day and showed, “anticipation, strong arm, accurate.”

All class of 2027 QB Zane Johnson did as a freshman in high school was throw for 2,500 yards, 30 TDs, and lead his team to a state title.

This dude showed at the @BOTMWCombine that he can rip it: https://t.co/gk6lnpe1q9 @antoinetaylor08 @matrixqb @ZaneJohnson_3 @247Sports pic.twitter.com/MBPiqRsUbw

— Tom Loy (@TomLoy247) February 20, 2024

He wasn’t the only player that impressed at the combine. Brady Hull, a 6-foot-3 offensive lineman who just completed his freshman year at Pulaski County High School, announced he received a scholarship offer from Eric Wolford following the event. Seneca Driver, an eye-opening athlete from Boyle County, is another name you need to know in the class. Kentucky offered the 6-foot-6 talent a scholarship on Monday and West Virginia followed soon after.

It still feels weird to write about 2027 recruits, but it’s good to know there are a few early irons in the fire from the Commonwealth that could blossom into big-time prospects down the road.

Remember that Kentucky Football Name?

Once upon a time, Kentucky was making waves in the trenches at a Connecticut prep school. They received a commitment from IOL Jadon LaFontant and were a top candidate for four-star OT Matty Augustine. Now the two UK coaches recruiting in that area are gone and each player has found a new home. LaFontant signed with Boston College and Augustine has committed to Notre Dame.

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A Legend Retires

Cawood Ledford is to Kentucky basketball as Eli Gold is to Alabama football. Not sure if that comparison is fair or not, but it is 100% accurate to say that the long-time voice of University of Alabama football is one of the best play-by-play broadcasters in college football history. Tuscaloosa News reports Eli Gold is retiring after calling Crimson Tide football games for 35 years.

THIRTY-FIVE YEARS

Gold’s legendary run began in 1988. He narrated the action for seven National Championships and 12 SEC Championships, including almost the entirety of Nick Saban’s dominant dynasty. A cancer diagnosis sidelined Gold for the 2022 season, and he only called home games and the Iron Bowl last fall. Ending the 35-year run right now feels appropriate, but SEC football will feel weird without his magical voice on the call during Saturdays this fall.

Shane Beamer Stays Online

Shane Beamer has no chill. The South Carolina coach is really begging a rapper whose prime was in 2010 to be his friend. Seriously, Shane?

Can we talk about 🏈 too @plies ??!!

We play your music at practice plenty !!

My man @XavierLegette got me right

🤙🏻 https://t.co/15Q6ZIty2a

— Shane Beamer (@CoachSBeamer) February 21, 2024