KSR Today: It's NFL Draft Day in Detroit

If you aren’t waking up to “Welcome to Detroit City,” you’re starting your NFL Draft Day the wrong way. The time has come for prospects to receive life-changing news from Roger Goodell. It’s a momentous occasion for the sport’s most talented football players and franchises who are desperate for new life.

That applies to no team more than the one currently on the clock, the Chicago Bears. After making a trade a year ago, they’ve been blessed with two first round picks and are on the verge of securing the services of Caleb Williams at No. 1 overall. The Bears spent a season setting up the USC quarterback for success, and it all starts tonight.

The theatrics may begin with the next pick in Washington. Drake Maye was penciled in for the spot long ago but has seemingly been surpassed by Jayden Daniels. The enormous stage has been set for an eventful first round, with teams up top solidified on the quarterback position, even though Daniel Jeremiah predicts six passers will be selected in the first round. We discussed it in detail on 11 PErsonnel, but even if you’re a casual fan, there should be enough fireworks to make for an entertaining night in the Motor City.

A Kentucky Wildcat will not likely hear his name called until Friday when Dru Phillips and Trevin Wallace are projected to be selected. It’s one reason why the NFL Draft has snuck up on the BBN. The bigger reason: there’s a lot happening as both the football and basketball programs construct their rosters for the upcoming season. Let’s get into the latest.

New Names on the Radar for Kentucky Football

You never know when a potential target will emerge when the transfer portal is open for business. On Wednesday morning KSR learned former Kent State/UCLA quarterback Collin Schlee was taking an official visit to Lexington, potentially providing depth as an exceptional QB running option in Bush Hamdan’s offense.

Later in the day, there were significant developments for the Kentucky defense. The Cats lost the original recruiting battle for DJ Waller Jr. After competing with the starters at Michigan spring practice, he entered the portal, providing the Cats with a much-needed option at cornerback. Vince Marrow has the Youngstown connections to make it happen. Meanwhile, we’re keeping our eyes on a former Michigan State defensive lineman, Derrick Harmon.

A Coach Brooks with Another Coach

Before Jon Sumrall helped the Wildcats win 10 games in 2021. Long before he won a couple of Sun Belt Conference Championships and became the Tulane head coach, he was a scrappy linebacker at the University of Kentucky. He played for Rich Brooks, then started his coaching career in Lexington. The two reunited on Wednesday, creating a feel-good image for Kentucky football fans.

So good to see ⁦⁦⁦@UKcoachbrooks⁩ today in NOLA! His impact on me was life changing. I would not be the man or coach I am without his influence. pic.twitter.com/KOOKcWoDMK

— Jon Sumrall (@CoachJonSumrall) April 24, 2024

Kentucky Basketball almost has a complete coaching staff

Before Mark Pope assembles a roster, he needs a coaching staff to help him do it. He’s added a “shark” from Baylor, Alvin Brooks III. After spending eight years as Scott Drew’s top assistant, Brooks is bringing exceptional recruiting pedigree to Kentucky. Brooks joins Jason Hart, Cody Fueger, and former Georgia head coach Mark Fox, who will serve in a non-recruiting role. The addition of Fox was made official on Wednesday.

“This opportunity is extra special because, not only do I get to work at one of the most traditional basketball powers in the country, but I also get to work with a former player and a former staff member who is like family to me,” Fox said in a statement.

Mark Pope makes moves with the 2025 Recruiting Class

The transfer portal has consumed a ton of oxygen, but that’s not the only place where Mark Pope is recruiting. We learned about a few players Kentucky is targeting in the upcoming high school class.

Nate Ament, a top 15 player in the 2025 class, said Pope is trying to “get on as many calls as possible” to cultivate a relationship with the Kentucky basketball program. Will Riley, the ninth-ranked player in America, trimmed his list to five and the Wildcats made the cut. The news from each prospect ensures Kentucky will still recruit the best of the best in the Pope era.

The New Churchill Downs Paddock is Incredible

Churchill Downs is ready to make Kentucky Derby 150 a spectacle unlike any other, and it starts with a new Paddock that’s unlike any other on the planet. One of my favorite places to spend an afternoon, the upgrade has a little something for everybody. There’s more seating for fans, more room for horsemen, and all of the bells and whistles to provide a unique experience for Churchill Downs’ highest-paying customers. Take a closer look and remember, only 9 days till Derby.

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Trivia Thursday at KSBar

There are only two more chances to qualify for the $5,000 grand prize in Matt Jones’ KSBar Trivia Challenge. One of those is tonight. Secure your spot to win big by reserving your table. Give ’em a call at 859-554-6081 and be there when the action begins around 7 pm EST.

Only in College Baseball

There may be a night when a Little League game must be called off prematurely because it gets too dark, too quickly. That happened in a college baseball game on Wednesday night. That’s right, Indiana and Ball State ended in a 7-7 tie because Ball State doesn’t have lights on their field in Muncie. I had to double-check to make sure this was a real Tweet in the year 2024.

Ball State has no lights. The game ends in a tie.

A 12-inning thriller called due to darkness in Muncie. pic.twitter.com/tJmfLtLLQF

— Indiana Baseball (@IndianaBase) April 24, 2024