Conversation with UK LB commit Dorian Hendrix

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jMFASq4aadg

He wasn’t officially the first recruit in the 2014 class to verbally commit to Kentucky and isn’t viewed as being a catalyst for other recruits to pick UK in the way Conner quarterback Drew Barker is.

Yet Huber Heights (Ohio) linebacker Dorian Hendrix could have a big a role in coach Mark Stoops’ recruiting success as any player in the 2014 class.

Florida defensive end Denzel Ware was the first 2014 commit. However, he later de-committed and only recently pledged to sign with the Wildcats again. To me, that makes Hendrix the first commit in the 2014 class because he’s never wavered about UK.

When he made his unofficial visit to UK, it was on the same day as Ohio receiver Thaddeus Snodgrass and running back Braylon Heard, another Ohio native who was transferring from Nebraska. Snodgrass later committed to UK and became the highest ranked receiver ever to commit to the Cats. Heard also decided to transfer to UK.

“I do take a little bit of extra pride in how recruiting is going,” said the 6-1, 215-pound Hendrix, a three-star recruit with five-star influence. “I know coach Stoops and his staff are going to do something special down there. I could tell the 2013 (recruiting) class was good and we could build something special with that class. I had talked to some guys before I committed and told them I was really interested in Kentucky.

“When I made my commitment, I knew I could bring guys like Thaddeus Snodgrass, (running back) Mikel Horton, (safety) Darius West and (safety) Michael Edwards with me. Everything worked out that way, too. I also kind of knew from the get-go that Drew Barker would come to Kentucky. You could just tell by hanging out with him in Lexington and the whole attitude toward the spring game that he would be down there and be a Cat. There was no doubt in my mind. I knew we could get all those special guys and then do special things at Kentucky.”

Hendrix, rated the nation’s No. 59 outside linebacker by Scout.com, says the recruiting class gets along “like brothers” even though they have not know each other that long. He says the recruits all make a concerted effort to target specific players to join them at UK.

“We talk to the staff and ask who we need to go after,” Hendrix said. “We play a part in other players coming. If we show them love, there is a higher chance we will get them down there. That’s why the coaches tell us who to go after. You go to camps and see guys. You want certain guys who are ballers and have winning attitudes. The day I committed, I was out there recruiting, texting and letting guys know Kentucky was going to be something special.”

Currently he’s got his full attention on John Hardin defensive tackle Matt Elam. He has Alabama, Kentucky, Louisville, Ohio State and Notre Dame in his final five and doesn’t intend to announce his college choice until the U.S. Army All-American Bowl Jan. 4 in San Antonio. He’ll likely make his choice during the game on national TV.

“Me and Matt hung out at the last Kentucky camp in early June. I’ve got to get that big boy to Kentucky,” Hendrix said. “He’s a good guy and I know he’s a player. He’s legit and had a good bond with us at Kentucky. That’s his home school. I feel there is a high percentage (chance) he will be down there with us. I feel at the end of the day, Matt Elam will be with us.

“If he does do it (make his announcement) at the Army game and he picks Kentucky, that will be a big deal for us. Now or later, he will be a Wildcat because of the bond we have. I talk to (offensive line) coach (John) Schlarman and he says he has never seen a class bond like this, and I feel the same way. We all like to have know and we know we can all play. That’s why I know he (Elam) will join us.”

Hendrix admits he never quite envisioned UK’s recruiting class rising to No. 1 in the national rankings like it has thanks in part of already having 19 verbal commitments.

“I didn’t know that would happen, but the fact it has happened makes everything even a lot more special,” Hendrix said. “We knew we could be a top 10 class and maybe even a top five. We have a lot of guys committed, and we’ll get more.”

Don’t worry about recruits backing off commitments if UK has a difficult season, either, facing what many rank as the nation’s most difficult schedule.

“I hope it doesn’t happen and nobody will de-commit. I am in it for the long haul. To be honest, it doesn’t matter how many games Kentucky wins this year. They may not win as many as they want, but I believe our class can change things up,” Hendrix said. “If the staff doesn’t win a lot of games, I really don’t worry about guys de-committing. We don’t have the highest hopes for this year, but I do want them to win and make a bowl game if possible.”

And what will he add to the team starting in 2014?

“Basically, what I like to do is go all-out. I am more of a speed (line)backer. I use my speed — 4.5 (seconds) in the 40 (yard dash) — and all through the recruiting process schools were impressed with my speed,” Hendrix said. “I like to have fun and knock heads off and fly around to the ball. I would rather play in the SEC than anywhere else. So why not Kentucky? Why not take them to the top of the SEC?”

Great work LV!! UK shouldn't allow anyone but you to interview commits and recruits.

Terrific article.....like the label of his being a "5-Star Influence"

Looking like a very special class is on the horizon. I really like what all the players you have interviewed have said. I am really looking forward to them all signing up and hitting the field.

Thanks very much for the read!