Recruit’s commitment launches debate about NIL versus rich tradition and elite recruiting
By Keith Farner
Published:
Cristian Conyer’s commitment on Sunday to Tennessee over Kentucky re-ignited an ongoing debate in recruiting circles in the name, image and likeness era.
At issue is whether each program is on equal footing in terms of resources and priorities with recruiting and player compensation.
Matt Jones, a well-known media personality among the Kentucky fan base, shared his extensive thoughts with several tweets on Sunday about the Wildcats being behind in the NIL era. Jones questioned athletics director Mitch Barnhart’s leadership in the NIL area, as it relates to resources directed toward recruits, and then by extension, assistant coaches and staff.
Russell Smith, a Knoxville radio host on Fox Sports Knoxville, shared a tongue-in-cheek reaction about being on either side of a recruit’s commitment.
“When a recruit picks your school, his decision is always based on the rich tradition of your program, effort of your coaches and the excellent education your school offers. But when recruits pick a rival school…they just bought him!”
Here’s a sampling of some of the reaction:
— Mark Nagi (@MarkNagi) July 3, 2022
#Kentucky isn’t the only program putting itself at a disadvantage — there are two kinds of programs: Those who change with the times, and those who do not. https://t.co/mPs81DX5gs
— MikeGriffith32 (@MikeGriffith32) July 3, 2022
This has little to do with this recruit, Tennessee or any player in particular
All of my comments are about the state of the University’s approach to NIL in general. And I promise you the staffs of the major programs agree https://t.co/hgWcEM9ab4
— Matt Jones (@KySportsRadio) July 3, 2022
Kentucky risks losing a lot of the momentum it has had for a decade if Mitch continues at this pace. I like the guy and he has been an amazing AD
But if things don’t change, I worry about everything from getting recruits to winning games to keeping this staff. It’s just reality
— Matt Jones (@KySportsRadio) July 3, 2022
Tennessee be like… https://t.co/ir3sGAkAk9 pic.twitter.com/Fc7CkdWjTe
— Mark Nagi (@MarkNagi) July 3, 2022
Mark Stoops and his staff have done an amazing job building this UK Football program. They have recruited at an unbelievable level and punched above their weight
But the 2023 class isn’t at the level yet it should be. And Kentucky’s internal NIL restrictions are the reason why
— Matt Jones (@KySportsRadio) July 3, 2022
A former newspaper veteran, Keith Farner is a news manager for Saturday Down South.
