[LeeCoUKFan]

Elam plans Kentucky visit after season ends

Justin Rowland
CatsIllustrated.com Football Recruiting Analyst

Defensive tackle Matt Elam may be the most important prospect remaining on Kentucky's recruiting board and the Elizabethtown native is thinking about an official visit to Kentucky.

Elam has already set up an official visit to Alabama for after the season in December. Some had interpreted that as a sign that the Tide would have a prime opportunity to make a late pitch before his January decision, which would obviously seem to be an advantage.

He told Cats Illustrated this week that he will be taking an official visit to Kentucky around that same time, however.

"That will be after the season," Elam said, indicating that Kentucky is the only other official visit he is sure he will be taking.

Most believe Elam's recruitment is primarily a battle between Kentucky and Alabama with both schools making him one of their top remaining targets.

He recently visited Kentucky for the weekend of the Cats' Friday Night Blue Lights camp and spent plenty of time with all of the current commitments for UK, most of whom he is already on very good terms with.

The coaching staff is also making it clear that he's not just a want but a need.

"What coaches aren't I talking to (from Kentucky) these days?" Elam said with a laugh. "I would say Neal Brown, Jimmy Brumbaugh and coach (Mark) Stoops (are talking to him the most)."

Elam noted that he's impressed with the defensive line talent headed to Lexington from last year's class and the current haul. He also said the staff is making the case that he's the man they want in the middle to occupy blockers and disrupt things.

Elam's most recent offer came from Tennessee and the Volunteers hope to get in the mix as well. He visited Knoxville before spring practice this year.

"Their facilities are probably the best in the country and the coaching staff is real cool. You can tell they want to build a relationship," Elam said.

http://kentucky.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1530327