[LeeCoUKFan]

UK spring game atmosphere stands out to Walker

Justin Rowland
Special to CatsIllustrated.com

Kobie Walker hails from one of the nation's top prep football factors in Olney (Md.) Our Lady of Good Counsel, but that's a school and a region the Wildcats have not successfully recruited. He could help change that.

The 6-foot-4, 200-pound athlete is being recruited by most schools as either a strong safety or an outside linebacker, and Walker is okay with either option. Kentucky likes him as a Sam linebacker, a role he told Cats Illustrated that he would feel comfortable in.

Walker visited UK for the first time over the weekend and was blown away by the atmosphere at the spring game.

"They're higher (than they were), definitely," Walker said. "They're in the top three, I'd say. I have a top five right now. Boston College, Kentucky, Miami, Oklahoma State and West Virginia. I'd say Kentucky would be in the top three. They're very high."

The fans were a big reason for that.

"The fans, I mean, 50,000-plus at a spring game? I'm sure that's pretty big," he said. "I also enjoyed meeting with some of the other recruits and kids that had committed. I really enjoyed myself there a lot.

"It was a really nice trip overall. Man, I was really surprised at everything I saw. I had a great time. Kentucky shows you a lot of love. The whole time I was there they showed me a lot of love."

Erik Korem's sports science program and presentation were also highlights of the trip for Walker.

"I didn't know about half the stuff they were telling me about," he said.

Of Walker's other favorites he has visited only West Virginia but he's hoping to hit the road and check out more schools over the summer. He does not have a timetable for when he would like to make his decision.

Walker is another example of a safety prospect that Kentucky is recruiting to play linebacker, evidence that the Wildcats are looking for more speed and athleticism at the position.

http://kentucky.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1495630