[LeeCoUKFan]

Florida athlete likes that UK is building

Justin Rowland
Special to CatsIllustrated.com

St. Petersburg (Fla.) Northeast athlete Ryan Davis is emerging as one of Kentucky's top 2015 prospects from the state of Florida.

The 5-foot-10, 157-pound prospect has had offers from Kentucky, Vanderbilt and Arizona for a few weeks but this week when Cats Illustrated reached him he also claimed offers from Florida State and USF.

Davis hasn't visited any schools or camped anywhere this summer but he and his 7-on-7 team did win a national championship at a Tampa tournament.

So far an in-state school has impressed him more than anyone else.

"I like Florida State a lot," Davis said. "I'm not going to say they're my favorite but they're very high on my list. I don't really have a top (school) but they would be the highest on my list.

"It's that they're just winning and always competing for a national championship every year. As a football player I like to win. Academics are good but you can get academics at any college. It's a family-oriented and a really good program."

It's been a little while since Davis has been in contact with anyone from the Kentucky staff but he likes what he knows about the Wildcats.

"I like them a lot because they're trying to build a powerhouse for themselves in the SEC. They play teams that are real good and I love that about the SEC," Davis said. "It's kind of like Vandy. Vanderbilt has real high academics and they can put you in a good place for after school."

Arizona doesn't seem to be as much of an option because of the distance from home. That's something that Davis and his parents have discussed.

One factor that could work in UK's favor is style of play.

"That's kinda a big factor for me because I'm a small guy. I'm not that tall and most people want to see me in open space," he said. "I can show what I can do in space. In a pro-style offense you might have a big tight end and a big 6-5 receiver on the outside. You don't show a slot guy as often."

http://kentucky.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1522299