[LeeCoUKFan]

Snodgrass represents at The Opening

Justin Rowland
CatsIllustrated.com Football Recruiting Analyst

Over the years not too many prospects committed to Kentucky have been invited to the premier preseason recruiting events that register on the national stage.

In a sign that times really might be changing Kentucky had two commitments and other targets present at The Opening in Oregon recently. One was quarterback Drew Barker. The other was receiver Thaddeus Snodgrass, who hopes to be on the receiving end of a lot of Barker's throws for the next several years.

"I think I did pretty good catching the ball and running routes," Snodgrass said.

Snodgrass turned in a 4.56-second 40-yard dash time and a respectable SPARQ score that measured his overall athletic testing and performance. His shuttle time was impressive and he generally held his own.

He did especially well in 7-on-7's with two 70-yard touchdown receptions, numerous other catches and a two-point conversion.

All that was against the top defensive backs in his class, so there are plenty of reasons for Wildcat fans to be excited. Snodgrass spoke with Cats Illustrated briefly upon returning to Springfield (Ohio) and the first thing he did was single out several defensive backs that he was especially impressed with.

"Damien Webb and Wesley Green from down in Georgia," he said. "Then Quin Blanding and Jamal Adams on our team. And also Adoree' Jackson."

Snodgrass said he became especially close with Adams, Jackson, Malachi Dupree, Erik Brown and several other quarterbacks and receivers. Many have wondered whether any recruiting would go on in Oregon.

There was a good opportunity and Snodgrass didn't let it go to waste.

"Braxton Berrios was my roommate so I've been on him," he said.

Of course, Berrios picked up an offer from Miami this week. The Hurricanes were his childhood favorite and have generally been believed to be one of the top contenders were they to offer.

"We've still got a chance," Snodgrass said.

The four-star receiver also confirmed with Cats Illustrated that he will be visiting Kentucky on July 19 with many of the program's other commitments from the Class of 2014. That will be the only other recruiting-related event for Snodgrass between now and the end of the summer.

http://kentucky.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1522695