[LeeCoUKFan]

Ties to Brumbaugh could help sway Reed to Kentucky

Justin Rowland
Special to CatsIllustrated.com

Jimmy Brumbaugh has already been instrumental in securing a commitment from one top defensive lineman. Could he help the Cats real in another?

It seems that's a distinct possibility when you listen to Jarran Reed talk about his looming decision.

Brumbaugh was instrumental in helping the Cats to sign Za'Darius Smith, also of East Mississippi Community College.

"Yeah, (having Brumbaugh) helps them," Reed said with a laugh.

Not just because Reed and Brumbaugh know each other well. Reed trusts him as a man and as a coach and believes that continuing his football career under him could help him.

"He pushes you and gets you prepared for situations you're going to face," he said. "So I'm comfortable with him."

Reed's mother, who admits she would like to see her son close to home in North Carolina, also seemed comfortable with the idea of her son following Brumbaugh to Lexington if that's what he wants to do.

"He had been recruiting him earlier from another school," she said. "Coach Brumbaugh and I were just laughing about that the other day."

Reed's official visit to Kentucky is scheduled for Jan. 18, one week after an official to Florida and a week before his official to North Carolina. He's already been to North Carolina multiple times.

Both the Wildcats and Tar Heels would offer him the opportunity to play early. The Florida draw is different.

"I just really like their coaches," Reed said. "They've got great coaches that I have a lot of respect for. And coach (Will) Muschamp is a great guy."

Reed remains committed to Ole Miss but emphasized that he's not necessarily going to hold himself to that.

"It could change," he said. "I don't know how likely that is but it could change."

http://kentucky.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1459018