[LeeCoUKFan]

UK keeping in touch with 2015 DB McGraw

Derek Terry
CatsIllustrated.com Staff Writer

After landing only one player in the state of Tennessee the last two classes (quarterback Reese Phillips), the Kentucky coaching staff is looking to make the state a bigger priority in the 2015 recruiting cycle.

A good place to start could be with Nashville (Tenn.) Ensworth defensive back Rico McGraw.

McGraw claims offers from nearly every SEC school along with powers like Ohio State, Clemson and Florida State. Despite his multiple options, McGraw is still interested in Kentucky's program.

"I'm still learning more about UK, but I like what I'm hearing so far," McGraw said. "I have a good relationship with Coach (Derrick) Ansley. He's been recruiting me since his time at Tennessee."

The 6-foot, 180 pound safety, who can also play cornerback, is still in the process of planning visits for this fall.

"I'm not really sure who I will be visiting yet," he said. "I'm looking at visiting Tennessee and Louisville and maybe some other schools that are close by."

Will UK be included in McGraw's visits?

"Yeah, it's possible," the Tennessee native said. "If I did visit UK, it would probably be soon."

One thing that could be in Kentucky's favor is McGraw's desire to play early and often in his career.

"Playing time is very important to me. I want to come in and make an immediate impact for the school I choose," he said.

McGraw still is wide open to all schools and said that playing in the SEC will not be a deciding factor in his recruitment. . The contact period for 2015 prospects started on Sept. 1. Since then, he has been contacted by UK and the majority of the other schools who have verbally offered him a scholarship.

The Rivals 250 to Watch prospect still has two full seasons of high school football left to play and has room for improvement.

"I excel at leadership. I feel like I'm a good leader and very competitive," McGraw said. "I hate losing. I can improve on playing the ball in the air and getting myself in better position to make the play."

http://kentucky.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1546911