2013 Recruiting: No. 1 QB, four-star WR both set to visit Mark Stoops, Kentucky over weekend

kentuckygamedayr | January 11, 2013 at 12:21 pm | 3 Comments

Kentucky Wildcats head coach Mark Stoops spoke to reporters during a press conference at the Nutter Field House. (Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports)

Newly hired Kentucky head coach Mark Stoops came over after spending time as the Florida State defensive coordinator. He turned one of the nation’s worst defensive units into one of the country’s best not only through his work with the X’s and O’s of the game, but by recruiting some of the top talent in the nation to take the field in Tallahassee.

Finally, after taking the necessary time to lock down several of former coach Joker Phillips’ commits and putting together his coaching staff, Stoops has the opportunity to make a huge splash in the recruiting world on his own.

On Saturday, the nation’s No. 1 dual-threat quarterback, Asiantii Woulard, and four-star wide receiver Ra’Shaad Samples are both set to visit Lexington to take in Stoops’ sales pitch.

Wouldard, a Florida native, had originally committed to South Florida, but withdrew following the firing of Skip Holtz. He has visited with the Bulls’ new coach, Willie Taggert. Further, he had been rumored to be leaning towards returning the USF or heading to Tennessee to play for their new coach, Butch Jones.

Samples is a 5-foot-11, 170-pound four-star that is currently committed to Oklahoma State. However, he is rumored to be very close to switching his commitment. He also has offers on the table from Ohio State, Notre Dame, Oklahoma and Nebraska, among a number of others, but his only scheduled official visit as of print is to Lexington on January 11 and 12.

Samples would be a fantastic weapon for the ‘Cats, but Woulard would immediately be the crown jewel of Stoops’ recruiting class. However, Woulard reportedly would also like to play for Florida.

“Oklahoma State commit Ra’Shaad Samples is very close to switching his commitment and a visit to Lexington this weekend could be a tipping point for the talented Dallas (Texas) Skyline receiver,” Rivals.com wrote. “Former USF quarterback commit Asiantii Woulard will also be on campus and taking in the sales pitch. Woulard is believed to be a Wildcat lean but would love to stay home and play for the Florida Gators.”