For the rest of the football offseason, I’m going to be doing some previews here on Vaughtsviews.com for the UK football season – incoming players, position battles, etc. Want to learn more about a particular signee or want a preview of the long snappers next year? Shoot me an email with any ideas/suggestions at ashleyscoby@gmail.com or tweet me at @AshleyScoby. Until then…

By ASHLEY SCOBY

I’m down to #3 on the list of Blaylocks in Joker’s 2012 class, but he’s of no relation to the twins I previewed a couple weeks ago, Daron and Zack.

Shawn Blaylock is a 5’10, 166-pound (also being listed as 6’0, 175 in other places, so take both with a grain of salt) defensive back/wide receiver from Stephenson High School in Stone Mountain, Georiga. He is the second player from Stephenson to commit to Kentucky this year (Demarcus Sweat is the other) and the sixth from Stephenson to commit to an SEC school.

Count me as one who takes that as a very good sign. When six guys are being recruited to SEC schools from one high school, my first thought is that high school coaching staff knows how to develop and coach players. Obviously, there is some natural talent and some hard work involved, but these players are clearly coming from a great program, and that already gives them a leg up on the competition.

“It’s ridiculous. I can’t even put into words,” Blaylock said about his high school’s success in putting players into the SEC this year. “SEC football is the best and we’ve got six going there. Well, at least six.”

Blaylock is an athlete, first and foremost. He was recruited as a defensive back, but if the situation gets tight at wide receiver again, Blaylock could be looked at to make the switch to that position again. His athleticism and speed would also serve him well in special teams; since the likes of Derrick Locke, Randall Cobb, etc left UK, the Cats have been hard-pressed to find a true kick returner and play-maker. Blaylock might just fit the bill.

Listed as a three-star player by both Scout and Rivals, Blaylock is that typical Kentucky recruit of recent years: two- to three-stars and full of potential, but being looked over by some of the more renowned football schools. The Cats have no problem with this, however, as player development is huge within the program (you think people still consider Trevard Lindley a 2-star guy?).

Blaylock is extremely versatile, has great athleticism and has “potential” written all over him. He’ll get his start on special teams, most likely, but could be a great cover corner one day. Who knows? We might even see him at wide receiver. It’s wide open for this guy, and that’s nearly always a good sign for any recruit.