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The Wildcat's staff have been busy planting their seeds into one of the top Junior College programs in the nation. Hopefully the seeds will quickly produce roots that lead to the blooming of a beautiful relationship with the powerhouse program. The College of the Canyons Cougars currently hosts a pair of 09' prospects that the Cat's are vigorously pursuing in Hayo Carpenter and Cedrick Hall.

Coach Chuck Lyon coached the Cougars from 98'-06' and led the team to immediate success, after all it had only been 17 years since the Cougars had put a product on the gridiron. The team got off to a successful start posting consecutive 7-3 seasons and bowl births. The new millennium marked the start of a magical 6 season run where the Cougars went 9-1 or better every season. In 2002 the Cougars put up arena league type of numbers, posting a nation leading 53.5 points per game. In 03' the school sent 19 players to division 1 colleges In 04' the Cougars went 14-0 and captured their first state and national titles. In 05' the Cougars pushed their winning streak to 26 games before losing the championship game. Coach Lyon resigned after the 06' season and a 5-5 record, however he left a lasting legacy and a program that is respected across the nation.

Garret Tujague is the man currently at the helm of the Cougars and is entering his third season at the position. It certainly makes Tujague's job easier on both sides of the ball having the shifty 5'11 receiver Carpenter and the 6'5 265 pound DE/DT Cedrick Hall on the roster. Both of the players are among the top 50 JUCO kids in the nation.

Hayo Carpenter is considered to be among the top ball wrangler's in the nation. Watch the video to the right if you want to see him in action. As a senior Burroughs high school, CA, Carpenter posted huge numbers: 111 rec/1870 yards/24 TDs; 11 carries/154 rushing yards/5 TDs; 4 TDs also scored on punt and kick off returns. He also produced big numbers last season as a freshman with over 1,100 yards and nine touchdowns. Carpenter's performance led to him being named to the All CIF first team. Carpenter has offers from a bevy of schools including Boise St., Arizona St, and Nevada. The speedster will have 2 years of eligibility. The speedster told Scott Eklund of about the Cat's interest in his services:

Cedrick Hall played his high school ball for Carthage High in Mississippi. Hall is a versatile player that will fit nicely into a variety of college schemes. Hall has been contacted by the Cat's and a list of other solid division 1 teams including Boise St., Minnesota, Arizona St. and LSU.

I have no idea if the duo is a package deal they do however list a lot of the same schools that have expressed interest.

The Cougars roster does have other division 1 players but none have mentioned Kentucky as a destination. The roster includes 6'4 275 pound DE, Johnathan Hollins. Hollins is a high major prospect and has verbally committed to play for Mike Leach at Texas Tech. 6'4 240 pound DE, Jason Pierre-Paul is a JUCO All-American and has been offered by Florida, Auburn, Florida St. Virgina Tech and South Florida. Fred Winborn is a 6'0 200 pound running back and is also a highly rated prospect. Joe Evinger is a 6'6 330 pound offensive tackle and is considered to have d1 talent as well.

For more on the college of the Canyons prestigious past visit http://www4.canyons.edu/ The Cougars are always accepting donations if you are interested in supporting the development of young men, women and athletes then click here.

Justin Bean is a highly skilled player who hails from Tupelo High in Tupelo, MS. (pictured above) Recently the kids stock had taken a hit after injuries hampered any progression in 07'. Two weeks was all the 6'2 180 pound athlete needed to make his decision. After receiving the offer from the staff in mid June.

In April Bean was interviewed by Steve Robertson and there was no talk of the Wildcat's:

" I am hearing from Mississippi State, Ole Miss, LSU,Tennessee, Arkansas, Tulane and a few more, said Bean "UAB stopped by the school and asked about me."

"I went to junior day at Mississippi State, Ole Miss and Alabama," said Bean. "I know this summer we are going to camp as a team at some 7-on-7 camps. I think we're going to Mississippi State and LSU and probably Alabama and Ole Miss."

Justin is waiting for his first offer, but he has an idea of what he is looking for in a college.

"I am looking for a nice environment, a good football program and some nice teammates," said Bean. "I want to go somewhere that my family would be proud to see me play."

This Commitment was just what the doctor ordered for the Wildcat's. With most of the athletes graduating, players like Bean (above right) and two sport star LaRod King (above left will likely see game action sooner rather than later.

I am encouraged to see the recent run on blue Kool Aid at high school's around the country. Bean made the staffs eighth commitment of the 09' season. The Cat's have strung together at least 2 solid classes in a row and this season is more of the same. With commitments from QB Brian Adams, RB Jerrell Greene,TE Justin Jones, LB Jarvis Walker, his brother DT Myron Walker, and homegrown OL Larry Warford. I really like the fact the the staff also added 6'6 native son LaRod King. King is very athletic and should develop into a valuable threat while at Kentucky. This class is well on its way to being a top 45 class nationally with the potential to crack the top 30.

Morgan Newton is a 6′4 205 pound quarterback from Carmel High in Carmel IN. Newton has all of the tools that you like to see in an SEC quarterback, big, strong and athletic. Newton has a laser arm and can pinpoint long throws with amazing accuracy. Newton is quick and composed enough to evade the blitz buying precious time on broken plays.

As a Junior Newton rushed for 753 yards and 11 touchdowns and passed for another 1,882 and 25 touchdowns. After Newton led his squad to the 5A championship, the spotlight was placed squarely on the Junior. Recently Newton participated in the Boo Williams Invitational on the AAU circuit in Virginia. Morgan took advantage of his trip and made visits with Kentucky, Tennessee, South Carolina, Clemson, Virginia, N.C. State and North Carolina. Newton clearly has a long list of programs pursuing him at this point and recently said that he is gathering info on them,

During his visit Newton was able to have some one on one time with both Rich Brooks and Mitch Barnhart. Mr. Newton is a rising commodity in the class of 2009 and has numerous scholarship offers on the table. Indiana, Purdue, Illinois, Iowa, Penn State, Kentucky, Louisville, Minnesota, Clemson, South Carolina, Nebraska, Penn State, Virginia and Cincinnati. are the schools that are currently extending to the versatile wonder. Newton is very athletic and plays AAU ball for a strong SYF Players team in Indiana. Morgan has not cut any schools from his list but does plan to later this summer,

“when we see who is really, really interested.”

Newton has also stated in the past that location is not a big deal for him and is seemingly focused on finding a staff that makes him comfortable and is right for his game.

Coach Brooks and the staff seem to be bringing the house with this kid. At this point Clemson may be the leader but UK and a group of others is not far behind. Look for Newton to finish his senior season with a solid 4 or 5 star rating.