by LARRY VAUGHT
The more Kentucky defensive players you hear talk about new UK defensive coordinator Jay Bateman, the more praise you hear for one of coach Will Stein’s first hires.
“It’s something that is a little hard to explain,” said recent UK commit Ty Ashley of Owensboro when asked what he likes best about Bateman. “He’s definitely a great character, a great guy in general. I went up to a Junior Day in January and I got to see how they (UK coaches) were as people even though I didn’t see them coaching.
“I just got to connect with them and they really seemed like genuine people. Coach Bateman, coach Stein, (inside linebackers) coach (Chad) Wilt, the new linebacker coach, all three of them combined just hit my heart in a special way.”
The Owensboro linebacker, a three-star recruit, had a lot of big-time offers and did not plan to commit this early until he came back for a UK spring practice.
“I got that feeling in my heart. I know that they’re going to be the people that are right for me. Their energy is awesome,” Ashley said. “I finally got to see them practice and got to see them actually coaching. Right then I knew this was home for sure.
“Just seeing them, seeing them be great people and then also be great coaches is something that’s a big deal for me and coach Bateman just has a way about him that really impresses you.”
Ashley became the third in-state player to commit to Kentucky and Stein. He senses that the new UK head coach is prioritizing in-state recruiting more than former UK coach Mark Stoops and his staff did during their final year at Kentucky. Ashley did not have a UK offer until Stein arrived.
“I’ve already been in contact with some of the in-state recruits, even some guys I’ve played with or played against. (Pulaski County offensive lineman) Brady Hull (Stein’s first 2027 commit), I actually played against him in the state championship game at Kroger this year,” Ashley said. “Just seeing how good the talent is in Kentucky, I think it could be something very special. Knowing that coach Stein is focused on those Kentucky guys, I think it’s going to get something rolling and it’s going to be something good.”
Ashley thinks fans will enjoy the way he plays and feels in-state players have a “chip on their shoulders” when they get to play for UK.
“I am someone who’s gonna go 110 percent every single play, gonna always give their best effort to win football games and try to put UK football in the best position to win as many games as we can,” he said. “You are gonna see me flying around just being relentless every single play. Just be ready because it’s gonna be a show.”
