UK's Calipari continues torrid recruiting pace, Kentucky vs. Louisville looms

-The news of Kyle Wiltjer’s recent commitment shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone. The most interesting part of the commitment is that Wiltjer hasn’t even taken a visit to Kentucky. Despite that fact, the consensus Top-25 player decided that the ‘Cats presented the best opportunity for his future.

ESPN’s Paul Biancardi recently has this to say about Wiltjer’s commitment,

“This incoming class is on par with, or maybe even better than, Claipari's 2009 class that included John Wall, DeMarcus Cousins, Eric Bledsoe and Daniel Orton. The 2011 class will be able to play on the floor at the same time in the dribble-drive offense and with their talent, each could be a difference-maker.”

That’s good news for Kentucky head coach John Calipari as he continues to raise the bar on the recruiting front. The Kentucky Wildcats will always get the best of the best from here on out.

-With Calipari’s recent success in the recruiting game, he’s had to turn down requests for some of the nation’s top recruit to attend Kentucky’s Big Blue Madness. The additions of Anthony Davis and Wiltjer to an already stacked 2011 recruiting class that includes Marquis Teague and Michael Gilchrist will make it hard for some of the nation’s top recruits to make it to Kentucky.

It’s no secret that Calipari prepares college players as well as any head coach in the country, so it’s no surprise that the top players from the 2011 and 2012 classes will want to play for Kentucky.

“Calipari may well find out. Wiltjer’s commitment assures Kentucky of having a third straight No. 1 recruiting class. Things have gone so well that Calipari has told friends he has turned down requests from top 10 players to come to UK’s Big Blue Madness. He also reportedly told highly-regarded recruit DeAndre Daniels he needed to sign with UK now because if he went to a prep school as it appears he will, Kentucky would not have a spot for him in the 2012 recruiting class.”

Wiltjer’s commitment is a testament to Kentucky’s resurgence on the recruiting trail. As soon as Calipari and Kentucky assistants walk in the building, the recruiting battle is over.

-One piece of news that has gotten lost in the mix of the recruiting success Kentucky has had in recent weeks is that college football starts this week. That means Kentucky vs. Louisville, which should provide for a ton of fodder going into the weekend.

Both programs are in rebuilding mode, primarily for a struggling Louisville team that now has Charlie Strong roaming the sidelines in Papa John’s Stadium. Joker Phillips takes over for Rich Brooks at Kentucky and will retain a talented team that lost to Clemson in last year’s bowl game.

Look out for Kentucky’s quarterbacks to play a big part in whatever success the ‘Cats have over the Cardinals. Mike Hartline has the starting job under control, but sophomore Morgan Newton is right behind Hartline on the depth chart. Playmakers Derrick Locke and Randall Cobb will provide much of the offense during the matchup. It could very well come down to how the Wildcats defense recovers from the departure of several of the team’s standout seniors.