He’s visiting Kentucky for the second time today and has his mother with him for the first time, but Indianapolis offensive lineman Jon Toth decided Wednesday not to wait any longer to give UK¿a verbal commitment.
“The other opportunities were really not there. Kentucky is a big school and big program,” said the 6-5, 290-pound Toth, a three-star prospect at Brefeuf Jesuit High School. “It’s an opportunity to play against big name schools on a weekly basis. Time was running out and a decision needed to be made.”
Knowing Kentucky had received verbal commitments from three other offensive linemen in recent days also helped influence Toth’s decision. He says UK coaches told him there were “maybe one or two spots still open” for offensive linemen. However, UK¿apparently withdrew a scholarship offer to Bowling Green’s Joe Manley even though he indicated Sunday he would decide soon between UK¿and Louisville.
“The fact I might to play a lot (early) is certainly good because UK¿has a lot of older linemen,” Toth said. “Kentucky came to see me in the spring and let me know they were going to be short on offensive linemen and were taking more guys than usual in this class. I was one they liked on film and they wanted to see me in camp. I¿performed well enough at camp (in June) to get an offer. I didn’t feel any pressure at the camp. I just went out and performed like I can.”
Toth plays guard mainly but is projected as a possible tackle in college because of his overall athleticism.
“My mobility is my strength,” Toth said. “It probably came from playing other sports. I played winter, fall and spring sports until about two years ago when I decided to get more serious with football.
“I consider myself a smart player as well. I¿like to think I know what I¿am doing all the time on the field.”
Toth says UK¿linebackers coach/recruiting coordinator Chuck Smith was his primary recruiter who impressed him immediately with his honesty.
“He is an up front guy. He is a man of his word,” Toth said. “That is important to me. Knowing you are talking to a recruiter who is honest and up front means a lot.”
Offensive line coach Mike Summers made a big impression, too.
“I really liked his coaching technique. He was constructive in his criticism (at UK’s camp) and made sure you changed what he thought needed changing. He’s a guy who makes sure you do things right,” Toth said.
Toth says he never had any real exposure to Kentucky football, or most college football, before his recruiting process started. However, his parents are passionate about one college rivalry since one went to Michigan and one to Ohio State.
“They joke about it, but they are not head-butting each other about their rivalries,” Toth said. “Football is part of our family, but it is not over board. They are fine with me coming to Kentucky.”
“The other opportunities were really not there. Kentucky is a big school and big program,” said the 6-5, 290-pound Toth, a three-star prospect at Brefeuf Jesuit High School. “It’s an opportunity to play against big name schools on a weekly basis. Time was running out and a decision needed to be made.”
Knowing Kentucky had received verbal commitments from three other offensive linemen in recent days also helped influence Toth’s decision. He says UK coaches told him there were “maybe one or two spots still open” for offensive linemen. However, UK¿apparently withdrew a scholarship offer to Bowling Green’s Joe Manley even though he indicated Sunday he would decide soon between UK¿and Louisville.
“The fact I might to play a lot (early) is certainly good because UK¿has a lot of older linemen,” Toth said. “Kentucky came to see me in the spring and let me know they were going to be short on offensive linemen and were taking more guys than usual in this class. I was one they liked on film and they wanted to see me in camp. I¿performed well enough at camp (in June) to get an offer. I didn’t feel any pressure at the camp. I just went out and performed like I can.”
Toth plays guard mainly but is projected as a possible tackle in college because of his overall athleticism.
“My mobility is my strength,” Toth said. “It probably came from playing other sports. I played winter, fall and spring sports until about two years ago when I decided to get more serious with football.
“I consider myself a smart player as well. I¿like to think I know what I¿am doing all the time on the field.”
Toth says UK¿linebackers coach/recruiting coordinator Chuck Smith was his primary recruiter who impressed him immediately with his honesty.
“He is an up front guy. He is a man of his word,” Toth said. “That is important to me. Knowing you are talking to a recruiter who is honest and up front means a lot.”
Offensive line coach Mike Summers made a big impression, too.
“I really liked his coaching technique. He was constructive in his criticism (at UK’s camp) and made sure you changed what he thought needed changing. He’s a guy who makes sure you do things right,” Toth said.
Toth says he never had any real exposure to Kentucky football, or most college football, before his recruiting process started. However, his parents are passionate about one college rivalry since one went to Michigan and one to Ohio State.
“They joke about it, but they are not head-butting each other about their rivalries,” Toth said. “Football is part of our family, but it is not over board. They are fine with me coming to Kentucky.”
