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University of Kentucky signs 22 recruits, 11 from Florida

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LEXINGTON, KY - SEPTEMBER 29: Kentucky Wildcats fans tailgate before game against South Carolina Gamecocks at Commonwealth Stadium on September 29, 2012 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo by John Sommers II/Getty Images)
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Posted: 02/06/2013

By: Associated Press

LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP) — Mark Stoops' first Kentucky recruiting class shows he still has some pull in Florida.

Convincing two talented in-state players to stay home and help the rebuilding process also demonstrates Stoops' appeal in Kentucky.

Half of Kentucky's 22 signees announced on Wednesday are from Florida. That's a significant haul from the Sunshine State, which the former Florida State defensive coordinator promised to scour in his quest to lift Kentucky back to respectability following a 2-10 season.

Landing locals such as Louisville Trinity defensive end Jason Hatcher and Franklin County (Frankfort) wide receiver Ryan Timmons also matters to Big Blue Nation. Hatcher, 6-foot-3 and 250 pounds, backed out of his commitment to USC to sign with Kentucky; Timmons, a 5-10 wide receiver, announced he would play for the Wildcats on Tuesday.