LEXINGTON, Ky. — Kentucky football coach Guy Morriss and his team of new assistants have pledged to change many aspects of the school's recruiting philosophy.

        Former recruiting coordinator Claude Bassett, who admitted sending $1,400 in money orders to a Memphis, Tenn., high school coach, controlled the entire recruiting process for the previous staff. But new recruiting coordinator Rick Smith said Monday that all nine staff members will have input into recruiting decisions.

        “We're not going to put it all on one guy,” said Smith, who worked at UK for seven years under former coach Bill Curry. “You're less likely to make mistakes if you've got your entire staff working with you.”

        Smith said the staff will use a ranking system that considers size, speed, vertical jump and other variables. It will then watch film on each prospective student-athlete, come up with a final ranking and then go after the top players.

        Smith also said the new staff will focus on recruiting in geographic regions of the country rather than simply by position. Each coach will have three specific areas to oversee and will try to build relationships with as many prospects as possible in those areas during the summer.

        “Instead of flying around the country and looking at maybe six or seven players, each coach can concentrate on the best 12 to 15 players in that area,” he said. “That way you get to see more players and there's less chance you'll miss out on a kid.”

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