Brian Kelly Receives More Accolades

Brian Kelly is continuing to grow in the national spotlight. The latest growth came in the form of the Sporting News. This past week, the Sporting News released their list of the best coaches in college football. The list is loaded with wins, national prominence, and national championships. One name, the name of University of Cincinnati Head Coach Brian Kelly, will surprise you.

Im not so sure that I would rank Kelly quite so high this early. Don't get me wrong, I love the national attention and the accolades that Kelly is reeling in. He is no doubt a top up and coming coach, however, the move to place him as a top 5 coach in college football is a questionable one. This year with a mix of a powerful returning offense and a young defense will really go a long way in showing just how good of a coach Brian Kelly can be. Ohio State Coach Jim Tressel ranked on the "five on the outside." Take that Ohio State!

1. Urban Meyer, Florida
2. Nick Saban, Alabama
3. Pete Carroll, USC
4. Bob Stoops, Oklahoma
5. Brian Kelly, Cincinnati

What do you think? What is your top 5?

Cincinnati Recruit Lance Stephenson Avoids Jail Sentence

Lance Stephenson, a highly touted 2009 recruit for the University of Cincinnati, will not serve jail time in his sexual assault case.

Stephenson, pleaded guilty to a charge of misdemeanor disorderly conduct on Friday and will perform three days of community service, according to sources.

Stephenson and high school teammate, Darwin Ellis, were charged after being accused of fondling a 17-year-old girl near Lincoln high school in October of last year.

However, the NCAA is still expected to look into Stephenson's amateur status involving his tour of the Under Armour factory while visiting the University of Maryland earlier this year.

Supposedly, the University of Cincinnati isn't worried about Stephenson's status or the assault case at the present moment.

Lance Stephenson to Cincinnati?

Lance "Born Ready" Stephenson becoming a member of the University of Cincinnati basketball team has been a rumor that swirled around recruiting circles several months ago. It seems as if this rumor is picking up more steam now. Lance Stephenson visited the University of Cincinnati campus again over the weekend and recently even attended a game at the Deveroes Summer League. Look for Stephenson to decide on the University of Cincinnati befor the end of next week.

Lance Stephenson hails from Lincoln High School in New York City, the same school as Stephon Marbury and Sebastian Telfair. Stephenson is widely considered one of the top 15 players in the country. He has seen his face grace the cover of many national sports magazines and his high school games have been shown on ESPN. His publicity is not without its downfalls though. Many high profile schools have passed on Stephenson due to his cocky attitude, poor relationships, questionable amateur status, and recent legal troubles.

Stephenson is widely considered a one and done player who is NBA ready right now. Cincinnati has one scholarship remaining for 2009. His addition would be a huge one and include instant offense to the team. In addition, it may help to bring greater attention, money, and fanfare to the university which is something that has been lacking since the departure of Bob Huggins.

Alex Smith NOT Decommiting from UC

It was once reported here on nkysportworld.com and throughout websites across the country that prized University of Cincinnati football recruit Alex Smith had decommited recently from the program. Im getting word out of the University of Cincinnati and from Alex Smith that this is not the case. Smith caused a stir a few weeks ago when he stated that he wished to visit other schools. However, he is still committed to the University of Cincinnati. Apparently, Smith is still being heavily recruited by schools such as Michigan and Ohio State (find that interesting and rather low since he has committed). Recently, he stated he wished to visit these schools just to ensure that UC is the right place. This does not mean that Smith will be a Bearcat come 2010, however, Smith is STILL COMMITED TO UC.

Alex Smith, a soon to be senior at Lakota West High School in Cincinnati, is widely regarded as one of the top 10 tight ends in the class of 2010. Many believe that star teammate, Jordan Hicks, will follow Smith wherever he chooses to go. Brian Kelly has his work cut out for him if he wants to keep Smith. Stay tuned for further details as they occur.