Who is Zeke Pike?

Last night I got the chance to see the biggest quarterback prospect in the state of Kentucky while watching Dixie Heights' Zeke Pike play against Class A power, Beechwood, in a Northern Kentucky battle for Dixie Highway bragging rights. Pike has gone from relatively unknown to one of the hottest recruits in the country. Based on the schools that are already recruiting Pike as a junior, he might be the biggest prospect out of the state since Brian Brohm graced the cover of Sports Illustrated. Until this year, he played Tight End and Defensive End and never took a varsity snap at Quarterback. Because the position is new to him and he has so much potential to improve, he's already drawing offers from Alabama, Auburn, Boston College, Cincinnati, Florida, Iowa, Oklahoma State, Purdue, Tennessee, Texas A&M, and yes- of course, Louisville and Kentucky. Also, Notre Dame sent scouts to watch him play his first varsity game at quarterback last week. Clemson, Michigan State, South Carolina, UCLA, and USC are also taking a strong look at Pike, the son of former Buffalo Bill, Mark Pike.


Just by looking at the kid, there's no question he's got the physical ability to play major college football, although he is still learning the position of quarterback. He ran the ball over and over again, and Beechwood had no answer. He's quite simply a football player. Think of Tim Tebow. He didn't even get great protection from the Dixie Heights' offensive line as Beechwood pressured him all game and he was able to stay on his feet all but just a couple of times. He got roughed up and limped off the field after he was sacked once by the Tigers as they were threatening to come back into the game, but he re-entered the game and finished Beechwood off with a 35-21 win. If he can develop an arm to go along with his size and running ability, he will be a great college quarterback. If he doesn't end up playing quarterback in college, he'll find a way to get on the field at any school that he chooses with his size and speed.
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I'm not sure what UK's chances are of luring Pike to stay in-state and play for the Cats, but Joker's recruiting philosophy is to not back away from any recruit, no matter how many big time schools are going after the guy. He will not back down to Florida, Alabama, Notre Dame, or USC- especially with an in-state kid. Joker's goal is to either sign every kid, or get a definite "no" answer from each recruit. We can trust that he'll do everything he can to get him here until one of those two things happen. If Pike does or does not sign with the Cats in the 2012 class, it's good to know that ESPN still has Kentucky's 2011 class ranked in the top 25 in the nation. From what I am seeing and hearing up here in Northern Kentucky, the high school talent looks to be about as good as it's ever been- another positive sign if the Cats turn some of their focus to this area as they have in Louisville and the rest of the state. Highlands (like always) is one of the best teams in the state this year at any level, Ryle competed with Highlands last night and will compete for a 6A state championship, and Newport Catholic (who beat Pike's Dixie team in week 1) seems to be very talented as well.