Tuesday, January 16, 2001
Highlands' Hamblen picks UK over UC
Guidugli still considering Bearcats
By Dave Schutte
The Cincinnati Enquirer
Looking past possible NCAA sanctions for recruiting violations, Highlands receiver/defensive back Brett Hamblen committed to Kentucky coach Hal Mumme during a weekend visit.
Highlands quarterback Gino Guidugli, who accompanied Hamblen to UK, has not made a decision yet.
“I'm still considering UC,” Guidugli said. “I like (quarterback) coach (Joe) Daniels who told me I could possibly come in and play right away.”
A two-way starter the past three years, Hamblen scored 37 touchdowns last season, a state record. He had 27 on pass receptions and 10 others on pass interceptions, kickoff and punt returns. He was The Enquirer's Northern Kentucky Player of the Year.
“Brett told me before making the visit that he had a positive attitude about Kentucky,” Highlands coach Dale Mueller said. “It didn't surprise me that he commited.”
Recruited as a defensive back by Kentucky, Hamblen, a 6-foot, 195-pounder, played hurt most of the season.
“Before the Elder game, Brett hurt his wrist and couldn't do push ups,” Mueller said. “He later suffered a knee injury but waited until the season was over to have orthoscopic surgery.”
Hamblen chose Kentucky over UC. He joins teammate Ben Scott, a 6-4, 232-pound lineman who commited prior to the season.
Another Highlands standout, Brent Grover, a 6-foot-4, 243 pound tight end/linebacker, committed to Purdue.
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