It's been a bizarre final recruiting period for Central running back Anthony "Ace" Wales, and it has come to an end with him signing to play football at Western Kentucky.
The leading rusher in the history of Jefferson County, Wales announced on Jan. 16 that he had committed to U of L and that he wanted "to be the face of Louisville football." This came just about an hour after another running back, Brandon Radcliff out of Miami, had also committed to Charlie Strong.
Louisville fans celebrated the dual commitments, but then word began to spread that the Cardinal coaching staff may not have been as thrilled.
What happened over the succeeding couple of weeks is murky, but the common thought is that Wales held a scholarship offer from Louisville for two years and if he wanted to be a Cardinal as badly as he claims he did, then he probably shouldn't have waited until another running back committed before he pulled the trigger.
Wales now joins DaMarcus Smith, Tyrone Pearson and Michael Fluellen as talented local players who were heavily recruited but who will now play their college ball in the Sun Belt for one reason or another.
I received a text when news of Wales' commitment broke saying that Western should change its nickname to "Misfit Toys." Although that's probably not going to happen ("Never say never" --Bieber), the image of Charlie in the Box serving as a college football mascot brought a smile to my face.
Anyway, it's always disappointing not to see the top local talent wear (Cardinal) red and black, but there's every indication that Wales had ample opportunity to play football at Louisville if he really wanted to. I'm disappointed it's not going to happen, but I wish him the best at WKU.
So Louisville's recruiting class is now set at 24 players. Charlie Strong is set to speak on the class momentarily.