"Even if I thought something might happen, I would try to keep a positive attitude. But I feel pretty certain that is something I won't have to worry about. I'm confident coach Brooks and his staff will be back."
Fidler said even before UK had a slew of injuries that decimated its receivers and defensive line, he knew the Cats might struggle to win games this year.
"I expected this might be a down season. It's not like it is a big shock. I was prepared for that," Fidler said. "I committed to the University of Kentucky, not just Rich Brooks and his staff. Hopefully they will keep their jobs because I want to play for them.
"They have a lot of young athletes this year. I know they can turn the program around in the future and I want to be part of that."
Goode apparently feels the same way because he didn't wait any longer to choose UK over Georgia Tech, Arkansas, North Carolina, Louisville and others. Goode came to UK for a visit when the Wildcats played Florida last month.
Offensive coordinator Joker Phillips convinced him he would be a perfect fit in UK's offense. He also said he was attracted to UK because he can major in graphic design or architecture.
The 6-5 Goode played on Dunwoody High School's state championship basketball team last year.
He did not play football until his junior year when he had two touchdowns and 200 receiving yards. This season he has 10 catches for 130 yards and one touchdown.
Fidler, Cessna will try to convince others to commit
Fidler and Cessna both say they will do anything they can to help convince other players to commit to Kentucky. Fidler says he may even make calls to other high school players.
"The coaches tell me they want me to help get other recruits. It takes that from a leader to help put a good recruiting class together," Fidler said. "I believe in the Kentucky program and I don't mind telling others that."
Cessna is the same way. "Anything I can do to help, I'll do. I like the coaches. I want them to succeed, and I know they will," he said.
Both in-state players insist they understand injuries have had a big impact on Kentucky's play this season.
Cessna had his season ended by knee surgery he suffered against Mercer County that will also force him to miss basketball season.
"It is not coach Brooks' fault that he's had 18 or so players hurt. It's not fair to blame that on the coach. It would be like blaming my coach because I got hurt," Cessna said.
Fidler says people talk to him daily about Kentucky football even though he can tell some are "not high on Kentucky football" right now like he is.
"I think most of the recruits they are recruiting now have sense to look past all problems and look into the future and how things will be down the road," Fidler said. " I see a lot of positives in the future. I look at the good athletes and see the potential of the players that I can play with the next few years."
