Earlier this month, prized UK co-defensive coordinator Derrick Ansley accepted a job in Tuscaloosa as the Alabama defensive backs coach.

There were rumors for weeks about a potential replacement, with some reports even saying future Hall of Fame NFL safety Ed Reed would take the job, but no hire was made. Within the last 24 hours, rumors spread that Mark Stoops may have found his guy, and didn’t have venture far to find him.

University of Cincinnati’s co-defensive coordinator Steve Clinkscale will head to UK as its new defensive backs coach, various reports state.

According to Rivals’ Justin Rowland, the hire could be announced as early as Tuesday.

Clinkscale will be the third Cincinnati assistant coach to make his way to Lexington this offseason, with UK’s new offensive coordinator Eddie Gran and new quarterback coach Darin Hinshaw also coming from Cincinnati.

Clinkscale’s hire is one that should allow the UK fan base to relax a little bit about the departure of Ansley. He is known as a formidable recruiter with emphasis in the north/northeast region.

Rowland also said Clinkscale is a cousin of UK assistant Vince Marrow. With Clinkscale in fold with his cousin Marrow, known as a family favorite amongst recruits and quite possibly UK’s most valuable asset on the coaching staff, the staff has some incredible recruiting opportunities moving forward.

Cincinnati fans raved about Clinkscale’s recruiting ability, as he is known for going head to head with some of the top schools in the nation for recruits, and coming out with victories.

Reports have come out that some of the nation’s top recruits have already expressed newfound interest in the Cats with the reported hiring of Clinkscale.