A Young But Talented Group
Kentucky’s September 3rd season opener against Miami (Ohio) is getting closer every day. Mark Stoops’ 10th squad is coming off a second 10-win season in the last four years. To get you ready for the 2022 campaign we’re doing a position-by-position preview. Up first was Will Levis and the quarterbacks. We followed that up with a running back unit that is one of the best groups in the SEC. Today it’s the receivers where the Cats have tons of talent but are lacking experience. Let’s check it out with our 2022 Kentucky Wide Receivers Preview.
Mr. Robinson’s Neighborhood
Wide receivers coach Scott Woodward has his work cut out for him as he must replace a ton of production. Wan’Dale Robinson, who set a school record with 104 catches in his one year in Lexington, is now with the New York Giants. In addition, UK lost “Super Senior” Josh Ali, who was second on the squad with 41 receptions. If that wasn’t enough Isaiah Epps and his 11 receptions transferred to Tulsa. If you add it up that’s 156 catches between the three. Kentucky needed some experience quickly and like every other school, they looked to the transfer portal.
Tayvion Robinson comes to Kentucky after three years at Virginia Tech. During his time in Blacksburg Robinson hauled in 113 passes for 1,555 yards and 13 touchdowns. In addition, he ran for another 227 yards and averaged nearly 14 yards per catch. Furthermore, he’s a threat as a punt returner. In 2021 Robinson led the ACC with 25 punt returns for 328 yards and a touchdown. His 13.1 yards per return also led the conference. Having to follow someone who had the best season in school history is tough. Nevertheless, the new Mr. Robinson seems up for the task.
Another Impact Transfer?
Back in June, the Cats picked up another player through the portal in which athlete Dee Beckwith joined the program. Formerly at Tennessee Beckwith gained only 27 yards on four carries in two years with the Vols.
The Florence, Alabama native originally signed with Tennessee as part of their 2020 class. In fact, 247 Sports ranked him as the number 18 athlete overall. In high school, the 6-foot-5 Beckwith also played basketball and track. He began his career at Tennessee as a wide receiver before moving to running back. In addition, he also spent time on defense and special teams. Look for him to line up all over the field in Rich Scangarello’s offense.
As we continue with our 2022 Kentucky wide receivers preview let’s look at some players who make up the talented yet inexperienced room.
Youth Leading The Way
So far in fall camp two of the most talked about players are freshmen. Barion Brown, a four-star player out of Nashville, didn’t arrive on campus until the summer. Although, he is already working his way into the rotation. In addition, true freshman Dane Key has been turning heads in practice. Of course, we’ve been following the legacy player ever since he committed to Kentucky.
Another name mentioned by the staff is Dekel Crowdus. The Lexington native appeared to work his way into the rotation as a freshman. However, he missed 2021 due to injury. Now healthy he’s on track to get in the rotation again. Two more newcomers are two sports stars Jordan Anthony and Cincinnati product Brandon White.
Of the returning guys on the roster, DeMarcus Harris has the most career receptions with 26. Like several of the names we are talking about he’s shown flashes of greatness, he just needs consistency.
In addition, the Cats also have Chris Lewis, whose six-foot-four frame should make him a big target in the red zone. Two other players looking to step up are Chauncey Magwood who played in all 13 games and caught a pass against Tennessee and Tae Tae Crumes.
Final Thoughts
Even with all the losses, the Cats feel pretty good about their wide receiver’s room. During the recent Fan Day Tayvion Robinson, Key and Harris were running with the first team offense. Right behind them are Lewis, Rashaann Lewis, and Brown the second. They may be young but are potentially big-time playmakers.
Thanks for checking out our 2022 Kentucky Wide Receivers Preview here at Last Word On College Football. Next time we’ll take a look at the tight ends, another really strong group of the Cats.
