![]() ![]() While some around the program have back-pedaled, there’s still something going on to be sorted out before the 2022 season. Noted Kentucky insider Matt Jones has reported that Rodriguez’s status for 2022 is uncertain. Rodriguez was arrested for DUI last month, and since that time, the rumor mill has been cranking, indicating that he has other issues hanging over his head. The wild card here is Rodriguez, who enters the season with an excellent mathematical shot to eclipse Benny Snell as the program’s all-time leading rusher. That group, as noted above, will be looking to plug in a couple of new tackles, which is always a challenge. Wolford left for Alabama and has been replaced by San Fransisco 49ers coach George Yenser, which makes him the 3rd offensive line coach in 3 seasons. Largely, it did.īut the death of offensive line coach John Schlarman led to his one-year replacement by Eric Wolford, who was a polarizing presence in Lexington. On recent UK teams where the passing game was either non-existent or less than dangerous, the ground game had to save the day. On the other hand, Kentucky’s ground attack has almost nowhere to go but down. As long as Levis is healthy, this group can top the 2021 numbers (224 yards per game). Look for Kentucky to use a lot of 2 tight end packages and to feed Robinson inside and the young playmakers on the edge. Brendan Bates is a physical catch or block type, and Jordan Dingle might have the best long-term future of any of this talented group. Izayah Cummings was a wide receiver who shifted to tight end midseason and showed significant skills in space. Tight end Keaton Upshaw also returns, and given his red-zone success early in his career, he could be a big part of this offense after missing the 2021 season with an injury. Returnee DeMarcus Harris has shown good hands. Barrion Brown, a 4-star recruit, is too good to sit. True freshman Dane Key shone in Kentucky’s spring game and has earned praise from new offensive coordinator Rich Scangarello. Meanwhile, he’ll be helped by a cast of developing young players. Expecting 100 catches and 1,300 yards might be a bit much, but he could well put up, say, 75% of Wan’Dale’s productivity. Robinson was Virginia Tech’s top receiver but elected to transfer to the Wildcats. Wan’Dale Robinson will be missed, but the new top dog, Tayvion Robinson, has all the skills to shine. If he’s healthy, he will easily become UK’s first 3,000-yard passer since 2010. His arm talent, leadership and developing decision-making mark Levis as a future star - possibly even a 1st-round draft pick next April. After throwing for 14 touchdowns and 9 interceptions in UK’s first 7 games, in the last 5, Levis passed for 10 touchdowns against just 4 interceptions, and he also rushed for 6 of his 9 scores. But Levis drastically improved down the stretch of Kentucky’s season, getting more comfortable as he gained starting experience. Yes, Kentucky has to establish a couple of new tackles who can keep Levis upright and in one piece. Yes, Wan’Dale Robinson will be tearing up NFL defenses rather than SEC defenses. The good news is that even with Coen’s exit, this trend figures to continue. Passing game: BetterĪfter years of ground-and-pound offense, Kentucky implemented an actual passing attack under now-L.A. How will it shake out on offense? Let’s take a look. There’s optimism for Kentucky football, and that’s been fairly rare historically. Another X-factor is rumblings about the status of running back Chris Rodriguez after an offseason DUI arrest and rumors of other troubles.īut Kentucky returns an All-SEC level quarterback, a veteran and talented running back group (particularly if Rodriguez is part of it), and a solid corps of promising receivers, led by another veteran transfer to help fill Robinson’s rather large shoes. The Wildcats also will have to break in a pair of new tackles, which could be more adventurous than they’d like. Kentucky did lose star wideout Wan’Dale Robinson, who rewrote the UK record book in his only season as a Wildcat (104 catches, 1,348 yards). Kentucky averaged 32.3 points per game last season - the first time they averaged more than 30 since the 2010 offense averaged 31.2.
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