Daikiel Shorts Jr. is 'highly motivatated' to help Kentucky receivers reach potential

Kentucky football only made one full-time staffing change this offseason. After a multi-week search to find a new wide receivers coach, Daikiel Shorts Jr. has officially left Houston and will be in a college football organization not run by Dana Holgorsen for the first time in his playing and coaching career. The 29-year-old position coach is ready to get rolling in Lexington.

On Tuesday afternoon, Shorts spoke with reporters at the Joe Craft Football Training Facility. The new hire has only been in Lexington for three days after mutual connections with Liam Coen helped bring him to Kentucky. The former West Virginia receiver is chomping at the bit to get the ball rolling.

“I’m highly motivated. Eager to learn and continue to get better,” Shorts told reporters. “I’m a younger guy so I’m learning, still growing. Obviously, surrounded by a great staff. Some older guys on staff that I can learn from and kind of pick their brains and learn as I go day-by-day.”

Subscribe to the KSR YouTube Channel for press conferences, interviews, original shows, fan features, and exclusive content.

At Kentucky, Daikiel Shorts will get a chance to work with a wide receiver room with obvious talent and some proven production. Barion Brown and Dane Key are wrapping up year two. For this offense to reach its potential in 2024, the Wildcats will need big strides from both players. They will be joined by North Texas transfer Ja’Mori Maclin.

Shorts is taking a step back this month before hitting the ground running full-time in January once the Gator Bowl ends. The new wide receivers coach is excited to work with a room that is now projected to have 10 scholarship players when the season begins.

The new Kentucky assistant is excited to get to work with this group but first will work on establishing relationships with the current personnel on the roster.

“We’ve got a pretty darn good room if I’m being honest. A lot of good kids in there,” Shorts said. “Just having one-on-one meetings, addressing the room, and just letting them know where I’m coming from. I’ve been in their shoes. I’ve played where they’re trying to go.”

“Just with me being younger, I’m a coach — and Coach Stoops mentioned this — a mentor. Just kind of view myself as a older brother to those guys. Just someone they can rely on and count on and also learn from. Try to teach those guys from mistakes that I’ve made in the past.”

Kentucky needs wide receiver to be a position of strength in 2024. Much will be expected of Daikiel Short and his room this upcoming season. Kentucky is hoping that youth and former playing experience in coaching will help lead to better results.

Daikiel Shorts and DJ Wagner

Daikiel Shorts is still getting used to Lexington. Kentucky’s new wide receivers coach is not super familiar with the state outside of the obvious.

“Derby, big bourbon place, and I’m a South Jersey guy. I know DJ Wagner is up here,” Shorts said. “He’s not far from where I’m from. I was obviously in tune with Kentucky heavy this year with him being here.”

Horse racing, liquor, and Kentucky’s famous point guard. Over at the Joe Craft Football Training Facility, Wagner has a new big fan on campus.