Dane Key among early standouts in Kentucky Spring Football Practice

It took a couple of questions, but Rich Scangarello finally relented. “That’s a good way to ask another question to lead me into some names, which I’m trying to avoid,” he laughed. Eventually, Kentucky’s new offensive coordinator shared a sentiment KSR has heard from multiple sources: freshman wide receiver Dane Key is as good as advertised.

“They’re all fighting for time, and they’re all on a level playing field because you don’t have the guy who’s the proven big play guy. I think they’re always elevating each other’s game and I think (Dane) Key’s done a nice job,” said Scangarello. “He’s really, for a young guy has real high football IQ and he’s gone out there every day and I see it. He’s been a good example someone who’s getting better, taking the coaching and has the kind of skills that you’d like to see blossom in the offense.”

Dane Key’s trail to Kentucky is an interesting one. As soon as he stepped on the field at Lexington’s Frederick Douglass High School, he became a priority recruit for Vince Marrow. With his family connections to UK and KSR, the 6-foot-2 athlete was the most talked about 2022 recruit, until he finally committed to Kentucky. Then the BBN turned its attention toward uncommitted players like Barion Brown and Kiyaunta Goodwin. Now that the dust from the recruiting process has settled, Key is showing the Kentucky coaching staff that he was worth the hype.

A rangy, 6-foot-2 athlete at outside wide receiver, he has the length and athleticism to make difficult catches. Physicality is typically an issue with younger players, but veteran Tayvion Robinson likes what he sees from Key.

“Dane Key’s really good,” said the Virginia Tech transfer. “Key came here and he was trying to learn as fast as possible. He’s a taller guy, plays outside and has a great catch radius. He catches a lot of balls and he looks good going into spring so far.”

Of course, it’s impossible to expect Key to come in and be a world-beater right away. Scangarello tried to refrain from naming names to pump the brakes on early, lofty expectations. However, it’s encouraging to know that Kentucky’s recruiting efforts at wide receiver were not in vein. The Wildcats have assembled a talented group of pass-catchers that each brings something different to the table.

“I’ve been very pleased with the group,” said UK’s first-year offensive coordinator. “There’s a great complementary skill set in the group of guys. We got fast guys, we got long guys, we got guys that have played with their length and physicality. I don’t think there’s a ton of experience but I think there’s some quality football IQs that have learned to pick things up fast. And so as a group, I’ve been real pleased. The one huddles (first team) look pretty darn good.”

Another Noteworthy Spring Standout

Kentucky is absolutely loaded at tight end. Even though they lost a long-time staple, Justin Rigg, Keaton Upshaw is returning from injury to a group that has a ton of experience, with one exception. Jordan Dingle preserved his redshirt status in 2021. A highly-touted four-star prospect from Bowling Green High School, last year he caught two passes in big wins. Against New Mexico State he picked up 23 yards, and vs. ULM he went rumblin’, bumblin’, stumblin’ through traffic on an impressive 31-yard gain. Brenden Bates expects the BBN to see more of Dingle this fall.

“He’s been developing well and seeing what he’s doing now at such an early age, he’s so far ahead of the game. I do see him getting a lot more playing time than obviously last year,” said Bates. “He’s developed well and he’s only getting better. That’s because you know, the older guys that he’s watching,” he joked. “I’m really proud of the way he’s going.”