Film Room: Dane Key

Lexington (Ky.) Frederick Douglass wide receiver Dane Key has long been one of the top prospects on the board for Kentucky football in the class of 2022.

On Thursday evening, Vince Marrow picked up a big recruiting win for the Wildcats.

The No. 1 prospect in the state of Kentucky is staying home and will suit up for the blue and white just like his dad, Donte, did from 1992-95. Kentucky has a need for wide receivers and Key will help plug that hole when he arrives on campus.

Now it’s time to step into the KSR Film Room to see what the blue-chip wideout will bring to Liam Coen’s offense. Dane Key has 105 receptions for 1,717 yards and 26 touchdowns during his prep career proving that there is some legitimate playmaking ability.

When examining Kentucky’s current roster, the Wildcats simply do not have a prototypical X wide receiver to utilize against defenses. The offense is missing a big wideout that can align into the boundary, beat press coverage, and create catches.

Dane Key can do those things.

Despite being surrounded by a pair of defenders, the 6-foot-2 receiver is still open. The quarterback trusts that his big receiver will make a play and that is exactly what this blue-chipper does. Key tracks the throw, high points the football, and hauls in the explosive play touchdown.

Not every play design is going to create a wide open target. Quarterbacks need to trust their receivers to make plays and Key has playmaking ability.

In this outside role, receivers must be able to create catches consistently. Dane Key isn’t the fastest wideout so using body control to create separation will be vital for success at the next level. However, great hand-eye coordination can go a long way.

On the deep shot, Key is extremely well covered but he still makes a play in a heated playoff game against Owensboro. The receiver finds the football, high points it, makes a contested catch and finishes it up with another explosive play touchdown.

Dane Key is open even when he’s not open.

The outside release is a huge part of this receiver’s game. Key will run plenty of go routes that could turn into a post, an in or out cut, and even back shoulder throws when man coverage is supremely tight. Counters are always needed off the outside release.

Having the quickness and ability to fight through press coverage and get open on slants will be a valuable tool to have.

Facing man coverage in the red zone, Key does a great job selling the outside release and potential fade route only to come back inside for easy throw on the slant. The receiver can hurt defenses with multiple routes that all look the same on the release.

Liam Coen was brought to Kentucky by Mark Stoops to fix the passing game. It was clear that the Wildcats had quarterback and wide receiver issues. How do you fix those? Through recruiting.

For the second cycle in a row, Kentucky landed a blue-chip X wide receiver that can line up into the boundary and win one-on-ones due to contested catch ability.

Chris Lewis is taking a redshirt year this season, but the addition of Dane Key will give the offense options and depth at that position. Kentucky landed the top player in the state at a position of need. That will always be meaningful on the recruiting trail.