Justin Rigg: How Kentucky Replaces the Cincinnati Bengal

On3 image — Photo by Dr. Michael Huang | Kentucky Sports Radio

Kentucky tight end Justin Rigg signed an Undrafted Free Agent deal with the Cincinnati Bengals. Rigg joins an organization that is fresh off a trip to the Super Bowl and is littered with young talent. The former Wildcat is a schematic fit after becoming acquainted with the “McVay” system under offensive coordinator Liam Coen.

Justin Rigg is a four-time letter winner and played in a school-record 63 games, including 35 starts. He totaled 50 catches for 547 yards and five touchdowns during his stay in Lexington. He also earned two degrees while at Kentucky (Communication and Agricultural Economics). Rigg was one of, if not the best on-line blocking tight end in the Southeastern Conference. That trait should bode well at the professional level for the Springboro, Ohio product.

The UK tight end room is one of the deepest and most experienced on the team. 6’5, 255-pound senior Brenden Bates should assume the duties vacated by Rigg. Bates is a veteran that’s played in 34 contests with six starts. He recorded 11 receptions for 70 yards and one score in 2021. Bates will be the offense’s designated blocking tight end. He should also see an increase in the passing game.

Get the On3 Top 10 to your inbox every morning

By clicking "Subscribe to Newsletter", I agree to On3's Privacy Notice, Terms, and use of my personal information described therein.

Joining Bates is the ultra-talented Keaton Upshaw. The 6’6, 240-pound junior missed the 2021 season due to injury but is poised for a return to the game field. Upshaw caught 16 passes for 193 yards and three touchdowns as a sophomore in 2020. His production in a run-heavy system has many excited for the possibilities he brings to new offensive coordinator Rich Scangarello. Junior Izayah Cummings flashed last season after moving from receiver to tight end. He registered 14 catches for 195 yards and three scores. Jordan Dingle was getting plenty of buzz during spring practice. The redshirt freshman played in four games a year ago in which he snagged two receptions for 54 yards.

What Does All This Mean?

Justin Rigg was a tough, durable tight end who excelled in blocking for UK’s downhill run game. Replacing the Bengal will be a room full of talented tight ends that should be more involved in the passing game under new offensive leadership. Bates, Upshaw, Dingle, and Cummings construct a strong room that will come in handy for year two of Will Levis.