Return of Keaton Upshaw will allow Kentucky to enhance tight end usage

In 2021, Kentucky averaged 32.3 points per game and put together a top-25 offense without Keaton Upshaw in the lineup. The return of the versatile tight end could create more matchup problems for defenses.

The Lima (Ohio) Senior product suffered a chest injury over the summer and had to miss his entire redshirt junior season. Upshaw is now back for year five at Kentucky, and the versatile pass-catcher is looking to make a splash in Kentucky’s NFL scheme.

After pulling in 16 receptions for 193 yards and three touchdowns in 2020, Upshaw had to watch from the sidelines last fall. This spring, the veteran has returned to the lineup and is easing his way back into things.

“At this point, I’m around 90-95 percent with it. Just taking it slow. Right now, I keep it wrapped during practice but I’m full go,” Keaton Upshaw told the media on Saturday. “I just keeping it save at this point making sure I’m not overstraining anything.”

Upshaw has some limited range of motion in his right arm as the Kentucky medical staff is keeping his chest wrapped very tightly. However, the 6-foot-6, 243-pound tight end is full go with the team and is excited about playing for new offensive coordinator Rich Scangarello.

With San Francisco, George Kittle has turned into an All-Pro player with the 49ers. In 14 games last season, Kittle logged 71 receptions for 910 yards and six touchdowns. The versatility of the Scangarello offense is going to give Upshaw a ton of chances to make plays.

“A lot of great opportunities for us to make different type of plays. They [are] moving us everywhere around the field,” Keaton Upshaw said about the new scheme. “It’s going to be great.”

Scangarello has confirmed that the tight end position is vital for his offense, and fans should expect to see many two tight end formations on Saturday. With that comes positional versatility as Kentucky could lineup tight ends in the backfield or split into the boundary to create isolation matchups. This position will be critical as Scangarello looks to build a schematic advantage over defenses.

Keaton Upshaw brings high upside as a pass-catcher and the ability to make some wide receiver type plays. Getting him back in the lineup can give Will Levis and the passing game a huge upgrade as this program attempts to level up on offense.