Kentucky Football Countdown: 87 Days till Kickoff

KSR is counting down the days until football returns to Kroger Field. The Wildcats are back on campus, running hills and lifting weights to prepare for the upcoming season. Now just 87 days away from kickoff, newcomers have not yet called dibs on No. 87. This gives us an opportunity to relive the best moments from our favorite No. 87, CJ Conrad.

A four-star recruit in the class of 2015, the Keystone, Oh. native had a flair for the dramatic during his time on the Kroger Field turf. He started in 42 games throughout his four-year career, recording 80 catches with 1,015 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns. It’s the second-most touchdowns ever by a UK tight end, trailing only All-American James Whalen. Entering his third season as a graduate assistant on the Kentucky football sideline, here are a few of his best moments while wearing No. 87.

Conrad’s First Kentucky Football Touchdown

Conrad wasted no time once he got to the University of Kentucky. In his fourth game Conrad caught his first touchdown pass, propelling Kentucky to a 21-13 win over No. 25 Missouri, Stoops’ first victory over a Top 25 opponent. He earned SEC All-Freshman honors, the first by a Kentucky tight end since 2010.

Three Touchdowns in One Game

Benny Snell stole the show in his Kentucky debut, tying a school record with four touchdowns against New Mexico State in 2016. Meanwhile, Conrad had a career day of his own, catching five passes for 133 yards and three scores, including a 72-yard score.

Conrad’s Improbable Catch

The 28-7 victory over Mississippi State is one of the more enjoyable, underrated wins of the Mark Stoops era. In the middle of Benny Snell and Josh Allen’s spectacular performances, Conrad somehow hung onto a ball in the rain while the Bulldog defender committed pass interference. I still don’t know how he caught it.

A Walk-Off Game-Winner

Let’s not kid ourselves. When you think of CJ Conrad, two things come to mind: “Are they finally going to throw the ball to the tight ends this year?” and his walk-off, game-winning touchdown at Missouri.