Kentucky football newcomers have been issued jersey numbers

In the shadows of Kroger Field this week, Kentucky football will begin spring practice for the 10th time under head coach Mark Stoops. Expectations on the gridiron will be high for the Wildcats in 2022.

After announcing the hires of former San Francisco 49ers assistants Rich Scangarello and Zach Yenser, there is a buzz surrounding the offense, and the return of defensive coordinator Brad White should help maintain the solid play on defense. Add in a top-15 recruiting class with some valuable transfer portal additions, and you have momentum rising after a 10-win season.

With the new additions come some new jersey numbers. The University of Kentucky has released an updated roster, and we have our first look at the team Stoops and his staff will field in the spring. Let’s check in on some of the newcomers.

• 6.) Dane Key (6-3, 190, Fr.)
• 9.) Tayvion Robinson (5-11, 190, Sr.)
• 16.) Deuce Hogan (6-4, 208, RSo.)
• 21.) Andre Stewart (5-11, 174, Fr.)
• 24.) Elijah Reed (6-3, 185, Fr.)
• 33.) Tomiwa Durojaiye (6-4, 250, Fr.)
• 50.) Darrion Henry-Young (6-4, 255, RSo.)
• 65.) Grant Bingham (6-5, 321, Fr.)
• 78.) Kiyaunta Goodwin (6-8, 355, Fr.)
• 79.) Tashawn Manning (6-4, 344, Super)

Length is added on the perimeter

Speed has been a point of emphasis on the recruiting trail for Kentucky’s coaching staff, but the size is also needed. The Wildcats got some burners on both sides of the football, but the football team also added some length with a pair of local products.

Lexington (Ky.) Frederick Douglass product Dane Key will participate in spring practice, and the four-star recruit gives position coach Scott Woodward some size to use on the outside. At cornerback, Louisville (Ky.) PRP product Elijah Reed is an early enrollee who will instantly be the biggest cornerback for secondary coach Chris Collins.

Kentucky needs size on the perimeter, and both newcomers could have a chance to play as true freshmen.

Big Blue Wall added girth

As Kentucky continues its transition into a full-time wide zone offense, adding offensive linemen with athleticism will be key. Newest commit Malachi Wood seems to fit that box despite being listed at 6-foot-8. However, mass is also important.

Early enrollees Grant Bingham and Kiyaunta Goodwin join Auburn transfer Tashawn Manning as the newest pieces for Zach Yenser to utilize on the offensive line. Each looks the part from a size perspective.

Monitoring Goodwin throughout his career will be something most will follow. The high four-star recruit was up to 380 pounds at the All-American Bowl but seems to have quickly lost weight since arriving on campus. As long as that stays manageable, the Louisville product will have a chance to be a special player.

Roster notes

• After spending time at defensive end and outside linebacker, it seems Justice Dingle has moved to offense. The Georgia Tech transfer is listed as a fullback and has switched numbers (No. 47) heading into his second year in the program. The 49ers heavily utilized that position in Kyle Shanahan’s attack.
• It looks like DeAndre Square is holding steady at No. 5. For now, don’t expect a fourth number change from Kentucky’s super senior Will linebacker.
• Walk-ons Jackson Schulz (Louisville Trinity), Cole Lanter (Boyle County), and Jack Monday (Lexington Catholic) have all been added to the roster.