Kentucky's Tight Ends Will Lead The Way In 2022

The Big Blue Nation is known for its loyalty, passion, willingness to fill the stands at bowl games, and endless calls for more tight end receptions. Hey, I’m right there with you. 2022 may be the year that the Big Blue faithful get their wish.

Wan’Dale Robinson blazed a path through Kentucky record books after posting 104 receptions, 1,334 yards, and seven touchdowns in his one-year stay in Lexington. The former Western Hills star was magnificent and a highly targeted pass catcher for quarterback Will Levis. The second Cat on the team’s total catch list was fellow receiver Josh Ali with 41. Robinson more than doubled the field in targets and receptions. The Citrus Bowl MVP will be sorely missed next season.

KSR’s Adam Luckett wrote about how UK can fill the void left by Robinson. One option is Virginia Tech transfer receiver Tayvion Robinson who has recorded 113 catches and 1,555 yards during his career in Blacksburg. With a plethora of youthful receivers that will be developing in the preseason, the seasoned transfer is the early favorite to lead the team in receptions. But, the combination of four highly talented tight ends may lead the way in 2022. Let’s take a look at next year’s TE group. 

Brenden Bates

Bates is the veteran of the bunch and an elite on-line blocker. The 6’5, 255-pound senior registered 11 catches for 70 yards and one score this season. Justin Rigg’s departure could lead to more Bates especially in the Red Zone and on likely run downs. He is also a valuable target in the play-action and bootleg game. Bates may not be as flashy as the others, but the veteran is the rock of the position group. 

Keaton Upshaw

Keaton Upshaw is the X-factor for the 2022 offense. The 6’6, 250-pound versatile athlete could soar in Liam Coen’s TE-friendly offense. The Lima, Ohio product has caught 23 passes for 271 yards, and four touchdowns in two seasons. Upshaw saw a rise in targets in 2020 and was poised for a breakout performance before sustaining a season-ending injury in the preseason. That expectation carries over to 2022. The Wildcat tight end will be prominently utilized in the vertical passing game and could enjoy a 40-plus catch season. 

Izayah Cummings

The 6’4, 230-pound former receiver’s move to tight end was one of the most important personnel happenings in 2021. Cummings flashed and displayed the ability to influence opposing defenses in the vertical passing game. He registered 14 catches for 195 yards and three touchdowns. The thought of a two-tight end set featuring Cummings and Upshaw provokes excitement for Liam Coen and the Big Blue Nation’s emphasis on the position. That duo possesses the size and speed to create a dangerous one-two punch. An offseason in the weight room will only add to his impact. 

Jordan Dingle

Dingle maintained his redshirt after appearing in four games during this season. The 6’4, 240-pounder impressed in limited action after catching two passes for 54 yards. Dingle is a powerful and athletic pass catcher that led Bowling Green to a state title. He should see a substantial increase in production following a redshirt season. 

What Does All This Mean?

Coach Vince Marrow is universally known and respected as Kentucky’s recruiting coordinator. The Big Dog is UK’s ace recruiter and has secured the signatures of numerous players that went on to star for the Cats. Marrow is also an elite developer of tight ends. He has former Wildcat great CJ Conrad to help with arguably the team’s most talented position room. 

Keaton Upshaw is poised for a huge season. He is a schematic fit and a 6’6 matchup nightmare that has vertical threatening talent. Izayah Cummings’ position change was smooth. The former Male Bulldog embraced the adjustment and showed glimpses of an upper-echelon pass catcher. Brenden Bates is the veteran of the room and a bulldozer for a blocker but also effective in short to intermediate routes. Jordan Dingle has all the tools to see an increase in snaps. 

Kentucky has multiple tight ends that could be starters in the Southeastern Conference. The combination of the foursome has to opportunity to lead the Cats in receptions in 2022. I fully expect Coen to take advantage of this deep and highly skilled group. The focus on TEs will give the Cats time to identify a go-to receiver or grouping of pass catchers to take the place of Wan’Dale Robinson. 

So, yes, TE catches will drastically increase next season. We’ve heard it before. I’ve said it before. But, the Wildcats have never had this much skill led by a coordinator that emphasizes the position and a rising star quarterback that can distribute the football. There’s a great deal to be excited about in Lexington.

Football state.