Kentucky Receivers Should Exceed 200 Catches in 2023

Liam Coen was Kentucky’s play-caller in 2021; receivers combined to register 172 receptions in that season. Wan’Dale Robinson was the overwhelmingly most targeted wide receiver. The Nebraska transfer from Frankfort, KY who is now a New York Giant recorded 104 of those 172 receptions. The 2023 wide receiver room has more talent than it did in 2021 that’s spread across the board which could lead to a season in which the Wildcat receivers exceed 200 catches. Let’s get into it. 

A glimpse back to 2021 shows that the wide receiver with the second most receptions was Josh Ali with 41. The drop from him to the third leading pass catcher was massive. DeMarcus Harris ranked third with just 12 catches followed by Isaiah Epps (11), Rahsaan Lewis (2), Chauncey Magwood (1), and Tae Tae Crumes (1). It’s amazing that Wan’Dale Robinson’s 104 catches came against defenses that knew that Will Levis and Liam Coen intended to target the exciting Cat during a vast majority of passing attempts. 

2021 tight ends added 47 catches under Liam Coen. Justin Rigg’s 20 paced the room and was followed by Izayah Cummings‘ 14, Brenden Bates’ 11, and Jordan Dingle’s 2. Running backs also got in on the action with 9 receptions. The position was led by Chris Rodriguez Jr.’s 13 followed by JuTahn McClain’s 6, Mike Drennen’s 2, and Kavosiey Smoke’s 1. 

Projecting Kentucky’s Receivers in 2023

Liam Coen Part II brings a bunch of excitement to the Big Blue Nation. Last season’s offense, led by Rich Scangarello, ranked 14th out of 14 SEC teams in Total Offense after averaging a lowly 324.7 yards per game. Last season also saw a drop in yards per play from 6.24 in 2021 to 5.2 in 2022. 

Coen’s return to Lexington must have also been exciting for the former LA Rams offensive coordinator. A great deal of the thrill is based on a receiver room that is filled with a couple of talented true sophomores in Dane Key and Barion Brown; redshirt sophomore Dekel Crowdus, who’s filled with exciting potential; and senior Tayvion Robinson who appears to be refocused and re-energized. 

Sign up for the KSR Newsletter to get breaking news and daily headlines delivered directly to your inbox.

A Look Back 2022 Receiver Production 

True freshman Barion Brown led the Cats with 50 receptions in 2022. Tayvion Robinson’s 40 was good enough for second followed by true freshman Dane Key’s 37. Freshman Dekel Crowdus (4) is the fourth leading returning WR. The other three on the list have all transferred out of the program: Rahsaan Lewis (6), DeMarcus Harris (4), and Chris Lewis (2).  

Projecting 2023 Receiver Numbers 

It’s safe to project both Barion Brown and Dane Key to have 50-60+ catches at a minimum in Coen’s revamped system. Tayvion Robinson is an effective operator from the slot position and will be joined by Crowdus to construct a formidable foursome of pass-catching receivers for new quarterback Devin Leary. 

Kentucky Receiver’s Percentage of Catches in 2021 and 2022 

Kentucky receivers accounted for 47% of Kentucky receptions in 2021 under Liam Coen. 60% of those receptions were registered by Wan’Dale Robinson. 2022 saw a more evenly distributed number of catches. The WR position group accounted for 40.9% of all catches last season. That’s a lot of numbers, and I loathe math, but hopefully helps to paint a picture of a 2023 season that could see the Wildcat WRs exceeding 200 receptions for the season. 

Protecting Devin Leary is Mandatory in 2023

Additionally, the numbers also provide a numeric description of just how important it will be to protect quarterback Devin Leary. Mark Stoops dipped into the transfer portal to bring in four offensive linemen that include a pair of starting tackles in Marques Cox and Courtland Ford. Interior linemen Tanner Bowles and Ben Chrisman round out the portal haul. 

Offensive line position moves were also made in an attempt to strengthen the once-proud front. All SEC guard Kenneth Horsey kicks back inside from tackle. Jager Burton moves over to center from guard. 2021 Mid-Year All-American guard Eli Cox transitioned from center to guard. 

What Does All This Mean? 

My head hurts from looking at all the numbers for this post. I forgot my glasses this morning. I’m old and can’t see very well anymore. Anyway, that’s unimportant. 

I’m extremely excited about the Kentucky receivers in 2023 and Liam Coen’s return to Lexington. His first stop featured a lopsided targeting chart that heavily leaned on Wan’Dale Robinson. He will have more viable targets to spread out catches to threatening pass catchers in 2023.  

74 days to kickoff.