Liam Coen provides insight into new talent at wide receiver

Wide receiver has not been a of position of strength for the Kentucky football program in recent years. The Wildcats have temporarily filled that glaring hole through the transfer portal. In order to make a long-term change, Kentucky has addressed it on signing day.

Liam Coen likes the direction the program is taking with a slew of talented high schoolers joining the program over the last two classes. Monday afternoon he shared some insight on a few players in particular that could make a significant impact in the future.

Chris Lewis

Kentucky signed four pass-catchers in the 2021 recruiting class. An injury sidelined Dekel Crowdus for the season. Jordan Dingle notched a couple receptions in mop-up duty and Chauncey Magwood may get more significant snaps in the Citrus Bowl. Former four-star Chris Lewis might be the furthest down the totem pole, but Coen loves what he saw from the lengthy Alabama athlete throughout his true freshman season.

“C-Lew is a guy that has put on 20 pounds now since he’s gotten here, and it’s starting to look the part, starting to physically be able to belong a little bit,” said Coen. “He still needs to continue to develop his lower half, so he’s not slipping and falling quite as much. C-Lew has a great future ahead of him. We’re really excited about him developing throughout the spring and through the winter workouts.”

We may not see Lewis right away in the bowl game, but Will Levis likes what he’s seen from Lewis in bowl practice. A 6-foot-4 outside target, Coen believes the underclassman is a future playmaker.

“I trust him, like him a lot. He’s a smart kid, diligent, great student does all the right things. He’s got a bright future ahead of him. So whether or not that shows up in the Iowa game, who knows, but like some guys have mentioned in these type of games, anybody’s number might get called to come up and make a play and if see C-Lew is called to make a play, I do believe that he can do that.”

Dane Key and Barion Brown

While upgrading talent at receiver, Coen and Co. have placed an emphasis on speed. That is why they signed Brandon White, Jordan Anthony and five-star talent, Barion Brown.

“Barion Brown is a kid that is extremely dynamic. In the return game, anytime you put the ball in his hands he has a chance to go score. And that was probably you know the big thing for us this recruiting class was getting guys that could go take a hitch and score, take a slant and score and get somebody like that. Barion is the type that can just make a play anytime he touches the football,” said Kentucky’s offensive coordinator.

Of all the newcomers from the 2021 class, Dane Key might excite Kentucky’s coaches the most. Arriving in January to participate in spring practice, Coen believes it will be an essential few months for Dane’s development.

“I couldn’t be more excited, especially that he’s coming in mid-year. That’s a huge thing for him and for us because we just get so much more time to develop and work with Dane. He’s football smart, his dad’s a coach, great family. Obviously from here in Lexington. He’s comfortable with our players, he’s comfortable with being here and he’s talented as all get-out. We’re extremely excited about him, his development throughout the spring to have a chance to play early.”

Tayvion Robinson

Just because UK is hitting the ground hard at high schools across America, doesn’t mean that Kentucky is avoiding the transfer portal. They got a good one in Tayvion Robinson. A freshman All-American two seasons ago, he tallied 113 receptions for 1,555 yards and nine touchdowns as a Hokie.

“Tayvion Robinson is a receiver who transferred from Virginia Tech, obviously older, has some playing experience. He was dynamic at Virginia Tech in a lot of ways. Also in the return game has been very helpful. He’ll add some confidence and leadership and just a little bit of veteran savvy to the room that’s losing a few older players that have played a lot of snaps, so we’re extremely excited about Tayvion.”

Once a weakness, wide receiver will soon be a strength for the Kentucky football program.