Stay or Go: Handicapping Remaining Kentucky Football Decisions

In the five days since the 2021 Kentucky football season ended with a tenth win by defeating Iowa in the Citrus Bowl, we have a clearer look at what the 2022 Kentucky football roster will look like.

Josh Paschal, Marquan McCall and Wan’Dale Robinson will be taking their talents to the NFL. Will Levis is running it back for another season. However, there’s more than a handful of upperclassmen with decisions to make. Thanks to the COVID-19 waiver, players have an extra year of eligibility. This wrinkle has created some uncertainty, but after having discussions with folks close to the program, KSR can connect the dots to piece together UK’s 2022 football roster.

Chris Rodriguez

Chris Rodriguez could surpass his predecessor’s career rushing record if he returns for one more season. It will only take 1,133 yards to break Benny Snell’s record, but that means nothing to C-Rod.

“That’s an individual award,” he said after the Citrus Bowl. ““If I was to come back it would be to help the program, help the team.”

Rodriguez’s ultimate goal was to graduate, a target he will meet at the end of the spring semester. With his primary motive accomplished, what will motivate Rodriguez to return?

First and foremost, another year could help NFL scouts forget about his fumbling problem. Ball security is of the utmost priority at the next level and some may currently consider him undraftable. He cleaned up his fumbling woes halfway through the season. Another year of that could catapult him back to the top of draft boards.

Obviously, injury risk is a concern, especially for running backs. At least for Rodriguez, he has not carried a load as heavy as Snell. Benny averaged more than 20 carries per game over his final two seasons. C-Rod has 20+ carries in a game only five times in his career. No one would blame him for taking his talents to the NFL, but I got a feeling the selfless rusher will run it back.

Prediction: Stay

Jordan Wright

Few Mark Stoops players have produced more havoc plays than Jordan Wright. The problem is that they’ve failed to occur consistently, largely thanks to injuries. This year Wright could have played himself into a solid spot in the NFL Draft, if not for a nagging ankle injury that sidelined him for 4.5 games. A healthy dose of Weaver-Wright could be one of the best defensive combos in the SEC in 2022. KD McDaniel’s departure tells me that will likely be the case.

Prediction: Stay

Dare Rosenthal

Dare Rosenthal‘s pending decision might have the most significant ripple effects for the Kentucky football program. You saw what the Big Blue Wall looked like without him against Iowa. Will Levis was sacked seven times. Of course, it’s easier to cover holes when you have more than a month to make moves, but there are only so many quality left tackles in the transfer portal of Rosenthal’s caliber. Kiyaunta Goodwin is an outstanding talent, but a raw one. Ideally, the true freshman can act as a third tackle, rotating in with Rosenthal and Horsey at right tackle before finding a permanent home.

Rosenthal was often described as a first round talent. He has NFL aspirations, but can he get there as quickly as Kelvin Joseph? That might not be tenable after the 2021 season. If he returns for one more year, a high NFL pick is on the table. His Citrus Bowl absence had me worried that he was on the way out the door, but I’ve since had my mind changed.

Prediction: Toss-Up … but ultimately STAYS

DeAndre Square

“I’m putting a lot of thought into it,” Square said on Wednesday’s BBN Radio. “Stay tuned. A decision should be coming soon.”

DeAndre Square is a great college football player. A student of the game, he’s a coach in the middle of the defense. Unfortunately, he does not have Jamin Davis-like measurables that are desired by NFL teams. What he does have is an iconic Citrus Bowl moment that could produce a nice NIL paycheck or two if he chooses to hang around and be a team captain for one more year in Lexington.

Prediction: Stay

Jacquez Jones

An outstanding late addition from the transfer portal, even though he was unable to play in the Citrus Bowl, Jacquez Jones led Kentucky in tackles with 86. He had a nose for the ball, making the game-clinching pass break-up vs. Florida and swatting down a potential touchdown vs. Chattanooga.

Before coming to Kentucky, Jones played as a true freshman for Ole Miss. He was on the same SEC All-Freshman Team as DeAndre Square in 2018. Without ever using a redshirt season, it would make sense to return for one more year. He did not participate in Senior Day ceremonies, leaving one to believe that he’s prepared to run it back.

Prediction: Stay

Yusuf Corker

Yusuf Corker is in a similar situation to Josh Paschal. He’s given his all for years to the Kentucky football program. You can’t ask for more, especially when the man has a family to provide for. With outstanding physical tools, an NFL team will get a hard-hitting safety that can create chaos in the box.

Prediction: Go

Cedrick Dort

Entering his fifth season playing cornerback in Lexington, he’s had a hot and cold tenure at Kentucky. Cedrick Dort played in nine games as a true freshmen, then was redshirted. He started in 12 games in 2019 and did not allow a touchdown. The following year he played second fiddle to Kelvin Joseph. He returned to start for most of the 2021 season, but Quandre Mosely took a lion’s share of the snaps.

Prediction: Go

Clevan Thomas

People forget about Clevan Thomas. The experienced wide receiver received universal praise for his play in the spring until it ended with a season-ending injury. An active participant on the sideline all season, Kentucky will have an inexperienced wide receiver group next fall. His veteran leadership could be just what Scott Woodward’s group needs.

Prediction: Stay