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What's your favorite Wan'Dale Robinson moment at Kentucky?

Nick-Roush-headshotby:Nick Roush•01/06/22•

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Wan'Dale Robinson
Photo by Dr. Michael Huang | Kentucky Sports Radio

Who knew one player could make so many great memories in only 13 games, but Wan’Dale did it. A one-man wrecking crew, Wan’Dale Robinson caught 104 passes for 1,334 yards to set two new UK school records. In the process he scored seven touchdowns and made a whole lot of memories.

Before sharing which one is your favorite, let’s go through the best of the best as the former Kentucky Mr. Football takes his talents to the National Football League.

1. Wan’Dale’s First Catch

There’s always nerves entering the first game of the season. Filled with uncertainty, Kentucky got off to a shaky start under Liam Coen. Will Levis‘ first pass was tipped and intercepted. Louisiana-Monroe responded with a touchdown, taking its first lead over an opponent in two seasons. Doubt started to creep in, until Levis connected with Wan’Dale for a 35-yard touchdown on the Frankfort kid’s first reception as a Wildcat.

2. Waving the Flag at South Carolina

Winning at South Carolina has become one of the BBN’s favorite traditions. There’s something about beating a bunch of arrogant Cocks that hits different. Wan’Dale truly became one of us when he helped UK grind out a win at Williams-Brice Stadium, then shoved the win right in South Carolina’s face.

kentucky-opens-8-point-underdogs-florida
Photo by UK Athletics

3. Sprint to the End Zone vs. Florida

This is a play that only Wan’Dale could make. Similar to Lynn Bowden’s touchdown on the opening drive of the second half against Louisville, you thought he was going to get tackled a handful of times, but he just never went to the ground. Robinson got some help from Kavosiey Smoke, then it was off to the races, dodging, ducking, dipping, diving and dodging through tacklers to get to the end zone.

The only downside? It was overshadowed by Josh Paschal’s field goal block and the ensuing run to the house by Trevin Wallace.

4. Diving Dart vs. LSU

Wan’Dale had a knack for making the extraordinary look ordinary. Similar to his diving grab in the Citrus Bowl on third and a mile, his vertical shortcomings were eliminated by his leaping ability. Will Levis delivered the ball in a spot where only Wan’Dale could catch it and he did not disappoint his quarterback.

The excitement from that catch set the BBN on fire, fueling the blowout that served as the catalyst to Ed Orgeron’s termination.

5. Covering the Spread at Georgia

Desperate for points against the best defense in college football, Kentucky methodically marched down the field for almost the entire duration of the fourth quarter. Wan’Dale had five third down receptions, including one on third and inches that resulted in a touchdown with just four seconds to play. Critics scoffed. Georgia fans booed. UK bettors rejoiced.

6. It’s Tricky!

Wan’Dale opened the Governor’s Cup with a huge gain. Later on he broke the single-season receptions record on a double pass that started with Smoke, then went back to Levis, before Robinson slid in to make the catch. He finished the game with a casual nine receptions for 97 yards.

7. Third and Long Hit-Stick

Many receivers have great hands and fast feet. Few compete with the toughness Wan’Dale brought to the field on every single snap. No matter how hard he got hit, you knew he was going to get back up. It happened plenty of times throughout the season. Every time he was stuck on the ground catching his breath, he quickly jumped to his feet to fire up the crowd.

Kentucky was on its last life. Levis just took a sack to make it third and long with less than three minutes remaining in the Citrus Bowl, but there was no panic, not even when Wan’Dale stared down a safety and took a hit right to the chest. He hung onto the football and moved the chains, setting up an unforgettable finale.

8. Wan’Dale’s Record-Breaking Moment

His penultimate play could only be outdone by his final catch as a Wildcat. Serving poetic justice to Riley Moss, he scurried 52 yards down the sideline and into the UK record books, just one yard shy of the game-winning score. Chris Rodriguez took the assist and cemented this Kentucky football team’s place into history as one of the best ever assembled in the Bluegrass State.

It’s a difficult task to choose just one, but if you had to pick, what’s your favorite moment from Wan’Dale Robinson’s time at Kentucky?

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2025-01-26