Wan'Dale Robinson already has the attention of Iowa defenders. (UK Athletics Photo)
Iowa defensive back Dane Benton definitely remembers Kentucky receiver Wan’Dale Robinson when he played two years for Nebraska and played against Iowa before transferring to UK. In a 26-20 loss to Iowa in 2020, Robinson had nine catches for 75 yards and six runs for 42 yards. In a 14-3 loss to Iowa in 2019 when Robinson was a freshman, he had three catches for 14 yards.
This season Robinson has 94 catches for 1,164 yards and seven touchdowns and had eight or more catches in seven games, including 13 for 166 yards against Tennessee and eight for 181 yards against New Mexico State.
“He was very elusive. He got a lot of quick passes. He’d get in open space and make something happen,” Benton said. “He’s a great player.
“That’s probably what I remember most from him is we had to be good at tackling, our coverage.”
Benton and Iowa will get a chance to try and contain Robinson again Jan. 1 when the teams meet in the Citrus Bowl unless Robinson would opt out of the game possibly if he decides he’s headed for the NFL. Kentucky is scheduled to start bowl practice Friday and coach Mark Stoops likely will address if any players will miss the bowl game for various reasons.
Benton is excited about playing a SEC team.
“It gives a little excitement. But at the end of the day, whoever we play is going to be a good competition and a good opportunity. It could be SEC, Big Ten, or Big 12 or Pac-12 or anybody. I feel like the bowl game we’re in is a great bowl, and we’re going to have good competition no matter who it is,” Benton said.
“Kentucky is a great team as well. We have to bring our A-game and prepare regardless. I definitely think it’s a good opportunity.”
Iowa offensive lineman Tyler Linderbaum, the Big Ten Offensive Lineman of the Year, watched Kentucky play a few games during the season.
“I know they’ve got some good defensive players. Obviously, I haven’t watched enough to tell you about their whole scheme and whatnot. They’re in the SEC. I think they maybe finished second behind Georgia in their [division], which is pretty impressive,” Linderbaum, who could be the first offensive lineman picked in the 2022 NFL draft, said.
“We’re going to have to be ready to go. It’s going to be a great team, great competition, and we’re going to be excited for the opportunity.”
2 Responses
I would say Robinson plays, I would be surprised if he didn’t, and very disappointed. He is half the UK offense all rolled into one player. UK needs him in that bowl game!
Very mature and respectful commentary from Tyler Linderbaum and Dane Benton.