Dane Key with his parents, Nicole and Donte, after receiving the Paul Hornung Award Tuesday. (Lacy Robinson Photo)
Frederick Douglass coach Nathan McPeek still remembers what impression he had of Dane Key two years before he could even play high school football.
“I remember when he was in the seventh grade and walking around the football field. I was thinking then how special he would be, and he is,” said McPeek during the Paul Hornung Awards ceremony Tuesday in Louisville.
Key, a Kentucky signee, won the award given to the state’s top high school player. The 6-3, 195-pound Key is the top-rated recruit in Kentucky and one of the nation’s top 40 receivers.
“But the biggest thing I am proud of is the type of person he is. He does not miss workouts. He encourages teammates. He’s also a very competitive kid,” McPeek said. “I have been blessed to coach a lot of Division I kids in my career and nobody is more competitive than this guy and that’s why I think he will have a great career at Kentucky.”
Dane Key, the son of former UK linebacker Donte Key, has received numerous awards but acknowledged this one was extra special.
“This means something special in my heart,” Dane Key said. “Being nominated as the best player in Kentucky will hold something special in my heart way past high school. I will always have this award with me.”
Kentucky Sports Radio personality Ryan Lemond is friends with Key’s parents and Dane Key considers him a friend and mentor. Lemond got emotional talking about Key during the ceremony.
“He’s not just a great football player but a great kid,” Lemond said. “If you have a daughter, you want her to date Dane. If you have a son, you want him to be Dane. He’s been a great role model and big brother for my son.”
That’s when Leonard had to pause because he started crying.
“That’s how much he means to my family,” Lemond said when he regained his composure. “He’s that special.”
Kentucky recruiting coordinator Vince Marrow called Key a “deserving winner” of the prestigious Hornung Award.
“He comes from two great parents and I am really excited for him to be representing UK. I am anxious for people to get to know him and see what type of young man he is and what a great player he’s going to be,” Marrow said.
