Photo by UK Athletics
The combination of departures by offensive coordinator Liam Coen and standout wide receiver Wan’Dale Robinson brought immediate concerns to what the Kentucky Wildcats offense would look like for the 2022 season. While the program expected to lose Robinson to the NFL draft, not many saw Coen’s stint with Kentucky coming to such a quick end. The Wildcats’ offensive signal caller returned to the Los Angeles Rams after just one season in Lexington, leaving head coach Mark Stoops to entrust new OC Rich Scangarello and quarterback Will Levis with Kentucky’s offense. Kentucky held their Spring Game on Saturday and though the 43 degree kickoff may have felt more like fall weather, it was just a blue-white scrimmage. Yet, though it was just a “scrimmage,” Kentucky’s offense full of new faces impressed in their first public appearance together.
While managing expectations, it’s also fair to say Levis looked better than good against an above-average Kentucky defense. He opened the game going 7-8 on pass attempts for two touchdown throws – the first to Chris Rodriguez on the opening drive and the second to freshman wide receiver Dane Key. Key was a four-star recruit, a local standout at Frederick Douglass High School and could easily see an immediate role in Kentucky’s passing game early this fall.
Again, it’s the spring game so Levis ended up with the least pass attempts of Kentucky’s four quarterbacks. Iowa transfer Deuce Hogan threw the team’s only other touchdown pass, going 7-11 for 51 yards and a score. Lexington native Beau Allen went 4-11 for 75 passing yards and fell victim to a few drops from his wide receivers. Kaiya Sheron, another Kentucky native, went 4-9 for 58 yards. None of the quarterbacks threw an interception.
While Rodriguez is the clear leader in Kentucky’s backfield, Mike Drennen and Kavosiey Smoke each posted 10 carries with both running backs averaging over four yards per carry. Smoke had the backup role last season and should continue that role this fall. However, don’t be surprised if Drennen finds himself being implemented in the offense from time to time this year. He had two touchdown plunges on Saturday and could relieve Rodriguez from time-to-time.
The Wildcats will kick off their season with a home opener vs. Miami (Ohio) on September 3rd. In the meantime, there will be plenty of practice opportunity for the Wildcats to further gel and build more chemistry in all three phases of the game.
