Kentucky Football: Keys to Success on Offense

Will Levis will lead the way for Kentucky this fall. (Vicky Graff Photo)

By Jordan Abrams, Contributing Writer

It’s almost football time in the Bluegrass! Kentucky football is back, and many believe that it is back and even better than before. The Cats are coming off another incredible 10-win season and a big win over a Top-15 Iowa (Mark Stoops Alma Mater)in the Citrus Bowl.

With a new year comes new challenges. One of those challenges includes losing a lot of stars on offense and defense. For today, let’s break down the offense for this upcoming season.

Kentucky returns some major star talent this season, let’s just take a look at some key losses first.

Wandale Robinson

Robinson led the team in receiving yards. Well, he led the team in receiving yards by A LOT. Robinson managed to grab 104 passes on over 1300 yards in 2021. Robinson also scored 7 touchdowns for the Wildcats. Wandale was also the go-to target for Levis as he was targeted for 40% of Will’s passes. Most believe Wandale is going to become a star in the NFL, with the New York Giants.

Luke Fortner

Losing Luke Fortner is a blow, no doubt about it. Fortner was the anchor of the “Big Blue Wall”. Fortner started 36 consecutive games for the Wildcats and made a tough transition from guard to center after losing Drake Jackson to the NFL. Fortner also played in 55 games as a wildcat and was named SEC Offensive Lineman of the Week twice in 2021.

Darian Kinnard

Darian Kinnard is known to be one of the best tackles to play at the University of Kentucky. Kinnard started 29 consecutive games for the Cats and played in 46 games. Kinnard is the first offensive lineman since Sam Ball in 1965 to be tabbed as a consensus First-Team All-American in 2021. Kinnard was also awarded the 2021 Jacobs Blocking Trophy which is awarded to the SEC’s best blocker.

So, how does Kentucky Football recover from losing three major players on offense? Here is the four players I believe have to take a step forward and be a staple for the UK Offense:

Will Levis

The Cats will return star Quarterback and potential top-10 pick, Will Levis. Levis passed for over 2800 yards and 24 touchdowns. Levis also ran for 376 yards and 9 rushing touchdowns. For this offense to be good, Levis must be as good as he was last year, but better. Levis threw 13 interceptions in 2021. For Kentucky to be great, they have to keep the ball when they have it. If Levis can manage the game well and make those tight throws, I believe Kentucky can have a historical year.

Eli Cox

The offense gets started by the anchor. That anchor for the 2022 season will be Eli Cox at Center. Eli Cox is making the transition from guard to center, like Luke Fortner, who is now the projected starter for the Jacksonville Jaguars as a rookie. Cox started 9 games in 2021 before injuring his hand against Tennessee. Eli was also tabbed as a mid-season All-American by ESPN and AP. Cox has a lot of experience and he is essential for the Cats to have a big year in 2022. Oh, I almost forgot to mention that he also has scored 1 touchdown after recovering a fumble against Missouri in the end-zone.

Tayvion Robinson

Tayvion Robinson is a senior transfer from the Hokies of Virginia Tech. While Robinson was at VT, the 5-11’ receiver was able to grab 113 catches in 3 seasons for over 1500 yards. Robinson will be the go-to guy for Levis this season, so I expect him to have a big year. I believe if Robinson can manage to grab 50- 60 balls for 600 or so yards, I think the offense will look sharp.

Dane Key

I know, it’s crazy putting the pressure on a true freshman. BUT, I believe Dane Key is going to be an incredible asset for the Big Blue this season. The Running Back room is stacked and everyone knows the main focus will be running the ball. That being said, Tayvion Robinson will be keyed on (see what I did there?) by defenses quite often, which will open everything up for Key to have a big year as the No.2 receiver. Key is long, fast and very athletic. I expect Dane Key to have a big year for the Cats and the coaching staff is expecting big things from the Lexington, KY native.

So, let’s sum it up. For this Kentucky Football team to have an outstanding year, they have to replace 3 soon to be NFL stars and that is not an easy feat. Young guys have to step up and Will Levis needs to have the year people think he can have. If that all happens, I can see Kentucky getting another 10 win season and if they are lucky, maybe even 11.

P.S. Don’t worry, I’m not going to spoil my prediction for Kentucky’s season just yet.