Tayvion Robinson is an experienced, talented transfer and also a skilled punt returner just like Wan'Dale Robinson was a year ago. (UK Athletics Photo)
There’s no way Virginia Tech transfer Tayvion Robinson can do what Wan’Dale Robinson did at Kentucky last season when he set single season records for receptions (104) and receiving yards (1,334) while making seven touchdown catches in 13 games.
But remember in 2020 at Nebraska, Wan’Dale Robinson had “only” 51 catches for 461 yards and ran 46 times for 240 yards. Clearly the Nebraska offense was not for him and he found heaven in the Bluegrass with offensive coordinator Liam Coen and quarterback Will Levis, also newcomers to the UK program last year.
Tayvion Robinson caught 113 passes for 1,555 yards and nine scores in 36 games, including 30 starts, at Virginia Tech. Last year he had 44 receptions for 559 yards and five touchdowns.
Now perhaps his numbers can dramatically rise with Levis throwing to him and new offensive coordinator Rich Scangarello also having a NFL background with the passing game.
“Wan’Dale is a little faster than him. I do not know if Tayvion will get mad at me for saying that or might agree with him,” Levis said. “Tayvion is bigger and a larger catch radius. Wan’Dale was amazing and incredible things with his body but was limited by his size. If a throw is six inches off, Tayvion might make the catch.”
“They both are extremely football smart. You could put Wan’Dale in any position for any play and he would know what to do. Tayvion is the same way. He just gets it. They are most alike football IQ-wise and the ability to be moved around.”
Levis is glad to have another Robinson to count on his year but also thinks he should be able to do more to help any receiver.
“I have the ability to make every throw on the field and I know that,” Levis said. “Missed throws are going to happen. But you just have to try and make plays at some point.”
He might also have a potent weapon out of the backfield in Mike Drennen, a converted receiver.
“He has made some plays and I am very comfortable putting him outside,” Levis said. “Our backfield is so deep. If there is anything to help separate him from others it is the passing game and he can make catches outside his radius. He has shown flashes and is doing well.”
