It did not take long to see how much Tayvion Robinson could help this season

Tayvion Robinson had his first 100-yard game in his UK debut. (Vicky Graff Photo)

Thank you Tayvion Robinson.

Going into Saturday night’s season-opening game with Miami of Ohio, the Virginia Tech transfer was being counted on to help offset the loss of last year’s star transfer, Wan’Dale Robinson, after his record-setting season.

Kentucky’s first offensive play was a 45-yard catch and run from quarterback Will Levis to Robinson who made some nifty moves to elude defenders. He finished the first quarter with three catches for 76 yards and by halftime he had 123 yards — more than he ever had in a game in three years at Virginia Tech.

He finished the game with a career-high six catches for 136 yards, the most receiving yards for any player in his first game at UK. The previous record was Wan’Dale Robinson’s 125 yards in 2021. It was almost the third-most in a season opener by any UK player.

“Tayvion did not surprise me, because I’ve seen it. In particular, I’ve seen his game elevate in scrimmages. Not that he doesn’t practice hard or perform well in practice, there’s just so many guys and so many moving pieces,” Kentucky coach Mark Stoops said after Saturday’s win.

“In scrimmages, he’s really shown out. I was talking to Wan’dale before the game, and I told him I felt like Tayvion was going to have a really good day, as well. Sure enough, he made a big play right on the first play of the game. Kind of gets him going.”

“But the nice thing about him is he’s experienced. He’s a good football player. He has a good feel for it. He’s talented. He works hard. So he’s a really good addition.”

Good addition? Try a great addition since he also had a 23-yard punt return.

Tayvion Robinson said he was glad fans “finally got to see me” play after the game.

“I felt like Will had a great game, a sneaky 300-yard game,” Robinson said. “I think he threw it pretty well and got it to a lot of guys. The first game can be tough. You always make minor mistakes but then you make adjustments.”

Robinson enjoyed the Kroger Field atmosphere.

“It was amazing. It definitely helped us. The crowd was electric,” Robinson said. “This fan base was amazing and I loved it. it couldn’t have been any better.”

Offensive coordinator Rich Scangarello hinted he did not show everything in the UK playbook knowing the Cats played at Florida this week. However, he still saw enough to confirm Robinson is a “baller” destined for a terrific season.

“I mean, he is a really good football player. I’ve said that. He is a leader. He can do a little bit of everything.”

That includes providing “stability” for UK’s young receivers along with being a playmaker.