Dane Key is starting to feel really comfortable and it shows

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Dane Key had a touchdown catch for the third straight game when he pulled in this three-yard pass against Youngstown State. (Vicky Graff Photo)

Quarterback Will Levis predicted at the Southeastern Conference Media Days that freshman Dane Key was going to be a starting receiver this season.

Not only was Levis right, but Key is the only true freshman to have at least three touchdown receptions this season. He’s also third in receptions (13) and receiving yards (228).

He has already tied Derek Abney (2000) and Tommy Cook (2001) for most touchdown catches by a freshman at Kentucky. He’s also the first UK player to have a touchdown catch in the first three games of a season since La’Rod King in 2011.

“I am starting to feel really comfortable when my number is called,” Key said after Saturday’s 31-0 win over Youngstown State when he had a season-high six catches for 90 yards, including a three-yard touchdown catch. “It is not going to get any easier. I just have to stay locked in and keep the same preparation we’ve had.”

“I just wanted to play a role on the team and just come out and make plays. Just doing what I can to help the team win.”

Key is tied with Virginia Tech transfer Tayvion Robinson for the UK team lead in catches but leads the team in receiving yards and touchdowns.

“We like guys that score touchdowns,” Kentucky Coach Mark Stoops said. “(Key’s) a good player. He’s getting better. We’ve got a lot of confidence in him.”

“It (scoring touchdowns) never gets old. It is a great feeling,” Key said.

Key said he’s not surprised by his success. He graduated early to get a head start on his college career and feels the preparation he’s done along with going against UK’s defense in practice helped him improve. He also credits the UK strength staff for “getting my body right” to where he can do what he is doing.

Levis said the more he’s around Key, the more he appreciates what he can do.

“Dane’s not the fastest guy,” Levis said after Saturday’s win. “He’s not going to run by anybody. (His success is) a testament to his ability to be so meticulous with his routes and really know the purpose of what he’s trying to get done.”

Key says ex-Alabama and current Tampa Bay Bucs receiver Julio Jones is a player he tries to model his game after.

“He’s a pretty big receiver and I consider myself a big receiver. When I watch him, I like to try to do some things he does,” Key said.

So far, he’s doing a great job of that, too.

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