(Vicky Graff Photo)
Receiver Tayvion Robinson transferred from Virginia Tech to Kentucky for the 2022 season thinking he would be playing in Liam Coen’s offense. Instead, Coen left for the NFL and Rich Scangarello took over the offense.
Robinson caught 40 passes for 497 yards and three touchdowns — numbers most receivers would be happy to have but not him since he was considered by many as the top receiver in the transfer portal.
Part of that was because freshmen Barion Brown and Dane Key became huge parts of the offense. Part was because quarterback Will Levis was not healthy most of the season. Part was Scangarello’s offense was different from the one Coen used.
But a part also was that Robinson didn’t do all he could. His effort and route running was questioned, especially on plays he knew the ball wasn’t coming his way.
Credit Robinson for not being afraid to admit his effort was lacking at times last year. He even liked tweets calling out Scangarello during the season, something he now knows he should not have done.
“Obviously, the thing I learned about by myself is when situations don’t go the way they’re supposed to, it doesn’t give you the excuse to not give your full effort to your guys,” Robinson said. “I lacked in that area in some aspects and in some games.”
That’s a big step for a player to admit that and something not every player would do.
“Right now, I’m just trying to revamp my image from last year and kind of wrap that season in the rug. New season, new coordinator, some new guys we’re playing with and just being team first all the time,” Robinson said after practice Tuesday.
Scangarello’s offense was not nearly as productive as expected and that was on more than just Robinson. However, Robinson came back for a fifth year to play for Coen and show more of what he could do.
“It’s been awesome, finally getting to play for the guy I came here to play for, play in the offense that I fell in love with when I was in the portal,” Robinson said. “It’s been fun, it’s been a process. I’m still learning.”
Coen called him out for his lackadaisical effort at times last season before spring practice started. Robinson understood why.
“He just challenges me a little bit. Playing a little faster, staying healthy, playing hard in practice so I can get that stamina up. Other than that, it’s just learning from him,” Robinson said.
He had six catches for 136 yards in UK’s opening game last season against Miami and seven catches for 147 yards and two scores three weeks later against Northern Illinois. In eight SEC games, though, he had just 16 catches for 121 yards and one score.
Coen expects a lot more production from him this year.
“Once he touches the ball, good things can happen and it’s just about, hey, playing full speed without the ball in your hands. That’s something that we’re continuing to work on. But I’ve been pleased with some of the things that he’s done,” Coen said.
Robinson said he’s trying hard to lead by example for UK’s younger receivers.
“I’m not the biggest vocal guy and so I do lead by example,” Robinson said. “I’m just pulling everything I can to those guys. Everything I’ve learned was taught and seen throughout the years playing two in different conferences.”
