Dane Key had 37 catches for 519 yards and six scores last season. (Vicky Graff Photo)
Offensive coordinator Liam Coen helped recruit both Barion Brown and Dane Key to play at Kentucky before he left for the NFL after the 2021 season.
Both receivers had impressive freshmen seasons but now could be even better with a year of experience, added strength and Coen back at UK to call the offense like he did in 2021 when Kentucky won 10 games.
“I think they learned the game is physical in the SEC. Whether that’s press and defeating man coverage, or that’s going and blocking safeties, I think they know they need to take the next step physically,” Coen said.
“That’s eating right, that’s sleeping, how you’re living off the field and doing all of the little things to put yourself in a position to gain weight and gain muscle, or else we’re going to get thrown around and be weak at the point of attack, which is obviously what we’re not trying to get accomplished.”
Coen also has big hopes for Dekel Crowdus, a third-year sophomore who had four catches for 82 yards last season including one of 50 yards against Mississippi State.
“He has long speed which is something obviously Barion has some speed, Dane is more of a jump ball guy who works the intermediates. Dekel hopefully can give us some top shelf things and be able to push the ball down the field,” Coen said.
“Dekel went to Florida over spring break and was working with some really good football players. I think he is taking football really seriously right now and I am excited to see some of the improvements he makes this spring to be able to give us a role on this offense.”
Coen said other young players are “trying to learn” during spring practice and it is hard for freshmen to “shine” during spring practice.
“You see some good things out of younger players but it is hard to say you envision this young kid being a stud,” Coen said. “That’s hard to say right now. With some of those freshmen we want them to come along but they have to earn it first.”
