Kentucky May Have to Count on Young Receivers at Georgia

Anthony Brown-Stephens (UK Athletics Photo)

Will Kentucky’s receivers be at full strength against Georgia?

Both senior Tayvion Robinson and sophomore Barion Brown left last Saturday’s win over Florida with injuries even though coach Mark Stoops did not talk about any lingering impact after the game.

Stoops was really vague at his press conference Monday when asked about the duo.

“I can’t get into all that right now,” said Stoops. “I really don’t (know). We’ll see how the week goes.”

The good news for UK is that both are listed on the depth chart as starters. The bad news — even if Stoops knew they could not play he likely would not want Georgia to know and would have them still No. 1 on the depth chart.

Robinson leads the team with 19 catches for 308 yards and three scores. Brown has 19 catches for 251 yards and one score. Next is Dane Key with 13 catches for 196 yards and two scores. Running back Ray Davis is next with 11 catches for 146 yards and a team-high three scores. The only other true wide receiver with a catch is freshman Anthony Brown-Stephens with two for 12 yards.

Brown was terrific at Georgia last season when he had 10 catches for 145 yards, both season highs. It was the first time a true freshman at UK had 10 catches in a game in 22 years.

Stoops thought his receivers improved in some areas against Florida.

“For instance, Barion, when he caught a seven- or eight-yard hitch, turn, press upfield, finish that play, get the first down instead of coming up a half-yard short. That’s an improvement,” Stops said.

“Some guys finishing some catches, I don’t think we need to over-coach that or over analyze that. These are good players that work hard, that care. I think it’s quite obvious we need to continue to work as a group, not just as any individual player, but with the quarterbacks, tight ends, backs, receivers, all getting on the same page and executing at a higher level.

“We’re going to need to execute at a higher level in the pass game as we move forward.”

Stoops said he did think he would have to count on some younger receivers against Georgia.

“We’re going to have to bring Anthony Brown-Stephens along and (sophomore) Dekel (Crowdus). I’ve mentioned Dekel earlier because he has shown flashes and he’s really worked hard,” Stoops said.

“Opportunities are tough when we are in these big games. But he’s a guy that I have trust in. He’s worked hard and hopefully, he’s going to continue to step up as well.”