Barion Brown (Vicky Graff Photo)
New Kentucky receivers coach Daikiel Shorts knows about Barion Brown and Dane Key, UK’s top two receivers the last two seasons.
However, the other Kentucky player that he probably knows the most about does not even play football.
Kentucky coach Mark Stoops announced that Shorts, 29, was joining his staff after spending the last three seasons at Houston working for coach Dana Holgorsen. The former West Virginia star receiver was also director of player development at Houston in 2019-20.
“Derby, big bourbon place, and I’m a South Jersey guy. I know (UK basketball player) DJ Wagner is up here,” Shorts said at his first press conference Tuesday when asked what he knew about the state. “He’s not far from where I’m from.
‘I was obviously in tune with Kentucky heavy this year with him being here.”
Shorts visited UK last weekend and obviously clicked with offensive coordinator Liam Coen.
“I’m highly motivated. Eager to learn and continue to get better. I’m a younger guy so I’m learning, still growing,” the new UK assistant coach said. “Obviously, surrounded by a great staff. Some older guys on staff that I can learn from and kind of pick their brains and learn as I go day-by-day.”
Kentucky also returns Anthony Brown-Stephens, who had five catches for 44 yards and one score as a true freshman in 2023. The Cats have also added North Texas transfer Ja’Mori Maclin, one of the nation’s top receivers in the transfer portal. Speculation also continues that UK might be close to adding another receiver via the transfer portal.
“We’ve got a pretty darn good room if I’m being honest. A lot of good kids in there. Just having one-on-one meetings, addressing the room, and just letting them know where I’m coming from. I’ve been in their shoes. I’ve played where they’re trying to go,” Shorts said.
“Just with me being younger, I’m a coach — and coach Stoops mentioned this — a mentor. Just kind of view myself as an older brother to those guys. Just someone they can rely on and count on and also learn from. Try to teach those guys from mistakes that I’ve made in the past.”
In his first season as a collegiate coach in 2021, Shorts led Tank Dell to first-team American Athletic Conference honors and top-15 national rankings in receptions (90), receiving yards (1,329) and receiving touchdowns (12).
In 2022, nine players combined to catch 40 touchdowns, once again led by Dell, who had a nation-high 109 catches for 1,398 receiving yards and 17 receiving touchdowns.
In 2023, Houston’s first season in the Big 12, five of the league’s Top 11 graded underclassmen wide receivers came from Houston. Three players – Joseph Manjack IV (74.7), Samuel Brown (72.9) and Golden (68.4) were in the top seven.
Shorts ended his West Virginia playing career with 177 receptions, fifth best, for 2,263 yards, sixth best, and 14 touchdowns. He also set a freshman record with 45 receptions.
2 Responses
Sounds like an excellent hire.
yes he does