Kentucky will need new receiving targets to emerge with Josh Ali and Isaiah Epps out of Citrus Bowl

Josh Ali, UK's second leading receiver, won't play in the Citrus Bowl because of injuries sustained in a car accident. (UK Athletics Photo)

Just as he has been all season, Wan’Dale Robinson will be Kentucky’s featured receiver against Iowa in the Citrus Bowl January 1. However, who quarterback Will Levis targets after Robinson is going to be a lot different now that senior receivers Josh Ali and Isaiah Epps are out of the bowl game due to injuries suffered in a recent automobile accident according to UK offensive coordinator Liam Coen.

“All is well. They are OK, but will not be available for the game against Iowa. They’re totally fine, doing well,” said Coen after Monday’s practice. “They’re here and been getting treatment. They’ve been trying to get back to be able to play, but it doesn’t look like they’ll be available for us in the Iowa game.

“They’re here, getting treatment, it’s probably just not worth it for their futures.”

Ali had 41 catches for 601 yards and three touchdowns this year despite missing three games with a knee injury. In the last two games, he had 11 catches for 212 yards and two scores. He became the 31st player in school history this year to have over 1,000 receiving yards for a career.  Ali finished his career with 1,447 yards — second behind Garrett Johnson’s 2,089 receiving yards in the Mark Stoops’ era — and nine touchdowns.

Epps had 11 catches for 171 yards and one touchdown this season.

Tight end Izayah Cummings, a converted wide receiver, likely will have an increased role in the bowl game. He had 13 catches for 182 yards and three scores this year. However, he says UK has other receivers waiting for a chance to shine.

One could be sophomore DeMarcus Harris who got more playing time late in the season. True freshmen Chauncey Magwood and Chris Lewis could get a lot more looks, too.

“We definitely have some playmakers on the bench waiting their turn,” Cummings said. “DeMarcus Harris could step up. Chris Lewis has been behind Wan’Dale but can make plays. We have got a couple of playmakers out there.”

Levis recently praised Lewis, a four-star recruit from Alabama, for the improvement he’s made since the end of the season and Coen said the 6-4 freshman has added 20 pounds this season.

“He’s starting to look the part, starting to physically be able to belong a little bit,” Coen said. “He needs to continue to develop his lower half so he’s not slipping and falling quite as much, but C-Lew has a great future ahead of him. We’re really excited about him developing throughout the spring and throughout the winter workouts.”

Coen said he trusts Lewis, who could still be redshirted even if he plays in the bowl game, and he could become more of a factor in the game plan by January 1.

“He’s a smart kid, diligent, great student. Does all the right things,” Coen said. “In these types of games, anybody’s number might get called to come up and make a play.”

Cummings is ready to do a lot more and says the injury he suffered against Louisville in the final regular-season game will not hamper him.

“I’m feeling great, I’ve been doing a lot of rehab with the trainers to make sure I’m back at full strength for this bowl game,” Cummings said “It’s just getting better as the days go by.”