If you had to choose a weak link on the Kentucky football team over the last two years, consistency at the wide receiver position would probably have to be the pick. Randall Cobb is a phenomenal athlete, but his production as a true receiver has been hampered by poor quarterback play and the heavy use of the Wildcat package last year. So even including Mr. UK football himself, this group has underachieved in terms of their main function of catching the football. Where the receivers have underachieved, the tight end unit has been an embarrassment. No one expected any of the players on last year’s rosters to reproduce Jacob Tamme type numbers, but the utter lack of any offensive production by three seniors severely hampered the offense’s ability to move the football. Several new faces will hope to help give a boost to a passing game that could be the difference between another bowl or staying home. With a solid offseason, another year in the system, and expected improvement from the QB this season, two positions that were a weakness previously might become a strength for this years squad.
Wide Receiver / Tight End
The Franchise:
#18 – Randall Cobb – JR – 5’11 / 185 – Alcoa, TN
You always hear those stories about “old school” football players who weren’t the biggest or fastest guys on their teams, but that always were stars because of their heart and determination. Cobb fits the bill as well as anyone on the team this year and could be the most versatile athlete to come through Kentucky’s football program ever. He’s not the fastest receiver on the team and he’s actually the shortest scholarship player in the bunch as well, but he always seems to make big plays and bring the “Wow” factor Kentucky hasn’t had offensively since 2007. After lining up at QB, RB, KR, PR, and WR, it just makes sense that he’s even been mentioned as seeing time on defense as a CB. He better have gotten plenty of rest this offseason though because the success of the entire team might rest on his shoulders this year. Fans should definitely expect to see plenty of #18 during the 2010 season.
The Deep Threat
#8 – Chris Matthews – SR – 6’5 / 220 – Los Angeles, CA
We’ve heard a thousand times that the most improvement a JUCO player will see is between his Junior and Senior seasons, and then we all witnessed the transformation of Stevie Johnson into a playmaker his senior year. Whether it’s fair or not, Matthews’ success will be measured against Johnson’s his senior year and those are some pretty big shoes to fill. While there were streaks of brilliance last season, Matthews disappeared at times as well. It is imperative that he step up and become the star on the playing field that he is on the practice field. With imposing size and 4.4 speed, Matthews has the measurable of a first round draft pick. This season he should also start to play like one with one year under his belt and one left to make a final impression for NFL teams. If the QB can get him the ball, expect him to pile up the touchdowns.
The Breakout
#16 – LaRod King – SO – 6’4 / 205 – Radcliff, KY
It came as a shock to at least me (if not others) that LaRod King didn’t redshirt last season. As a high school QB transitioning to receiver in a ear where there were already several experienced players at his position, it would seem like a no-brainer for him to take a year off and learn before being thrown into the fire. Then King comes in and blows away everyone with potential AND talent as a true freshman. Well now comes year two, and the expectations are high for a capable King. He is unlikely to be the go-to receiver as a sophomore with Matthews and Cobb ahead of him, but he’ll see the field plenty and he’ll have more than one chance to make his impact on the team.
The Young Gun
#85 – Alex Smith – FR – 6’5 / 250 – Cincinnati, OH
It’s never a great idea to rely on a true freshman anywhere on the field, but Smith is a special athlete. He’s got NFL ready size and is one of the most complete players at the position. He’s not going to wow you with hi speed, but he can run. The kicker is that he’s been on campus since spring working out and getting ready to play and it’s almost impossible to see him not playing a lot this season. He might not win the starting job right away, but Smith has everything you look for in a pro-style tight end.
The Supporting Cast:
#87 – Brian Adams – FR – 6’4 / 230 – Gainesville, GA
Perhaps no UK player (that has never taken a college snap) has more hype surrounding him than Adams. He’s the fastest receiver on the team despite sporting tight end measurables. He’ll have plenty of chances to make plays on offense and will almost certainly be part of the receiver rotation.
#13 – Gene McCaskill – JR – 6’0 / 190 – Chester, SC
While he hasn’t emerged into a star yet, he will also probably be part of the rotation this year. He’s one of those jack-of-all-trades players like former Cat Glenn Holts was. While he may not stand out in any one area, he is a solid contributor in multiple areas and has the ability to fill in at all receiver spots. Probably should have redshirted as a freshman.
#19 – E.J. Fields – SO – 6’1 / 200 – Frankfort, KY
Injuries have plagued Fields over his first two years in the program and it is likely that should he petition for a sixth year of eligibility that he will probably get it, which essentially makes him a freshman again. He’ll need to stay healthy to make an impact on offense in a deep receiving corps.
#3 – Matt Roark – JR – 6’5 / 210 – Acworth, GA
As a member of the “converted QB class of 2008,” Roark has struggled to get on the field consistently on offense. What he does provide though, is a special teams spark and a player that goes 110% on every play. He is further down the depth chart than he would probably like at this point, and a position change might do him some good. Probably should have redshirted as a freshman.
#27 – Aaron Boyd – SO – 6’4 / 210 – Lexington, KY
Boyd was supposed to be a sure-fire superstar when he picked Kentucky, but things haven’t panned out so far. If he hopes to see the field, he’ll need to step up soon as Kentucky is bringing in a class full of promising young receivers next year. Time is running out for Boyd.
The Contenders/Supporting Cast
#42 – Nick Melillo – JR – 6’2 /240 – Louisville, KY
I put Smith in the starting role based on
potential and natural talent, but it is actually Melillo who sits atop of the depth chart at this time. He’s shorter than ideal for a tight end, but coach Greg Nord did make an All-American out of Ibn Green at Louisville. Despite more talented players on the roster at his position, he remains consistent and reliable and will be in the mix for the starting job during camp.
#82 – Anthony Kendrick – FR – 6’3 / 250 – Katy, TX
Kendrick was a star basketball player in high school and the same formula has worked out pretty well for Antonio Gates. He is big and fast and presents a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses. He’ll need to prove he has what it takes blocking to have a shot at the tight end job, but he’ll play plenty regardless of whether he starts or not.
#86 – Jordan Aumiller – FR – 6’4 / 230 – Danville, KY
After bouncing around positions during his redshirt year, Aumiller finally settled in at tight end. He has the size and skill necessary for the position and will have plenty of opportunities to see the field on offense and special teams.
#89 – Tyler Robinson – FR – 6’3 / 245 – Alcoa, TN
There’s a very good chance Robinson will sit this season out on a redshirt while he adjusts to the college game. He has a reputation for having remarkable hands, but also shows potential down the road on the defensive line or as a center or guard.
#80 – Ronnie Shields – FR – 6’4 / 220 – Stone Mountain, GA
He’s listed as an athlete under position on UK’s roster but it’s looking like he will probably settle in at tight end eventually. He is also likely to redshirt.
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