C.J. Conrad’s return makes UK’s offense dangerous in 2018
By Drew Koch
C.J. Conrad returning to the UK football team in 2018 is the best news head coach Mark Stoops could have hoped for. Conrad adds a dimension to the Wildcats’ offense they would’ve sorely missed had he jumped to the NFL.
C.J. Conrad will return for his senior and Big Blue Nation couldn’t be happier. The 6’5″, 245 pound junior announced via Twitter that he would be returning for his senior season at UK.
Conrad’s return will have a huge impact on Kentucky’s offense next season. The Lagrange, Ohio native possesses all the tools and talent necessary to be a top-notch player at the next level. A 4-star prospect according to 247Sports.com, C.J. chose the Cats over the Ohio State Buckeyes back in 2015. Conrad was projected by WalterFootball.com to be drafted between the 4th and 6th round of the upcoming NFL Draft.
With Stephen Johnson now graduated, the competition for the starting quarterback for 2018 is up for grabs. Drew Barker, Gunnar Hoak and JuCo transfer Terry Wilson will all be in the mix. Regardless of who is taking snaps under center, they will benefit from C.J. Conrad’s return.
My injury made this pretty easy for me. Good luck to the rest of the guys out there with tough decisions ahead! #bbn pic.twitter.com/fSUFq2ha4H
— CJ Conrad (@CoachCJConrad) December 30, 2017
During his career at UK, C.J. Conrad has 50 receptions and 9 touchdowns. Injuries have been a concern, as Conrad has only played in 17 of a possible 26 games over the past 2 seasons. However, when he is on the field he is a difference maker.
Tavin Richardson demonstrated during the Music City Bowl that he can be a threat in the passing game. Richardson had 5 receptions for 89 yards in Nashville. Wide recervier Dorian Baker, who was shelved for the 2017 season with an ankle injury, also returns next year.
The Wildcats offense will return Benny Snell, Sihiem King and Lynn Bowden. Snell is obviously the straw that stirs the drink, but Bowden and King provide a measure of speed and quickness to the offense.
C.J. Conrad, however, makes everyone’s job on offense easier. He’s a security blanket for the quarterback, a great run blocker and a scoring-threat in the red zone. He can be the difference maker the Wildcats need to push the football program to new heights.