Dane Key's Nebraska captaincy a painful reminder for Big Blue Nation of what should have been

It’s the kind of news that makes a fanbase simultaneously proud and frustrated. Dane Key, the hometown kid from Lexington who stayed home to play for the Wildcats, has been named a team captain at the University of Nebraska.

While it's a testament to his character and leadership, for Big Blue Nation, it's impossible not to feel a sting of regret. He should be wearing a captain's 'C' in Kentucky blue. It's a shame that he isn't.

A leader in Lincoln

Key's ascension to a leadership role with the Huskers is no surprise. He was always a consummate professional and a talented player during his three years in Lexington. He followed his trusted wide receivers coach, Deikiel Shorts Jr., to Lincoln, seeking a fresh start and a more functional offensive system. He has clearly made an immediate impact, earning the respect of his new teammates and coaches in short order.

The Hometown hero's frustrating journey

Dane Key gave Kentucky three productive years, becoming a reliable target and a fan favorite. His talent was immense, and he flashed it often. The tragedy of his time in Lexington is that for two of those three years, the offense was mired in dysfunction. Poor offensive line play and questionable scheme decisions kneecapped what should have been a high-flying attack.

Despite the chaos, Key still produced:

Those numbers are a testament to his ability to produce even when the situation was less than ideal. But ultimately, the frustration of being part of a sputtering offense led him to the transfer portal.

A painful reminder for BBN

Key wasn't the only Cat to head to Nebraska. He, along with WR coach Daikiel Shorts Jr. and fellow receiver Hardley Gilmore IV, initially formed a small Kentucky contingent in Lincoln. While Gilmore has since been dismissed and found his way back to Lexington, Key's success is a painful "what if" for the Wildcats. It is a real what should have been situation.

Seeing a local star, a legacy player, and a natural leader thriving and being honored elsewhere is a direct reflection of the program's recent offensive failures. Dane Key is exactly the type of player you build a program around. He had all the talent and character to be a captain and a legend for his hometown team. Now, he'll be doing it for the Huskers.

Drew Holbrook is an avid Kentucky fan who has been covering the Cats for over 10 years. In his free time, he spends time with his family, and watching Premier League soccer. #UpTheAlbion