As the Kentucky football team kicks off spring practice, there's a fresh sense of urgency brewing within the Wildcats’ wide receiver group. With top receivers Barion Brown and Dane Key transferring to new programs, many might expect the unit to struggle. But if you ask returning wideout Ja’Mori Maclin, the Wildcats’ receivers are more than ready to prove themselves.
A Chip on Their Shoulders
For Maclin, the upcoming season isn’t just another year. It’s a chance to establish himself as one of the best receivers in the nation. After plans to declare for the NFL fell through last year, he’s coming back with a fierce determination.
“I think for me personally, this is my last year,” Maclin said. “I had plans to go to the NFL after last season, but it didn’t go the way I wanted. I’ve got a chip on my shoulder to be the best receiver in the nation. We’ve all got a chip on our shoulder to show that we’re the best.”
Offensive coordinator Bush Hamdan echoed that sentiment, noting that the entire wide receiver group has embraced that hunger.
“He’s a guy who has been extremely focused the first two practices, as the whole wide receiver group has been as well,” Hamdan said. “There’s a level of urgency with this offense. We know that, and I think that group has got a little bit of a chip on their shoulder, and that’s how we need to play.”
Proving Themselves on the Field
Maclin ended last season on a high note, snagging two catches for 52 yards against Texas before racking up 121 yards and two touchdowns on three catches against Louisville. The improvement was simple, he says.
“Opportunities. That’s all it is for me. I just need opportunities,” Maclin explained. “I just stayed ready all season, even though it didn’t go the way I wanted. When the opportunities came, I just made them.”
It also didn’t hurt that he returned to his natural position.
“Dane and Barion went down in some of those games that I played outside,” Maclin said. “That’s really my natural position. I played outside at North Texas the year I went for a thousand (receiving yards). That was natural to me. It wasn’t hard to me.”
A Familiar Face Leading the Way
The Wildcats’ wide receivers are now under the guidance of new wide receivers coach L’Damian Washington, someone who already has a connection with Hamdan, Maclin, and incoming transfer JJ Hester from their time at Missouri.
“Always been super impressed with him,” Hamdan said of Washington. “A guy who was an NFL journeyman. I realized that he had been in six, seven NFL spots. And in some ways, as a player, you take a little bit of each coach with you. Extremely knowledgeable, ability to connect with the players, someone I really trust.”
Maclin agrees, noting how Washington’s coaching style raises the standard every day.
“I worked with him my second year at Mizzou, me and JJ Hester worked with him,” Maclin said. “I already knew him and had a good relationship with him. He holds us to a high standard every day. He’s trying to push us to be our best.”
New Faces Ready to Make an Impact
One of the new players in the mix is Troy Stellato, a former Clemson Tiger looking to revive his career in Lexington. Despite limited opportunities at Clemson, Stellato is determined to prove himself.
“They’re kind of moving me wherever. I can play anywhere,” Stellato said. “I have experience at both positions. They’re definitely different. Slot and outside are different. It’s a whole different route tree and everything, but my experience at that level playing multiple years at both positions is really going to help me.”
With a group of receivers carrying a collective chip on their shoulders, Stellato says the motivation is sky-high.
“Everyone’s got something to prove. I got something to prove. All the guys, we’re really talented, but we got something to prove at the end of the day,” Stellato explained. “There’s no complacency in this group. We gotta go attack each day like it’s our last.”
Can Kentucky's Offense Rebound?
Last season’s offensive struggles are no secret. The Wildcats averaged just 18 points per game, ranking 124th in the nation. Their 307 yards per game were equally concerning. The passing game was particularly ineffective, with a completion rate of 52% (128th nationally).
If Kentucky wants to take a step forward this season, their offense must improve. The addition of motivated receivers like Maclin and Stellato, combined with the knowledge of Coach Washington and Coordinator Hamdan, could provide the spark the Wildcats need.
But the clock is ticking. If this offense doesn’t find its groove quickly, it could be a make-or-break season for both Hamdan and Stoops in Lexington.
quotes courtesy of KSR