As Kentucky’s WR depth is tested, Stoops acknowledges backups will be needed
Kentucky football’s wide receiver depth could be tested during the No. 20 Wildcats’ game at No. 1 Georgia.
Starting wide receivers Barion Brown and Tayvion Robinson both left UK’s win over Florida early due to apparent injuries. Both receivers were at their normal spot on the top of the pre-Georgia depth chart released Monday, signaling they have not been ruled out of that game, but in his news conference Stoops acknowledged the team will need more contributions from its backup receivers moving forward.
Stoops said he would need to see what happens in practice this week to determine the status of any injured players for the Georgia game.
“We’re going to have to bring Anthony Brown(-Stephens) along, and Dekel (Crowdus),” Stoops said. “I mentioned Dekel earlier (this season) because he’s shown flashes. He’s really worked hard. Opportunities are tough when we’re in these big games, but he’s a guy that I have trust in. He’s worked hard. Hopefully he’s going to continue to step up as well.”
Brown was injured on a third down pass into the end zone in which he drew a pass interference penalty. He was able to jog off the field under his own power after trainers attended to his left leg and was spotted wearing his helmet on the sideline in the fourth quarter, but he did not return to the game.
Robinson came up limping after a catch late in the third quarter. He stayed on the field for the next play before a UK punt but did not return the next time Kentucky had the ball in the fourth quarter.
Wide receiver depth was already a concern entering the season as the Wildcats started preseason camp with just eight scholarship players at the position. Only one of the backups behind Brown, Robinson and fellow starter Dane Key had caught a pass in a college game prior to this season.
Brown-Stephens, a freshman, has emerged as the top backup option through five games, but he has just two catches for 12 yards. Brown-Stephens had a 64-yard touchdown catch against Akron called back due to a holding penalty. No other backup wide receiver has caught a pass this season.
Crowdus, a sophomore who caught four passes for 82 yards last season, is the only other backup wide receiver with a catch in his college career. Redshirt freshman Brandon White and freshman Shamar Porter made their college debuts late in the blowout of Akron but did not catch a pass. Freshman Ardell Banks has yet to appear in a game. Redshirt freshman Cole Lanter, a former walk-on who was awarded a scholarship during preseason camp, made his collegiate debut against EKU without catching a pass.
In the absence of proven wide receiver depth, Kentucky has used running back Demie Sumo-Karngbaye as a hybrid player capable of lining up in the backfield or at wide receiver. He has six catches for 25 yards to go with 10 carries for 95 yards and one touchdown on the season.
Left guard Kenneth Horsey, who has missed the last four games with a leg injury, was not included on the pre-Georgia depth chart.
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