After an explosive year in 2021, the Kentucky Wildcats are back for more. The six players named to the Coaches Preseason All-SEC Team are all projected starters for the Wildcats and will carry this team to great places just as last year. The Wildcats capped off an incredible (10-3) season, by beating Iowa 20-17 in the VRBO Citrus Bowl. Their three losses came at the hands of the National Champions the Georgia Bulldogs, the following week to the Mississippi State Bulldogs, and their final loss was a hard-fought battle against the Tennesse Volunteers at home. These accomplishments were all thanks to the star-studded roster Kentucky brought and continues to bring to the turf each season.
Will Levis and the Boys on Offense
It’s no secret that Quarterback Will Levis has become the poster boy for Kentucky Football for the upcoming 2022 season, mayonnaise in his coffee aside, he’s a top college football Quarterback and his stats prove that. In 2021, Levis threw for 2,826 yards averaging 8 yards. His passing touchdown count on the year was 24, with total interceptions sitting at 13. Levis, also showing he has speed, rushed 376 yards and an additional 9 touchdowns. Earning him a spot on the 3rd team offense for the Coaches Preseason All-SEC Team.
Running Back Chris Rodriguez Jr. was the next man on the list. In 2021 after having a powerhouse-type season it was no surprise. Rodriguez rushed for a whopping 1,379 yards with an average of 6.1 yards per carry, with his longest run of the season being 41 yards. He finished the season with a grand total of 9 rushing touchdowns. He was also a key piece of the passing game with 13 receptions for 75 yards and 3 touchdowns. These accolades amounted to a spot on the 1st team offense.
The only man from the trenches selected for the Wildcats was Offensive Guard Kenneth Horsey. Horsey started in all 13 games in 2021. He has played in all 25 career games with 21 starts. Horsey was a finalist for the Joe Moore Award (given to the nation’s top offensive line.) He has a stat line of allowing 0 sacks in the 2021 season. Horsey was selected for the 2nd team offense Offensive Gaurd.
The New Kid in Town
The only player who wasn’t on the Wildcats’ roster during the 2021 season was Wide Receiver Tayvion Robinson. The Virginia Tech transfer is new to the team in 2022 but is already a projected starter due to his production. Robinson had a total of 44 receptions totaling 559 yards and 5 touchdowns. He was also involved in the rushing game totaling 47 yards. The coaches in the SEC have high hopes for Robinson voting him to the 3rd team offense.
Heavy Hitters on Defense
The Kentucky Wildcats Linebacker room is absolutely filled with talent. Our following selection to the coaches poll was no exception in Deandre Square. In 2021 Square caused 40 solo tackles, 41 assisted tackles, 3 sacks, a forced fumble, and an interception. Earning himself a spot on the 3rd team defense in the preseason coaches poll.
Coming from the same Linebacker room is Jaquez Jones he was also voted to the 3rd team defense ahead of this season by the coaches in the SEC. Jones last year recorded 37 solo tackles, 45 assisted tackles, 0.5 a sack, a forced fumble, and an interception rightfully securing this spot.