The Kentucky Wildcats open their 2023 campaign on Saturday, Sept. 2 at Kroger Field, hosting the Ball State Cardinals. Let’s take a look at what the Wildcats offense looks like before the 2023 season kicks off.
The Cats are looking scary after reaching into the portal and grabbing quarterback Devin Leary from North Carolina State and running back Re’mahn Davis from SEC foe, Vanderbilt. With the departure of quarterback Will Levis and running back Chris Rodriguez, head coach Mark Stoops needed to regain traction at those two positions and he did just that.
Kentucky’s new offense and second year receivers look for a big season
Last season, Leary threw for 11 touchdowns while managing to earn 1,265 passing yards for the Wolfpack. On top of that, Leary finished the 2022 season completing 118 of his 193 attempted passes, making his completion rate 61.1%. The New Jersey native stands at 6 feet 1 inch tall and 217 pounds.
Davis, a senior, got 232 carries last season at Vanderbilt and was able to collect 1,042 total yards while also getting into the end zone five times. Davis began his collegiate career for the Temple Owls in 2019 before transferring to Vanderbilt in 2021. The San Francisco native’s collegiate career high stands at 8 touchdowns and that was during his freshman season with the Owls. Davis stands at 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighs in at 216 pounds.
Leary had a major weapon in the receiver spot at North Carolina State with now Vikings receiver Thayer Thomas who gained 642 yards and scored four total touchdowns alongside Leary. On top of Thomas playing a role, Devin Carter, a 6 foot 3 inch receiver from Clayton, N.C. helped out with 406 yards and two touchdowns. While Leary does not have those two to help this season, he does have two sophomores who already proved themselves last season.
Barion Brown and Dane Key are back and are looking extremely scary in Kentucky camp. Last season Brown, who is 6 foot 1 inch tall, was able to catch and run for 628 yards with 50 receptions, averaging 12.6 yards per catch. Brown also scored four receiving touchdowns last season. Brown put his speed on display at the kick returning spot also when he blew past the Miami of Ohio special teams and scored his first kick return touchdown in week one.
The other name to remember is Dane Key. Last season the homegrown Lexington native earned 519 yards through 37 receptions. Averaging 14 yards per catch, Key was able to score six total touchdowns and put on for his home city. Key’s longest reception of the season was a 55 yard catch against the Florida Gators in week two and it also happened to be a touchdown to put Kentucky on the board in that game. The Wildcats went on to win that game and Key’s touchdown deemed to be a huge play.
While Brown and Key are exciting to talk about, let’s highlight a big name coming into the program this year. Anthony Brown, a 5 foot 10 inch true freshman from Springfield, Ohio. Anthony Brown is only listed as a three star recruit but he has a lot of hype around his name right now and is even getting praise from Barion Brown and Key.
Barion Brown and Key both said during media day that “you all are going to hear that name a lot. I promise,” when Anthony Brown was brought up in conversation. Anthony Brown also received some high praise from associate coach, Vince Marrow. Marrow spoke on Anthony Brown and said that he is a “clone” of former Kentucky receiver Wan’Dale Robinson.
On media day, freshman WR Anthony Brown was a name that many had high praise for.
— Tristan Pharis (@TristanUda) August 8, 2023
Dane Key and Barion Brown both said, “You all are going to hear that name a lot. I promise.”
Vince Marrow even called Brown a “clone” of Wan’Dale Robinson today after practice. https://t.co/3GBcScy0hq
With the additions of Leary, Davis, and Anthony Brown alongside the return of Barion Brown and Key, the Kentucky offense should bring great energy to Kroger field and put Kentucky football back on the map this upcoming season.