Summer Depth Chart: How Kentucky sits at wide receiver

Summer conditioning is set to begin soon for the Kentucky football team as the Wildcats will look to make some noise on the gridiron in 2022. Expectations are fairly high for new offensive coordinator Rich Scangarello as redshirt senior Will Levis returns at quarterback.

However, things have changed quite a bit for this unit following the conclusion of spring practice. The Wildcats did not add another offensive tackle from the transfer portal, All-SEC tailback Chris Rodriugez Jr.’s status is up in the air, and Alabama wide receiver transfer Javon Baker will not be joining the team.

That is going to cause some shuffling as Kentucky figures out just how they want to operate at wide receiver. With the return of Will Levis, it is fair to expect the passing game to be a big part of the equation. However, Wan’Dale Robinson (104 receptions), Josh Ali (41 receptions), and Justin Rigg (20 receptions) are no longer on the roster.

Now that we know Javon Baker will not be a part of the group, it feels like a good time to dive in and see where things stand at a very important position in 2022. KSR is providing another projected depth chart as the Wildcats could be fairly young at wideout this fall.

Slot

1. Tayvion Robinson (5-11, 185, Sr.)
2. Chauncey Magwood (6-0, 180 So.)

In both the Sean McVay and Kyle Shanahan offense, slot receivers have been able to feast. Virginia Tech transfer Tayvion Robinson looked the part for Kentucky in the spring, and the former top-500 recruit is expected to be the No. 1 target for Levis. With 113 career receptions in 35 games there will be high expectations. Chauncey Magwood is back for year two and will look to develop into a more consistent player as a true sophomore.

X receiver

1. Dane Key (6-3, 195, Fr.)
2. Chris Lewis (6-4, 190, RFr.)

The biggest question mark will be on the outside for the offense. The coaching staff feels great about the potential of true freshman Dane Key and the Lexington (Ky.) Frederick Douglass product is now a clear day one starter with Baker not arriving. Chris Lewis was moved around a bunch this spring, but will not have to emerge into a quality backup for Key.

Z receiver

1. DeMarcus Harris (6-1, 183, RJr.)
2. Dekel Crowdus (5-10, 180, RFr.)
3. Barion Brown (6-0, 175, Fr.)

DeMarcus Harris has been around for a long time and has played a lot of football for Kentucky. The Florida native can move around and play each spot in the offense. His veteran presence will be heavily needed. Barion Brown and Dekel Crowdus might be the two biggest wild cards of the group as each has big-time playmaking ability with vertical speed. If Kentucky is going to become a more explosive offense, Brown or Crowdus becoming a legitimate deep threat will be one of the biggest reasons why.