Get Old, Stay Old: Veteran presence will lead Kentucky offense

Kentucky has a lot to replace on offense in 2021. Liam Coen has rejoined the Los Angeles Rams, and the Wildcats should have four starters selected in the NFL Draft. It seems like rebuilding time under new offensive coordinator Rich Scangarello.

However, some experienced pieces could help the top-25 offense potentially turn into a top-10 attack this season.

After having a very experienced group in 2021, Kentucky could be even older in 2022. When projecting starters for the upcoming season, the Wildcats could have as many as seven seniors starting with the ones and 11 total playing significant snaps.

• Super: Tashawn Manning, Clevan Thomas
• Redshirt Senior: Brenden Bates, Justice Dingle, Kenneth Horsey, Will Levis, Chris Rodriguez, Kavosiey Smoke, Keaton Upshaw, Quintin Wilson
• True Senior: Tayvion Robinson

Kentucky will be old on offense this fall.

The show starts with quarterback Will Levis who many in the Big Blue Nation are excited about. However, he is not alone. Chris Rodriguez Jr. returns as one of the best running backs in college football, and his extreme efficiency will be the starting point in Rich Scangarello’s first season as a play-caller in the SEC.

Those are the two stars, but there are plenty of complementary pieces.

In the backfield, Kavosiey Smoke brings back 1,306 career rushing yards in 34 games to give the offense a proven tailback off the bench. Brenden Bates and Keaton Upshaw are an experienced tight end duo who have combined for 35 receptions in their careers. Meanwhile, Kenneth Horsey is entering his third season as a starting left guard.

Former Georgia Tech transfer Justice Dingle is expected to make an impact as a fullback this season and Cincinnati native Quintin Wilson will be a very valuable reserve to the Big Blue Wall at center and both guard spots. Auburn transfer Tashawn Manning has solidified the right guard spot as Eli Cox kicks inside to center. Virginia Tech transfer Tayvion Robinson has been added to the lineup and is bringing 113 career receptions in 36 games to the lineup.

As with any year, there are some unknowns with the unit. Scangarello as a play-caller is a bit of a wild card, and the team is on their third offensive line coach in three seasons. Meanwhile, there is plenty of young talent at wide receiver, but most of it is unproven. At tackle, Kentucky is still trying to find answers as competition for snaps is still ongoing. Yet, the veteran presence gives the Wildcats a high floor.

If Kentucky has a banner year on offense, it will have to do with the old guys leading the way.