Kentucky's Rahsaan Lewis Emerges as Deep Threat at Wide Receiver

by:Nick Roush08/07/21

@RoushKSR

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The Kentucky Wildcats plugged plenty of holes on the offense this offseason. Will Levis and Wan’Dale Robinson could become immediate game-changers in the passing game. There’s still one thing missing: a deep threat at wide receiver. Rahsaan Lewis could solve Kentucky’s problem.

Lewis is by no means a household name across the Big Blue Nation, but his father is. Ray Lewis was a Hall of Fame linebacker for the Baltimore Ravens. When Rahsaan transferred to Kentucky, “Ray Lewis’ sons are coming to UK” stole headlines, but we did not hear much about Lewis’ play on the field until this spring.

He began his college career as a defensive back at UCF. The following year he transferred to Florida Atlantic to play wide receiver. After spending a calendar year in Lexington, his skills finally flashed during spring practice. They were evident Saturday morning as well.

Lewis is only 5-foot-11, but the kid can flat out run. You can’t coach his speed. In Saturday’s open practice he ran by defenders to make a couple of impressive 40+ yard receptions.

The first deep ball came from Will Levis. Lewis initially looked over his inside shoulder, but the ball was coming in closer to the sideline. Lewis twisted in midair to snag the pass for a huge gain. A few moments later he made another contested catch, this time from Beau Allen.

Robinson and Josh Ali have solidified their spots at wide receiver. Each player can get off the line of scrimmage, but their strength is in the intermediate passing game. Kentucky needs a deep threat to force safeties from creeping up into the box to stop the run.

Entering his fifth season, Isaiah Epps was the top candidate to become Kentucky’s burner. Louisville Butler product Tae Tae Crumes is also in the mix, but Lewis could steal this role from both of them. The early word from spring was encouraging. If he continues to do what he did Saturday morning throughout training camp, it will be time to believe the hype.

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