Wan'Dale Robinson Declares for the NFL Draft

Wan’Dale Robinson has made a decision about his future. The outstanding UK wide receiver celebrated his birthday Wednesday night by revealing that he will enter his name into the 2022 NFL Draft.

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— Wan’Dale Robinson (@wanda1erobinson) January 6, 2022

Even though Wan’Dale only spent one season in Lexington, it was an unforgettable experience. His time at Kentucky was filled with unprecedented production, paving the way for a promising NFL career.

Historic 2021 Campaign

Wan’Dale entered his junior season with lofty expectations, yet still somehow exceeded them in Lexington. Will Levis‘ favorite target in Liam Coen’s pro-style offense, it took the two no time to produce fireworks.

Robinson’s first reception as a Wildcat was a touchdown. He had five receptions for 125 yards and two scores in his debut vs. ULM. Compared to the rest of the season, it was a pretty ho-hum performance.

He had a season-high 181 yards against New Mexico State. Against Louisville he broke Kentucky’s single-season reception record. He surpassed Craig Yeast’s single-season receiving yards record in dramatic fashion, setting up Chris Rodriguez‘s go-ahead touchdown in the Citrus Bowl with a 52-yard catch and run.

Wan’Dale finished the 2021 season with 104 receptions for 1,334 yards, new UK single-season records.

Wan’Dale’s NFL Draft Stock

The University of Kentucky and Wan’Dale Robinson had a mutually beneficial relationship. The Kentucky offense experienced a dramatic facelift that shocked even the most optimistic UK fan. It also gave Robinson a chance to prove to NFL scouts that he’s an elite pass-catcher.

Scott Frost committed coaching malpractice by forcing Robinson to carry the football between the tackles, splitting duties between wide receiver and running back at Nebraska. Robinson had more receptions in one season at Kentucky than in two years at Nebraska. Projected by The Athletic’s Dane Brugler as the No. 14 wide receiver in the upcoming draft, his performance in the Citrus Bowl probably moved him up a few notches. Expect to hear the Kentucky kid’s name called on day two of the 2022 NFL Draft.

What’s Next for Kentucky

Wan’Dale Robinsons do not grow on trees. A rare combination of explosiveness and toughness, he was also one of our own, named Kentucky’s Mr. Football in 2018. Replicating an historic season will be no small task, but UK has been preparing for life without Wan’Dale.

Kentucky went to the transfer portal to find another dynamic Mr. Robinson, Tayvion Robinson. The former Virginia Tech slot receiver was an All-ACC performer for two years in Blacksburg, both as a pass-catcher and a return man. He may not be the only pickup from the portal at wide receiver, but we will have to play the “wait and see” game on that front.

In addition to Robinson, Kentucky has a plethora of talented, albeit inexperienced pass-catchers. The strength of the past two recruiting classes, UK has improved its team speed on the outside. Dekel Crowdus missed the entire 2021 campaign with an injury, but is expected to return for spring practice. Chauncey Magwood received quality reps, playing both inside and outside. Barion Brown is turning heads at All-American Bowl practice this week, Dane Key will be enrolling early and former four-star receiver Chris Lewis put on quality weight to play on the outside in 2022.

Finding the next great wide receiver will not be easy, but Kentucky has options to replace one of the greatest to ever do it in Lexington.