Wan'Dale Robinson, Logan Stenberg and Justin Rigg return to Kroger Field to support the Cats
Former Kentucky football standouts Wan’Dale Robinson, Logan Stenberg and Justin Rigg each made their returns to Kroger Field on Saturday to support the Wildcats.
One week before the NFL season kicks off, the trio of former Cats returned to Lexington to watch Kentucky take on the Miami (OH) RedHawks. It was a good one to take in, too, with the Wildcats cruising to a convincing 37-13 win.
A solid homecoming, indeed.
Robinson was selected No. 43 overall in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft by the New York Giants, making a strong early impression with the franchise as a day-one starter.
“Good football player we’ve had our eye on, generator with the ball in his hands, very good run after the catch, very good route runner, can separate. And for what we are going to do offensively, we thought he would be a very good fit for us…” NYG general manager Joe Schoen said after the draft. “When we looked at certain players that may be there, he was a guy we thought could potentially be there and we have a very clear vision for the player and look forward to utilizing him.”
Following the win, Kentucky head coach Mark Stoops said he spoke with Robinson before the game and told him to watch out for a standout performance from current receiver Tayvion Robinson. The new Robinson would finish with six receptions for a team-high 136 receiving yards.
“Tayvion did not surprise me, because I’ve seen it,” Stoops said. “In particular, I’ve seen his game elevate in scrimmages. … I was talking to Wan’dale before the game, and I told him I felt like Tayvion was going to have a really good day, as well.”
As for Stenberg, he was selected in the fourth round with pick No. 121 in the 2020 NFL Draft by the Detroit Lions. He signed a four-year rookie contract with the franchise, and after a slow start, is finally starting to find his groove in the league.
“If the 2022 preseason is any indication, Stenberg might want to get ready to see more reps once September comes along,” Doug Farrar of USA Today said of the former Wildcat in August. “He’s allowed no sacks, one quarterback hit, and one quarterback hurry in 70 pass-blocking reps, and as a run-blocker — well, that’s where his mauler mentality comes in. Whether he’s sticking at the line of scrimmage, or working to the second level, Stenberg (No. 71) has proven to be a real problem for opposing defensive tackles.”
Rigg, an undrafted free agent back in April, recently signed a deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers after being waived by the Cincinnati Bengals this week. He was cut despite playing in all three preseason games and hauling in a touchdown in the Bengals’ preseason finale. At Kentucky, he set a school record for most games played at 63, including 35 starts and 16 in a row.
For this weekend at least, the three former Kentucky standouts were Wildcats.
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