Wan'Dale Robinson named Top 10 "Newcomer" by ESPN

Wan’Dale Robinson is not new to college football, but he is new to Kentucky’s roster. The Frankfort native transferred back home in January after two seasons at Nebraska, during which he racked up 580 rushing yards, 914 receiving yards, and 1,725 all-purpose yards. That playmaking potential is one reason why Robinson is No. 10 on ESPN’s list of the Top 50 “newcomers” in college football, newcomers meaning recruits, transfers, or first-time starters.

Tom VanHaaren ranked players based on talent, how they fill a need, and how quickly they can make and impact with their new team. Robinson checks all of those boxes with his home state Wildcats,

“There was a time in his initial recruitment when it seemed as if Robinson was going to sign with Kentucky. Nebraska was able to land him, though, with the hopes that he would help transform the offense. He showed flashes of his potential — 461 receiving yards in eight games — but Nebraska’s offense never really got going. Now, Robinson is at Kentucky, and although the Wildcats’ offense wasn’t turning heads last season either, the coaches are hoping Robinson can prove to be a versatile playmaker to help improve multiple areas of the offense.”

[ESPN]

A few weeks ago, Robinson made the watch list for the Paul Hornung Award, given to college football’s most versatile player. He was a finalist for the award in 2019 after his freshman season at Nebraska. That year, he caught 40 passes for 443 yards, the most by a true freshman in Nebraska history, and two touchdowns while rushing for 340 yards and three scores. He also totaled 1,029 all-purpose yards, which ranked second on the team and was the third-highest total ever by a Nebraska true freshman.

Last season, Robinson led the Huskers with 51 catches and 461 receiving yards despite playing only eight games and splitting his time at running back. He was fourth on the team with 240 rushing yards and led Nebraska with 696 all-purpose yards. Robinson ranked fourth in the Big Ten and 23rd nationally with 6.4 receptions per game and received honorable mention All-Big Ten honors from the conference’s coaches.

Only 24 days until we get to see Robinson bring the crowd at Kroger Field to its feet.