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Kentucky Football 2022 Spring Game Notes

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Photo by Jacob Noger | UK Athletics

Today’s spring game was cold and for about 40 minutes, looked like it was going to be a whiteout. However, 40 minutes later it looked much more “springish”.

Despite the weather, the Big Blue Nation got their best look at the Kentucky Football team so far. So let’s break it down.

Will Levis Has Improved

The offense came out with a bang on the first drive. Will Levis completed all four of his passes for 41 yards, with Chris Rodriguez and JuTahn McClain adding in 21 yards as they went on to score with ease. Levis even went for a touchdown dive towards the end of the drive, which Stoops did not particularly like.

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In just two drives, Levis already looked improved under new offensive coordinator and quarterback guru, Rich Scangarello. Outside of the general swagger, Levis looked poised in the pocket, showed excellent decision making, and displayed some improved footwork.

It has been a long time since Kentucky has had such a talented quarterback. Despite a limited playbook, there is a lot to be excited about what Levis can become this season.

Tayvion Robinson and Dane Key Continue to Impress

Kentucky lost their top three receiving options from last season and the 3,000 yards of offensive production that they were responsible for. However, they have brought in several talented wideouts via recruiting and the transfer portal.

Virginia Tech transfer Tavion Robinson and true freshman Dane Key have been the stand-out receivers in spring practice and that was only solidified after today. Both caught 20-yard passes and showed their ability.

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Robinson looked a bit like last season’s Robinson (Wandale) at times today. He notably moved well after the catch, showing his elusiveness and ability to get extra yards. Finishing with 3 catches for 42 yards.

Key, the top-rated prospect in the state of Kentucky in the class of 2022, made some spectacular catches including this dart from Will Levis for a touchdown.

With that said, there were several dropped passes that were on target. If Kentucky wants to have depth at the receiving position, this does need to be cleaned up.

Overall, with 22 different players making a catch today, Kentucky is in much better shape with its passing game compared to recent years.

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Mike Drennen and JuThan McClain

Chris Rodgriguez looked good, but as proven as he is he was only in for one drive. That gave way for Mike Drennen and JuThan McClain today, with each performing well.

Coming out of high school, Drennen was a four-star top-300 recruit in the 2020 class. Understandably, expectations have been high, but they have not been met. Today, Drennen came to play. Showing some impressive versatility and ball skills, he impressed with 10 carries for 43 yards, including two touchdowns.

McClain looked to be in much better shape and showed some nice runs today, totaling 6 runs for 24 yards. His game seems to fit better within Rich Scangarello’s offense as well, giving him the ability to go wide and use the field.

Expect both players to contribute this season and looking into the future, this could be a dangerous combination for SEC defenses.

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Defense Struggled but Had A Bright Spot

On Wednesday, Brad White voiced his frustration with his defense following practice. Early today, he had plenty to complain about today, but with good reason, being a general lack of depth.

With that said, as the scrimmage went on, the defense was able to find some footing, notably redshirt freshman Jordan Lovett. The six-foot-two in-state product, totaled nine tackles, two pass breakups, and a forced fumble.

Until the defense is able to get some of their key pieces healthy, they are not going to look very good.

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Deone Walker Drafted No. 109 To The Buffalo Bills

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Caleb Bowlin | UK Athletics

Kentucky defensive tackle Deone Walker has been selected No. 109 by the Buffalo Bills in the fourth round of the 2025 NFL Draft.

Walker stands at 6-foot-7 and 331 pounds, making the former Wildcat one of the biggest defensive lineman not only in the draft, but in the history of the NFL.

Since earning a starting spot as a true freshman, to now exploding with excitement when he heard his name called, Walker’s unique blend of mobility and enthusiasm will cement him as one of the most beloved Kentucky players in program history.

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Earning All-SEC honors and letting his disruptive play become the Wildcats’ identity, Walker will now cause terror for defensive coordinator Bobby Babich to go alongside his former teammate Maxwell Hairston, who was selected by the Bills in the first round.

Ray Davis also welcomed BBN to Bills Mafia moments after the selection.

The main worry about Walker not only has been his back injury that he played with all of last season, but what technique he’ll be able to play due to his stature that’s unlike any other.

However, even the NFL admitted that Walker could dominate the league.

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Before the draft, Walker visited with the Buffalo Bills, who emphasized interior pressure heavily last season, which is right up his alley. He’s been evaluated as one that can be a high-level backup or a potential starter as the season goes on.

The Bills are taking a swing with Walker, but many who watched him every Saturday at Kroger Field will tell you that this is a home-run pick.

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Maxwell Hairston Drafted No. 30 To The Buffalo Bills

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Maxwell Hairston
Caleb Bowlin | UK Athletics

Kentucky cornerback Maxwell Hairston has officially started the next chapter of his career, selected No. 30 by the Buffalo Bills in the late first round.

At 6-foot-1 and 186 pounds, Hairston has come a long way since signing with the Wildcats as a 3-star prospect out of Michigan in 2021.

Although he missed five games this past season due to injury,  Hairston was still selected to Second-Team All-SEC with 19 tackles, two forced fumbles, an interception and four deflections.

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“Mad Max” took a huge jump in the draft boards after running the fastest 40-yard dash among cornerbacks in Indianapolis, completing the drill in just 4.28 seconds.

At 21 years old, Hairston brings a level of experience from the toughest conference in college football, the SEC, to go along with elite speed and length to make him a potential starter for defensive coordinator Bobby Babich.

As one of the few invited to the NFL Draft, Big Blue Nation had a good look at Hairston with his family before his name was called.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell called the former Wildcats’ name just before the night ended, making the West Bloomfield native’s dreams come true.

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Ray Davis went to social media to share his excitement to have a familiar face in the locker room.

The National Football League shared an emotional video of Hairston embracing his father after the Bills drafted him.

Time will tell how Hairston’s role will pan out in the league, but rest assured, “Mad Max” will go down as one of the best defensive players in the Mark Stoops era.

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Running Back Revamp: Kentucky Adds Former Oklahoma, New Mexico State Transfer

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New Mexico State University Athletics

The Wildcats bolstered their backfield with the addition of former Oklahoma and New Mexico State running back Seth McGowan on April 20, per KSR’s Nick Roush.

Standing at 5-foot-11 and 215 pounds, McGowan brings size and downhill power to Kentucky’s offense. Coming off a productive season at New Mexico State, he rushed for 823 yards and three touchdowns while adding 23 receptions for 277 yards and three more scores through the air.

A former four-star recruit in the class of 2019, McGowan originally signed with Oklahoma and logged 370 rushing yards, three touchdowns and 201 receiving yards with one touchdown during his lone season with the Sooners.

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On May 7, 2021, McGowan was removed from Oklahoma following his involvement in a legal case in which he was arrested and charged with robbery, conspiracy to commit robbery and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon. The charges were ultimately dismissed, but he pleaded guilty to larceny from a person at nighttime in December of that year.

After a stint at NAIA school Texas College in 2022, where he did not see game action, McGowan continued his path back to Division I football, playing six games with Butler Community College before transferring to New Mexico State for the 2024 season.

Now, with his past behind him, McGowan has a chance to turn the page and contribute in a major way to the Wildcats’ offense.

Running backs coach Jay Boulware, who helped Oklahoma sign McGowan out of high school, likely played a role in bringing him to Kentucky, where he is expected to have one year of eligibility remaining.

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Along with Nebraska transfer Dante Dowdell, McGowan could be a part of a versatile and punishing backfield tandem for the Wildcats. While Dowdell brings a physical, downhill rushing style, McGowan’s ability to contribute in both the run and pass game adds a dynamic layer to offensive coordinator Bush Hamdan’s pro-style system, which emphasizes balance and explosive playmaking.

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