Football
Vince Marrow Compares Freshman WR Anthony Brown to Wildcat Great
Published
2 years agoon

Freshman wide receiver Anthony Brown has been one of the primary points of discussion around the UK football program this spring and summer, and for good reason. With a Kentucky offense that is looking for depth at wide receiver, the Springfield, Ohio native has been a pleasant surprise for Liam Coen’s offense.
Similar to Dane Key and Barion Brown, expectations are riding high for Anthony Brown during his freshman campaign.
Even Dane Key and Barion Brown themselves said, “You all are going to hear that name a lot. I promise.”
On media day, freshman WR Anthony Brown was a name that many had high praise for.
Dane Key and Barion Brown both said, “You all are going to hear that name a lot. I promise.”
Vince Marrow even called Brown a “clone” of Wan’Dale Robinson today after practice. https://t.co/3GBcScy0hq— Tristan Pharis (@TristanUda) August 8, 2023
Kentucky Associate Head Coach Vince Marrow also had some positive things to say about Anthony Brown. “Anthony Brown reminded me of Wan’Dale Robinson 110 percent,” Marrow said.
He even went as far as to say that Brown was a “clone” of Robinson. With lightning speed and a 5’10, 170 pound frame, you can see why Marrow would believe such a thing.
The size difference between Brown and Robinson is rather minimal. Robinson measures at 5’8, 185 lbs. "Anthony Brown reminded me of Wan'Dale Robinson 110 percent.” – @vincemarrow 👀
The freshman receiver could have a big impact this year…
(via @agershon99, @UKFootball)
pic.twitter.com/HDrQIfCQM3— The 15 Club (@The15Club_nil) August 9, 2023
Getting a Head Start at the College Level
One of the biggest reasons for why Brown is receiving so much praise is that he enrolled in January, which is much earlier than normal. He was already getting reps during practice at Kentucky when he should’ve been a high school senior.
Offensive Coordinator Liam Coen thinks Brown’s early enrollment is playing a massive role in his accelerated development.
“When you come in as a freshman, that’s really supposed to be going to prom. That’s awesome. It is,” Coen said, “Because he’s able to come in (and really in the spring), he’ll tell you he had some drop issues.”
Coen added, “And when you go from catching the ball at Springfield High School to catching the ball from Devin Leary in a span of a couple months, that’s different now. The ball gets on you faster, and it’s a little bit of a different deal.”
Evidently, it was crucial for Brown to adapt and get up to speed with college football if he wanted to make an impact on this year’s team. Just going by all of the praise from his coaches and peers, Brown is putting in the work necessary to contribute big time.
If you want to know exactly what you’re getting in Anthony Brown, Liam Coen has summed it up for you:
“I thought he’s handled this go-around extremely well in terms of being someone we can count on to go play, somebody that we can be able to push the ball down the field to, and he’s a diligent worker, smart kid, bright future ahead of him.”
That description is exactly what Anthony Brown can be for UK, and it’s exactly what Wan’Dale Robinson was in 2021. Perhaps the duo of Dane Key and Barion Brown will become a three-headed monster with the likes of Anthony Brown.
Share this:
Related
You may like
REPORT: Vince Marrow to Stay at Kentucky Amidst Louisville Rumors
Vince Marrow Seemingly Calls Out Kentucky’s Offensive Line Ahead of Louisville Game
Four-Star Safety, Top 200 Recruit Martels Carter Jr. Commits to Kentucky
Kentucky Transfer’s Father Speaks Out Against Kentucky Football Staff
Kentucky Listed As Top Destination for Transfer Quarterbacks
Kentucky vs. Louisville: TV/Streaming Info, Keys to the Game, and Predictions
Kentucky defensive tackle Deone Walker has been selected No. 109 by the Buffalo Bills in the fourth round of the 2025 NFL Draft.
Round 4, pick 7 the @BuffaloBills select @deonewalker0.
📺 #NFLDraft2025 on NFL Network pic.twitter.com/nJ5JuitCAa— Kentucky Football (@UKFootball) April 26, 2025
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.
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.
LETS GET ITTTTTTTT😝😝😝— MadMax ¹ᵏ (@MHairston22) April 26, 2025
Ray Davis also welcomed BBN to Bills Mafia moments after the selection. UK fans welcome to the mafia 🫡🫡— Re'Mahn Davis (@Ray_Davis07) April 26, 2025
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.
Kentucky DT Deone Walker could be a difference maker in the trenches 💪@deonewalker0 | @UKFootball
📺: 2025 #NFLDraft – April 24-26 on NFLN/ESPN/ABC
📱: Stream on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/MnxJnxEsfp— NFL (@NFL) April 15, 2025
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.
Share this:
Related
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.
“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. Ready to hear our guy's name called.
📺 #NFLDraft2025 on @nflnetwork pic.twitter.com/Nlv0gG1oxp— Kentucky Football (@UKFootball) April 25, 2025
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell called the former Wildcats’ name just before the night ended, making the West Bloomfield native’s dreams come true.
WELCOME TO BUFFALO, MAXWELL!!#NFLDraft | #BillsMafia pic.twitter.com/ao5F6Ui8LB— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) April 25, 2025
Ray Davis went to social media to share his excitement to have a familiar face in the locker room. Mannnnnn they got them UK boys out in Buffalo now 💙🤲🏾 @MHairston22 pic.twitter.com/dRBkrWqUZY— Re'Mahn Davis (@Ray_Davis07) April 25, 2025
The National Football League shared an emotional video of Hairston embracing his father after the Bills drafted him. Maxwell Hairston embraces his father after being drafted by the Bills.#NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/uAWwhSjirO— NFL (@NFL) April 25, 2025
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.
Share this:
Related
Football
Running Back Revamp: Kentucky Adds Former Oklahoma, New Mexico State Transfer
Published
3 days agoon
April 23, 2025The 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.
Kentucky has its guy.
Former Oklahoma and New Mexico State running back Seth McGowan is transferring to Kentucky. https://t.co/rdHERDHkhP pic.twitter.com/zOgmZTFYxX— Nick Roush (@RoushKSR) April 20, 2025
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.
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.
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.
Share this:
Related
REPORT: Travis Perry Enters Transfer Portal
CBS Sports: Kentucky Has “ended pursuits” in Transfer Portal Following Aberdeen Commitment
Kentucky Earns Commitment From European Big Andrija Jelavic
A Pair of Kentucky Alumni Look to Continue Hot Streaks in NBA Play-In
Déjà Blue: Two Former Wildcats Find Their Way Back to Lexington
Deone Walker Drafted No. 109 To The Buffalo Bills
Underdogs To Undeniable: Kentucky Baseball Is Winning At The Right Time
Maxwell Hairston Drafted No. 30 To The Buffalo Bills
CBS Sports: Kentucky Has “ended pursuits” in Transfer Portal Following Aberdeen Commitment
Running Back Revamp: Kentucky Adds Former Oklahoma, New Mexico State Transfer
Trending
- Men's Basketball4 days ago
REPORT: Travis Perry Enters Transfer Portal
- Men's Basketball3 days ago
CBS Sports: Kentucky Has “ended pursuits” in Transfer Portal Following Aberdeen Commitment
- BB Recruiting2 weeks ago
Kentucky Earns Commitment From European Big Andrija Jelavic
- Other Sports1 week ago
A Pair of Kentucky Alumni Look to Continue Hot Streaks in NBA Play-In
- FB Recruiting1 week ago
Déjà Blue: Two Former Wildcats Find Their Way Back to Lexington
- Men's Basketball2 weeks ago
Brandon Garrison Announces Return To Kentucky For The 2025-26 Season
- Men's Basketball1 week ago
Otega Oweh Declares for NBA Draft, Maintains College Eligibility
- Other Sports2 weeks ago
Two Kentucky Alumni Join LaFamilia Team for Upcoming Summer Season