When Kentucky Football took the field on Saturday for the season opener, there was plenty of uncertainty about how the offensive opportunities would be dispersed. Most fans entered Will Stein’s debut holding high expectations for an improved, better‑managed scheme, but also fair concerns about how he’d bring it all together in Lexington.
Led by Kenny Minchey, the Cats were able to move the ball around the field, showing Youngstown State a versatile attack. You may have also noticed a concentrated
effort to get UK’s tight ends involved. There was no question that Willie Rodriguez was going to play a major role in any offensive attack that Stein and offensive coordinator Joe Sloan decided to go with.
Minchey wouldn’t waste time treating No. 81 as a primary target on Saturday, setting the stage for what hopefully is a monster season for both players.
Willie Rodriguez wasn’t the only tight end getting in on the action at Kroger Field. Sophomore Mikkel Skinner made an instant name for himself by hauling in multiple targets, including a 10-yard touchdown grab early in the second quarter.
Skinner was a former big-time 4-star recruit from the state of South Carolina and is built like an SEC tight end. Weighing over 230 pounds and standing 6-foot-4, Skinner has the physical attributes to be a major contributor with a player like Kenny Minchey under center. If week one was any indication, Skinner will be a name you hear a lot on Saturdays.
Even fifth-year senior tight end Henry Boyer made his mark on UK’s season opener with a 31-yard reception via Minchey, despite largely being just a blocking tight end for his entire career. There is some serious depth in the tight end room, and it’s clear that they’ll each be getting their fair share of chances to make plays this fall.
Despite the variety of targets against Youngstown State, you have to assume it’ll be Rodriguez who’s leaned on to bolster the load and produce week in and week out. It’s exciting to think about a Wildcat offense with multiple players who can produce.
