Young receivers see opportunity in the wake of Jeff Badet's departure
How will Kentucky replace the production that Jeff Badet is taking to Oklahoma?
That's been a question lingering around the football program since the Cats' big-play threat announced he was transferring from Kentucky.
There's no clear answer yet, but a couple of young receivers who just arrived in Lexington believe they can be a part of the solution.
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Kentucky signed a big class of wide receivers earlier this year and the Cats are probably going to do that again when next February rolls around.
On Sunday, CatsIllustrated.com had an opportunity to speak with some of the program's receivers, and they seemed acutely aware of the fact that Badet's departure has created a void. But from their vantage point it seems more like an opportunity.
At least that's how former Hollywood (Fla.) Chaminade-Madonna wide receiver turned Kentucky freshman Josh Ali sees it.
“I really think it is. Looking at Jeff Badet leaving. I think he was a very explosive receiver. I think I can come in and replace that,” Ali told CatsIllustrated.com.
Ali was recruited for his speed and game breaking ability and he had a strong close to his high school career down in Florida. Given the kind of player he is, and the kind of player Badet was for Kentucky, those comparisons might not be far off. It could be a lot asking a freshman to replace 21 yards per reception, but Ali doesn't seem to be lacking for confidence.
Fellow freshman JaVonte Richardson was also regarded as a big-play threat every time he touched the ball as a high school player. He's cut from a different cloth as Badet or Ali, because he's 6-foot-4 instead of closer to the 6-foot range, but Richardson thinks he can help produce the big plays that left with Badet as well.
But Richardson is also impressed with the entire group of receivers he's now a part of.
“Not just me. All of us. All of us," Richardson told CatsIllustrated.com. "I feel like every last one of us can blow the lid off the top and be that backup to be just like the starters. Can’t wait. I can’t wait.”
Of course, many Kentucky football observers have suggested that incoming freshman Lynn Bowden could be part of the solution, but he hasn't arrived for enrollment yet due to eligibility issues related to the NCAA clearinghouse, according to Mark Stoops on Sunday.
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