SEC Football: Most important newcomers for each team in 2021

9. Kentucky Wildcats

After a 5-6 finish to their season, the Kentucky Wildcats parted ways with long-time offensive coordinator Eddie Gran and quarterbacks coach Darin Hinshaw. Stoopes replaced them with Rams assistant coach Liam Coen. With the Wildcats under Gran, the running game was one of the best in the conference, and the Wildcats developed solid offensive linemen.  The passing game was marginal at best, however.

It is possible that Stoops surveyed the landscape and figured the Wildcats could be the third-best team in the conference and could fight Florida for second. Tennessee, South Carolina, and Vanderbilt are complete rebuilds this season. Stoops might feel that the Kentucky program can recruit and develop on par with Missouri.

If that is the case, these are some players that could have an impact next season.

• Wan’Dale Robinson (transfer), WR: The former Nebraska wide receiver instantly becomes the best player on the Kentucky offense. When Robinson takes the field in Lexington this fall, the Kentucky high school standout will remind everyone of Lynn Bowden, just faster. Expect Robinson to be used similarly by new offensive coordinator Liam Coen. Robinson, recruited as a running back, is a true home run hitter with the ball in his hands. Expect Robinson to line up all over the field and return kicks and punts next season.
• Tre’Von Morgan (transfer), WR: Morgan is an interesting prospect. His size (6-foot-7 and 230 pounds) makes one wonder if he is a tight end that wants to be a wide receiver, like Jimmy Graham. Morgan had knee surgery as a freshman and had just two receptions last year. However, Morgan’s athleticism gives him an attractive upside. Morgan has the ability to run away from people for someone his size. It will be interesting to see if Morgan lines up as a true wide receiver or a tight end.
• Kahill Saunders, DE: Saunders is the only high school recruit to make this list. The Wildcats are thin upfront so expect many of their new faces to play on the defensive line. Saunders and fellow recruit Jamarius Dinkins and Georgia Tech transfer Justice Dingle should see a lot of the field this fall. Saunders, however, has the most upside of any of the three new defensive ends. Saunders has Power Five size at 6-foot-5 and 265 pounds as a freshman. The Alabama native has a quick first step off of the ball and attacks the ball, no matter who has it. Saunders can also kick inside on passing downs. Saunders is comfortable standing and rushing or playing with a hand on the turf.
• Will Levis (transfer), QB: The addition of Will Levis to the quarterback room raises some eyebrows and adds to the competition already going on in Lexington. Beau Allen is expected to compete with Joey Gatewood for the starting job. Add Levis to the mix as well. What makes this quarterback competition interesting is none of the quarterbacks competing have any significant starting experience.  If nothing else, Levis adds another quality young quarterback to the competition, and that benefits everyone.