Conventional wisdom tells us that playing as a true freshman in the SEC is rare, rarer than Mr. Clean with hair. That conventional wisdom is rarely an option for top high school football prospects. Many think they can play right away, but few can actually make an immediate impact.
In 2022 Dane Key and Barion Brown defied norms with record-breaking rookie seasons in Lexington. The wide receivers each set new UK freshman records. Brown led the team in receptions (50) and receiving yards (628), while Key caught more touchdown passes (6) than any other Wildcat.