The hype around Dane Key coming into his freshman year was palpable. Thanks in part due to Ryan Lemond, the chatter around Key picked up during the summer with rumors that he might earn a starting role in his first year on the field.
Not only did he start, but Key also excelled. In his very first game against Miami (OH), Key caught three passes for 53 yards and a touchdown. However, the real breakthrough moment came the following week against Florida on the road.
The 6-foot-3-inch pass-catcher hauled in a 55-yard bomb from Will Levis in the 2nd quarter for a touchdown and catapulted the Wildcats to an eventual 26-16 victory in the Swamp.