DeMarcus Harris Ready to Lead UK Receivers
The 2021 season was a big one for the Kentucky wide receivers. Playing with new quarterback Will Levis, the UK wideouts accounted for more than 2,000 yards receiving and 12 touchdowns.
However, a large portion of that production will not be back for the 2022 season. Gone are leading receiver Wan’Dale Robinson (104 receptions, 1,334 yards and seven touchdowns), Josh Ali (41 receptions, 601 yards, three touchdowns) and Isaiah Epps (11 receptions, 171 yards, one touchdown).
While it will be tough to replace that kind of production, the Cats do have two things going in their favor. One, Levis returns this season, which should help. And two, there are a number of receivers who have been preparing and waiting on an opportunity to play. That opportunity is now upon those players.
Among those who will be expected to fill the holes left by Robinson, Ali and Epps is DeMarcus Harris. The junior caught 12 passes last season for 150 yards and a touchdown. Harris saw his role increase as the season went on, something he attributes to taking advantage of his opportunity.
“My name was called and I just said. ‘let’s go’,” Harris said.
As for what he brings to the team, Harris knows his strengths.
“Versatility, I can make the catches,” Harris said. “I know the playbook pretty well. I can play more than one position on the field. Thinking like a quarterback, knowing what read I am in the progression.”
In addition to Harris, the Cats will be counting on a number of young players to fill in the other receiver slots. Among those are a pair of Lexington natives, redshirt freshman Dekel Crowdus and true freshman Dane Key, both of whom have made an impact in spring practice.
Chauncey Magwood and Tae Tae Crumes, along with Chris Lewis and Rahsaan Lewis, could also see time at the receiver position.
Harris knows that most of those receivers had the chance to learn from Clevan Thomas Jr. last season.
“Oh yeah, for sure,” Harris said. “When Clevan was the ‘coach’, he was preparing them. He wanted everyone to elevate at the same time.”
Harris knows that the competition within the wide receiver room is strong.
“Very (healthy), nobody has a starting spot right now,” Harris said. “Everybody is clawing and itching to get noticed right now. We lost almost 3,000 yards (from) last year, with Wan’Dale, Isaiah Epps and Josh. So, somebody’s got to step up.”
As for what the young receivers need to know, Harris is trying to teach them to work hard.
“That it’s not going to be given to you,” Harris said. “You’ve got to come out here every day and pay your rent. Do what you need to do to make sure you’re being noticed on the field, even off the field.”
Kentucky offensive coordinator Rich Scangarello likes how Harris has taken on a leadership role with the receivers.
“I think that, in a group where you have a lot of youth, someone has to step up and own that,” Scangarello said. “He’s done a good job in that room leading those guys and asserting himself.”
Harris will be counted on to contribute this fall. He hopes to be the leader of a new corps of receivers for Levis and the Cats.
