UK Football Player Preview: David Bouvier’s time is now

David Bouvier isn’t a household name when it comes to SEC Football, but the 5’9” junior wide receiver has made waves in fall camp.

David Bouvier

Position: Wide Receiver

Measurements: 5’9”, 171 lbs.

Hometown: Lexington, Kentucky

School: Lexington Catholic High School

Recruit Rankings: Unranked

Bouvier was a walk-on as part of the 2014 Kentucky Football recruiting class, which ranked 22nd nationally. He put up major numbers at Lexington Catholic High School, finishing his career as the school’s all-time leader in receptions and receiving yards, compiling 215 catches for 3,156 yards.

Bouvier redshirted his freshman season in 2014 and then really earned some playing time, seeing action on special teams in four games last season.

But last spring and during fall camp, Bouvier began turning some heads. It started with the spring game, where he caught four passes for 52 yards.

He took that momentum into fall camp, where he has impressed the coaches by making difficult catches in traffic and being a reliable option in the passing attack. Offensive Coordinator Eddie Gran even unofficially named him the MVP of fall camp.

His work ethic also led to him earning a scholarship, along with RB Zach Johnson and K Miles Butler.

And it’s clear to see why. Videos have emerged of the plays Bouvier is making, and he seems to have some of the best hands of all the wide receivers.

Also including this juggling catch.

And this one-handed leaping grab is pretty impressive as well.

Bouvier has worked his way into the rotation and could be a major player during the season. Defenses will likely focus on Dorian Baker, Lynn Bowden, and Tavin Richardson, which could open up opportunities for Bouvier to make plays across the middle of the field and keep the chains moving.

Having a sure-handed receiver who can make tough catches across the middle of the field and in traffic can be of great value to a quarterback, especially a quarterback still getting his feet wet as a starter. In situations like a 3rd and 6 or a 3rd and 5, Bouvier could be a great asset as a guy who can reel in a tough catch and deliver yards after.

If his performances in fall camp are any indication, Bouvier is going to be a real threat to defenses moving forward and a big-time asset to whoever lines up at quarterback for the Wildcats.

And seeing as how hard he has worked during his time at Kentucky, it’s hard to imagine him slowing down anytime soon.