A Sea Of Blue - Kentucky defeats Iowa in the Citrus Bowl: Everything to knowOnline Home of the Big Blue Nation: Kentucky Wildcats Sports for the Discerning Fanhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/46621/aseaof-fav.png2022-01-13T13:27:35-05:00http://www.aseaofblue.com/rss/stream/226172292022-01-13T13:27:35-05:002022-01-13T13:27:35-05:00Wan’Dale Robinson earns All-Bowl Team honors
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<img alt="Wan’Dale Robinson" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/hPUMuyA2aB7irEe_QdmDJkfqXCE=/0x0:4910x3273/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/70384295/IMG_7412.0.jpg" />
<figcaption><a class="ql-link" href="https://twitter.com/TheNoahGoldberg" target="_blank">Noah Goldberg - SB Nation</a></figcaption>
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<p>Another postseason honor for the Wildcat MVP.</p> <p id="OAta66"><a href="https://www.aseaofblue.com">Kentucky Wildcats</a> wide receiver Wan’Dale Robinson made sure his final collegiate game was one to remember, and it’s netted him yet another postseason honor.</p>
<p id="p6TSJ2">Wednesday, Robinson was named to the 2022 All-Bowl Team by the USA Today. He was named MVP of the Wildcats’ 20-17 victory over No. 15 Iowa in the Citrus Bowl. Other postseason honors he’s brought in include:</p>
<ul>
<li id="KlYHLS">Second-Team All-America (PFF)</li>
<li id="Crzuqv">First-Team All-SEC (PFF)</li>
<li id="ewIqzU">Second-Team All-SEC (Coaches, AP)</li>
<li id="k1vC9u">Oh, and of course, a Citrus Bowl trophy.</li>
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<p id="Ww86tU">Against Iowa, Robinson set Kentucky bowl records with 10 receptions for 170 yards, 86 coming on the game-winning drive before Chris Rodriguez Jr. scored game-winning touchdown.</p>
<p id="yfphHL">A 5-foot-10, 183-pounder from Frankfort (KY), Robinson finished his historic season in Lexington with a team-high 104 catches for 1,334 receiving yards, both of which are single-season program records. He ranks 17th in school history in receiving yardage, despite playing in just 13 games as a Wildcat. </p>
<p id="DRuPw5">Robinson also became the sixth player in SEC history to catch at least 100 passes in a season, including <a href="https://www.forwhomthecowbelltolls.com">Mississippi State</a>’s Makai Polk this season. Robinson had six 100-yard games, which ranks second on the Wildcats’ single-season list. He joins Randall Cobb as the only two receivers in school history to have 12 or more receptions in multiple games during their career.</p>
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https://www.aseaofblue.com/2022/1/13/22880887/wandale-robinson-all-bowl-team-uk-football-newsJason Marcum2022-01-10T16:34:12-05:002022-01-10T16:34:12-05:00Chris Rodriguez returning to Kentucky
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<img alt="Chris Rodriguez" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/tTyWG-u4yC2UPfTS1Pc7xYyFak4=/0x290:2048x1655/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/70371594/chris_rodriguez_2_dylan_ballard.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Dylan Ballard - Sea of Blue</figcaption>
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<p>Rodriguez is staying in Lexington for one more season. </p> <p id="ULj3EC">The <a href="https://www.aseaofblue.com">Kentucky Wildcats</a> wrapped up their 2021 season with a 20-17 win over the <a href="https://www.blackheartgoldpants.com">Iowa Hawkeyes</a> in the VRBO Citrus Bowl. </p>
<p id="Z36YPo">Now, our attention turns to who is coming back for another year and who is on their way to the <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/nfl-draft">NFL Draft</a>.</p>
<p id="D6yrfg">We now know that Mark Stoops will have one of his best playmakers back in 2022, as Chris Rodriguez announced that he will be back for another season. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">A public service announcement for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BBN?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BBN</a> <a href="https://t.co/DmYS5Kwnlp">https://t.co/DmYS5Kwnlp</a></p>— Kentucky Football (@UKFootball) <a href="https://twitter.com/UKFootball/status/1480653168945995781?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 10, 2022</a>
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<p id="CsunpQ">Rodriguez had another big season for Kentucky, as he used a 107-yard performance in the Citrus Bowl to pass Benny Snell for fifth-place on UK’s single-season rushing list, finishing with 1,378 yards on the season. C-Rod also had 10 rushing touchdowns. </p>
<p id="V7lJL9">Back in 2017, Snell rushed for 1,333 yards and 19 touchdowns. His 2018 season of 1,449 yards and 16 touchdowns is the third-most in a single season, trailing only Lynn Bowden (1,468 in 2019) and Moe Williams (1,600 in 1995). Those are the marks Rodriguez will undoubtedly set as goals to reach during what will likely be his final collegiate season in 2022. </p>
<aside id="fPcPRg"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"College football expert has UK in top 10 of final 2021 season poll","url":"https://www.aseaofblue.com/2022/1/10/22876774/college-football-rankings-top-25-polls-kentucky-wildcats-news"},{"title":"Kentucky vs. Vanderbilt preview, viewing info and predictions","url":"https://www.aseaofblue.com/2022/1/10/22875153/kentucky-basketball-vanderbilt-time-tv-channel-online-stream-predictions"}]}'></div></aside><p id="tqb24d">In Liam Coen’s offense, we saw Rodriguez get used a lot more in the passing game as he had 12 receptions for 56 yards and three receiving touchdowns, which are all career highs. Becoming a more consistent pass-catching threat will be a key thing C-Rod will look to improve to become a more complete back and enhance his NFL stock for the 2023 draft.</p>
<p id="RhfWVe">This is massive news for the Wildcats heading into 2022, and now they have Will Levis and Rodriguez back. The Cats’ offense is going to be stout once again next season, though it will be replacing much of its offensive line, so having the primary QB and RB back will definitely help make this an easier transition into next season when guys like Darian Kinnard and Luke Fortner are no longer here. </p>
<p id="U6D2eH">Rodriguez joins linebacker Jordan Wright, quarterback Will Levis and linebacker Jacquez Jones as Wildcats to announce they’re bypassing the 2022 NFL Draft for a return to Lexington for one more season. </p>
<p id="rIcb9l">Game 1 vs. Miami of Ohio can’t get here fast enough.</p>
<div id="0FY1Lh"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/n5hl84E-EJw?rel=0" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="accelerometer; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture;"></iframe></div></div>
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https://www.aseaofblue.com/2022/1/10/22862885/chris-rodriguez-2022-nfl-draft-kentucky-football-news-secAdam Haste2022-01-03T20:44:35-05:002022-01-03T20:44:35-05:00Vince Marrow talks potential Wan’Dale Robinson return
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<figcaption>Drew Brown - Sea of Blue</figcaption>
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<p>“It’ll be really interesting.”</p> <p id="lHaxzK">After the <a href="https://www.aseaofblue.com/">Kentucky Wildcats</a> came back to beat the <a href="https://www.blackheartgoldpants.com">Iowa Hawkeyes</a> in the Citrus Bowl Saturday afternoon, Wan’Dale Robinson was named the MVP of the game.</p>
<p id="1tKkpv">In his first bowl game of his career, Robinson showed all of the country what Big Blue Nation had been seeing since September, as he was electric once again. </p>
<p id="CODAub">Finishing the game with 170 yards on 10 catches, none was bigger than the 52-yard reception late in the fourth quarter to set up the game-winning touchdown by Chris Rodriguez.</p>
<p id="jBjUYn">With the bowl season behind him, now comes decision time as the star wideout has an <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/nfl-draft">NFL Draft</a> decision to make. </p>
<p id="Z6JBby">“I’m going to sit down with my family, talk with them and just figure out what’s best for us,” Robinson said after the game. “That decision...I feel like, will come soon.”</p>
<p id="QZNbJi">The question with this decision is not if Robinson would be drafted. It mostly comes down to when the playmaking receiver would come off the board that will impact his decision. </p>
<p id="CbV13g"><a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.spreaker.com%2Fuser%2F9809047%2Fsunday-morning-sports-talk-january-2-202_2&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.aseaofblue.com%2F2022%2F1%2F3%2F22866043%2Fwandale-robinson-kentucky-wildcats-football-vince-marrow-2022-nfl-draft" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Vince Marrow joined KSR’s Sunday Morning Sports Talk</a> this past weekend and spoke on the decision Wan’Dale has to make. </p>
<div id="2ERdG4"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 80%;"><iframe src="https://widget.spreaker.com/player?episode_id=48140394&playlist=show&cover_image_url=https%3A%2F%2Fd3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net%2Fimages.spreaker.com%2Foriginal%2F7c34da2ea5b064cdf5b9a42d0629cdfa.jpg" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="encrypted-media;"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="oRho7s">“You all know the elephant in the room, No. 1 (Wan’Dale),” Marrow said. “I’m very close to his family. We will talk. From what Wan’Dale’s telling me, if he has a good grade from first, second or third (round), he would most likely go. </p>
<p id="vlLDfP">“If not, I think he’ll come back. But let’s be honest. After that last chant in the stadium, he could probably get over a $1 million NIL deal. Those people really want him back. He’s going to do what’s best for him.”</p>
<p id="4FqWQD">Marrow continued and compare the situation to Lynn Bowden, who was drafted in the third round at 80th overall. </p>
<p id="M1ZHCV">“Lynn Bowden told me when he was here the last game, ‘Man, now I wish I had stayed another year. I really miss it here, I wish I would’ve stayed.’” </p>
<aside id="fNlhbD"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Brad White and Liam Coen receive big raises","url":"https://www.aseaofblue.com/2022/1/3/22863709/brad-white-liam-coen-contract-kentucky-football-news"},{"title":"Wan’Dale has epic record-breaking game vs. Iowa, then perfectly trolls Riley Moss","url":"https://www.aseaofblue.com/2022/1/1/22862709/wandale-robinson-uk-football-records-catches-receiving-yards-iowa-riley-moss"}]}'></div></aside><p id="wBnNFt">NIL is obviously a game-changer in the situation, but the main question will be can Wan’Dale improve his NFL Draft stock with a return to Lexington? </p>
<p id="Jl3w8s">With Will Levis returning for a second season in the program, it is quite possible those numbers get even better. The chemistry that has been built this season with Levis is obvious. Add in the addition of some other talented receivers, and the sky is the limit if he decides to return. </p>
<p id="g0P4zn">Saying all of this, we should expect Robinson to go pro until he says otherwise. </p>
<div id="JfG2Tn"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/J4uPrlPq8UA?rel=0" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="accelerometer; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture;"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="CljLB7"><em>A Sea of Blue comes loaded with the best Kentucky Wildcats links, news, analysis, and some other fun stuff, so be sure to</em><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pg/GoASoB/posts/"><em> go ‘like’ our Facebook page</em></a><em> and then go</em><a href="https://twitter.com/aseaofblue"><em> follow us on Twitter</em></a>.<em> </em></p>
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https://www.aseaofblue.com/2022/1/3/22866043/wandale-robinson-kentucky-wildcats-football-vince-marrow-2022-nfl-draftEthan DeWitt2022-01-03T16:46:19-05:002022-01-03T16:46:19-05:00K.D. McDaniel transferring to UCF
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<figcaption>Jason Marcum - Sea of Blue</figcaption>
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<p>McDaniel finds his next college home.</p> <p id="EqaLwn">After entering the transfer portal on December 8th, former <a href="https://www.aseaofblue.com">Kentucky Wildcats</a> linebacker K.D. McDaniel has committed to UCF.</p>
<div id="5ctPr9">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Tieed 4Life BBN <a href="https://t.co/IDsmA17c8U">pic.twitter.com/IDsmA17c8U</a></p>— KD MACK (@mcdaniel_kd) <a href="https://twitter.com/mcdaniel_kd/status/1478116758548623366?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2022</a>
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<p id="B6MTGJ">Though McDaniel was in the portal, he still suited up for Kentucky and made two tackles vs. Iowa in the Citrus Bowl.</p>
<p id="Ok3rkc">Best of luck to McDaniel in his new adventures!</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="4LdAP9">
<p id="MVBCbu">The seventh player to transfer from the <a href="https://www.aseaofblue.com">Kentucky Wildcats</a> football team with the regular season over has made his decision. Redshirt sophomore K.D. McDaniel has entered the portal after three years at Kentucky, <a href="https://twitter.com/RivalsPortal/status/1468325142568869895">according to Rivals</a>.</p>
<p id="njbDmC">During his three seasons on the roster, he recorded 15 tackles. 11 of those came this season, including six in the final three games of the year when Jordan Wright was injured. </p>
<p id="ea6L8Z">This decision continues the trend of 2019 recruits leaving Lexington this offseason. With seven players deciding to leave since the end of the regular season, five of them were a part of Mark Stoops’ class in 2019. He joins the likes of QB Nik Scalzo, LB Jared Casey, OT Jake Pope and RB Travis Tisdale.</p>
<p id="I6oy7D">Wherever McDaniel lands next, he will be immediately eligible to play. After this decision, the Wildcats will have only four scholarship players on the edge come their bowl game against Iowa on New Year’s Day. Look for this position to be addressed in the transfer portal before next season.</p>
<p id="UIOL0w">Best of luck to McDaniel wherever he lands next.</p>
https://www.aseaofblue.com/2021/12/8/22823539/k-d-mcdaniel-ncaa-transfer-portal-uk-football-newsSamuel Gillenwater2022-01-03T06:40:00-05:002022-01-03T06:40:00-05:00Monday Headlines: Malakai Roberts Edition
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<figcaption>Photo by Lex 18</figcaption>
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<p>Roberts was honored for the amount of bravery, perseverance and determination he’s had since a life-changing injury.</p> <p id="btWL8D">Just over one year ago, Malakai Roberts was injured during a drive-by shooting crime committed in Lexington. Roberts and his mother, Cacy, were both shot and injured. Malakai’s suffered a gunshot wound that was deemed life-threatening and left him blind.</p>
<p id="nbKltY">Thankfully the young boy, who was just five at the time, survived his injuries. Now, precisely one year later, Roberts was recognized during the halftime of this weekend’s Citrus Bowl.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Malakai Roberts was honored in front of thousands during halftime of the Vrbo Citrus Bowl. <a href="https://t.co/19XzRSoRrA">https://t.co/19XzRSoRrA</a></p>— LEX 18 News (@LEX18News) <a href="https://twitter.com/LEX18News/status/1477376608113766411?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 1, 2022</a>
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<p id="JNSUva">Roberts was recognized for the amount of bravery, perseverance and determination he’s had since his life-changing injury. Cacy Roberts <a href="https://www.lex18.com/news/malakai-roberts-honored-at-vrbo-citrus-bowl-for-bravery-resilience">had the following comment</a> on her son.</p>
<p id="BnfOIn">“He has so much character that most adults don’t have, and that’s what makes him so unique and that’s why I’m so proud of him,” she said.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">The family of Malakai Roberts, the Lexington child who was blinded in a shooting just before Christmas last year, will be honored during UK's bowl game against Iowa next weekend. The family gets to fly out, attend the game, and spend the week in Orlando. <a href="https://t.co/4bpezOnmbG">https://t.co/4bpezOnmbG</a></p>— Jeremy Chisenhall (@JSChisenhall) <a href="https://twitter.com/JSChisenhall/status/1473664791625576457?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 22, 2021</a>
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<p id="zq4foY">Vrbo covered the cost of the Roberts’ trip down to Orlando for the Citrus Bowl — an incredible gesture by the host for an incredible story of a six year-old that can teach us so much. Life hands us so much that we simply can’t control. Malakai’s attitude is something that we can all learn from.</p>
<h1 id="Gw6z8e"><strong>Tweet of the Day</strong></h1>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">as always, Al Michaels is perfect on the passing of John Madden. <a href="https://t.co/FL8jklUy1l">pic.twitter.com/FL8jklUy1l</a></p>— Chris Brockman (@chrisbrockman) <a href="https://twitter.com/chrisbrockman/status/1477848076823904258?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2022</a>
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<p id="hy0Xmk">No words.</p>
<h1 id="bDwgmW"><strong>Headlines</strong></h1>
<p id="jv3hC3"><a href="https://www.yoursportsedge.com/2022/01/02/deandre-square-would-not-let-pain-keep-him-from-helping-uk-secure-win-over-iowa/vaughts-views/larryvaught/">Square wouldn’t let pain keep him from securing win over Iowa - Vaught’s Views</a></p>
<p id="ReRlgK">Incredible moment for an incredible player.</p>
<p id="vQmu3B"><a href="https://www.on3.com/teams/kentucky-wildcats/news/hopkinsville-ky-native-scotty-hopson-takes-incredible-path-back-nba/">Scotty Hopson takes incredible path back to NBA - Kentucky Sports Radio</a></p>
<p id="fKEfTr">Such a cool story for the Hopkinsville, KY native.</p>
<p id="cVzdqk"><a href="https://www.yoursportsedge.com/2022/01/02/western-kentucky-coach-credits-uk-for-making-oscar-tshiebwe-a-better-offensive-player/vaughts-views/larryvaught/">WKU coach credits UK for making Tshiebwe a better offensive player - Vaught’s Views</a></p>
<p id="GdM7mI">Recruit and develop...</p>
<p id="pKf9hv"><a href="https://www.on3.com/teams/kentucky-wildcats/news/jon-sumrall-pens-thank-you-note-big-blue-nation/">Jon Sumrall pens thank you note to Big Blue Nation - Kentucky Sports Radio</a></p>
<p id="HHmgzI">He’ll always be family.</p>
<p id="KBqO5i"><a href="https://www.yoursportsedge.com/2022/01/02/no-surprise-wandale-robinson-set-uk-record-and-set-up-winning-score-with-another-spectacular-play/vaughts-views/larryvaught/">No surprise Robinson set UK record & set up winning score - Vaught’s Views</a></p>
<p id="JYQIhf">Such a spectacular player.</p>
<p id="M5qIoa"><a href="https://kentucky.rivals.com/news/parting-thoughts-on-the-citrus-bowl-10-wins-and-the-2021-season">Parting thoughts on the Citrus Bowl, 10 wins, and the 2021 season - Cats Illustrated</a></p>
<p id="uoj9mb">Really going to miss this team.</p>
<p id="OHKJ3u"><a href="https://www.yoursportsedge.com/2022/01/01/photos-kentucky-beats-iowa-in-the-citrus-bowl/vaughts-views/larryvaught/">PHOTOS – Kentucky Beats Iowa in the Citrus Bowl - Vaught’s Views</a></p>
<p id="UOL9kf">Great shots from the <a href="https://www.aseaofblue.com">Kentucky Wildcats</a>’ win this weekend.</p>
<p id="RtfowX"><a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/32979872/tampa-bay-buccaneers-wr-antonio-brown-rips-equipment-runs-field-midgame">Arians: Antonio Brown ‘no longer a Buc’ - ESPN</a></p>
<p id="dzn923">Certainly the wildest story of Sunday’s NFL slate.</p>
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https://www.aseaofblue.com/2022/1/3/22864587/monday-headlines-malakai-roberts-editionJohn Morgan Francis2022-01-03T06:00:00-05:002022-01-03T06:00:00-05:00Brad White and Liam Coen receive big raises
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<figcaption>Drew Brown - Sea of Blue</figcaption>
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<p>Both coaches will be making seven figures in 2022.</p> <p id="Ih3rMP">The <a href="https://www.aseaofblue.com">Kentucky Wildcats</a>’ 2021 season ended in exciting fashion, as the Cats completed a comeback win over the <a href="https://www.blackheartgoldpants.com">Iowa Hawkeyes</a> in the Citrus Bowl to secure their second 10-win season of the Mark Stoops era.</p>
<p id="GTulmv">Following the Cats’ nine-win regular season, head coach Mark Stoops received a contract extension and a salary increase. </p>
<p id="htQlId">As part of Stoops’ new contract, Kentucky’s assistant salary pool was increased to at least $6.5 million yearly. This set up the possibility for offensive coordinator Liam Coen and defensive coordinator Brad White to receive big raises as well. </p>
<p id="Ms5NcO"><a href="https://www.uky.edu/legal/open-records/coaching-contracts">UK’s Office of Legal Counsel</a> released the new contracts and Brad White is now set to make $1.4 million during the 2022 football season, $1.5 million in 2023, and $1.6 million in 2024.</p>
<p id="VzfRKh">As for Liam Coen, who made $775,000 during the 2021 season, he is also seeing an increase as he is set to make $1.1 million in 2023 and $1.3 million in 2024. </p>
<p id="J3orgp">In his first season as the offensive coordinator, Coen helped produce one of the best offensive seasons in Kentucky football history. Penn State transfer quarterback Will Levis racked up 2,826 passing yards and 24 passing touchdowns. Both are the most of the Stoops era. </p>
<p id="BsMpfw">Chris Rodriguez was 2<sup>nd</sup> in the SEC in rushing yards with 1,379. That number is also good for 5<sup>th</sup> overall in a single season at Kentucky.</p>
<p id="1ul83n">Nebraska transfer Wan’Dale Robinson was 2<sup>nd</sup> in the SEC with 1,334 receiving yards and hauled in 104 receptions. Both of those are single-season records at Kentucky. </p>
<p id="lP9PyZ">Both Coen and White deserved the raise they received after the job they did this season helping lead Kentucky to a 10-3 record. Coen signed his contract amendment on December 3<sup>rd</sup> and White signed his on December 14<sup>th</sup>. </p>
https://www.aseaofblue.com/2022/1/3/22863709/brad-white-liam-coen-contract-kentucky-football-newsAdam Haste2022-01-02T13:03:05-05:002022-01-02T13:03:05-05:00Mark Stoops and DeAndre Square share beautiful moment with Chris Oats following Citrus Bowl win
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<p>Oats recovered a fumble that sealed Kentucky’s previous Citrus Bowl win over Penn State.</p> <p id="pAzgeZ">Three years ago, the <a href="https://www.aseaofblue.com/">Kentucky Wildcats</a> football team won the Citrus Bowl over Penn State. A game similar to the win over Iowa, it was a slugfest to the very end. The games even ended on similar notes, with two linebackers creating turnovers to seal the victory for Kentucky. </p>
<p id="oP27aw">Against Penn State, that player was Chris Oats, as he recovered a fumble in the final seconds. </p>
<p id="PR7bG4">In Saturday’s game, it was Deandre Square that picked a pass off the ground to create an interception and the turnover to win it. </p>
<p id="MLRFm6">After playing alongside each other in that game against Penn State, they were right there side-by-side in Saturday's win as well, as Oats was on the sideline watching his team secure their second 10-win season in four years. </p>
<aside id="HQjP9X"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Jon Sumrall finishes the job","url":"https://www.aseaofblue.com/2022/1/2/22863049/jon-sumrall-kentucky-football-iowa-hawkeyes-troy-news"},{"title":"DeAndre Square saves the day vs. Iowa after being ruled out with injury","url":"https://www.aseaofblue.com/2022/1/1/22862770/deandre-square-injury-kentucky-iowa-2022-uk-wildcats-news-citrus-bowl"},{"title":"Will Levis says his benching last season against Iowa led him to Kentucky","url":"https://www.aseaofblue.com/2022/1/1/22862753/will-levis-penn-state-news-iowa-kentucky-football-2021"}]}'></div></aside><p id="KspCQz">By now. I'm sure you have seen that Square was ruled out of the remainder of the game after leaving in the second half with an injury. He came back though, and he spoke about what it meant to get that game-sealing turnover just like his brother did three seasons ago. </p>
<p id="zROSDB">“It meant a lot,” <a href="https://www.aseaofblue.com/2022/1/2/22863104/mark-stoops-will-levis-wandale-robinson-deandre-square-kentucky-recap-iowa">Square said during postgame interviews</a>. “When I saw him (Oats) out there today, I just knew that I was going to have the ball at some point. And I was planning on running to give it to him, but the ref snatched it from me, so I couldn’t do that.”</p>
<p id="VeaWlb">He then continued to talk about how he remembered Oats on the sideline and decided to fight through his pain and go out there for him.</p>
<p id="Y4Leph">“That’s another person I thought about when I just wanted to be just like, ‘Yeah, I’m in pain, and I want to stop.’ I thought about him, and I’m like, ‘I’ve got to go. I’ve got to do this.’”</p>
<p id="x2cWRV">Much like Square, the whole Kentucky football family and all of Big Blue Nation has been right there every step of the way to cheer on Chris in his recovery. </p>
<p id="pf3RKH">His brother took to his social media on Sunday morning to show his appreciation:</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/ChristopherOats?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ChristopherOats</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/UKFootball?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@UKFootball</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/vincemarrow?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@vincemarrow</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/CoachJonSumrall?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CoachJonSumrall</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/CoachWhiteFB?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CoachWhiteFB</a> forever grateful <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BBN?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BBN</a> <a href="https://t.co/ejTyYCP1zD">pic.twitter.com/ejTyYCP1zD</a></p>— Sosa Woods (@Sosa_migo59) <a href="https://twitter.com/Sosa_migo59/status/1477657589827649544?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 2, 2022</a>
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<p id="QRC9lr">The Cats got to seal another win alongside their brother in Orlando yesterday. </p>
<p id="cWyjqr">And oh how fitting it was in his beautifully similar the games were. All the way down to the final play. </p>
<div id="pN54DA"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/pUStx2vdjT8?rel=0&start=137" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="accelerometer; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture;"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="f4pyjY"><em>And be sure to go</em><a href="https://twitter.com/aseaofblue"><em> follow our Twitter page</em></a><em> and</em><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pg/GoASoB/posts/"><em> ‘like’ our Facebook page</em></a><em> to get all of the latest Kentucky Wildcats news, views and other fun stuff. </em></p>
https://www.aseaofblue.com/2022/1/2/22863669/chris-oats-mark-stoops-deandre-square-citrus-bowl-kentucky-wildcats-news-iowaEthan DeWitt2022-01-02T08:00:00-05:002022-01-02T08:00:00-05:00Jon Sumrall finishes the job
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<p>The Cats seal the win in Sumrall’s last game before taking over at Troy.</p> <p id="KXIjWC">There may have not been a happier individual than Jon Sumrall after the <a href="https://www.aseaofblue.com/">Kentucky Wildcats</a> knocked off the <a href="https://www.blackheartgoldpants.com">Iowa Hawkeyes</a> on Saturday afternoon. </p>
<p id="mk7la2">Sumrall was not only rejoicing over the big win, but also was ecstatic for the player who made the play to end the game. </p>
<p id="qGLJ48">By now, I'm sure all of you have seen the interception by Deandre Square as the Hawkeyes were on the brink of field-goal range with a little under a minute to go. If you haven't heard though, <a href="https://www.aseaofblue.com/2022/1/1/22862770/deandre-square-injury-kentucky-iowa-2022-uk-wildcats-news-citrus-bowl">Square came back into the game after being ruled out</a>, to help his defense for one last go. </p>
<p id="2AqpJw">Square and Sumrall’s relationship dates back to when both entered the program four years ago, and have both been key pieces to the success this program has had over the last several seasons. </p>
<p id="UwYo4W">Moments after the game ended, he was asked about the play Square made to seal the win. Check out what he had to say below.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">“I came back to coach that kid and to watch him make that play. Made my year” <br><br>An emotional <a href="https://twitter.com/CoachJonSumrall?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CoachJonSumrall</a> on <a href="https://twitter.com/d_square10?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@d_square10</a> and his game-clinching interception<br><br>With <a href="https://twitter.com/EliGehnTV?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EliGehnTV</a> ⬇️ <a href="https://t.co/Vo0o2EWm2P">pic.twitter.com/Vo0o2EWm2P</a></p>— BBN Tonight (@BBNTonight) <a href="https://twitter.com/BBNTonight/status/1477400904567595017?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 1, 2022</a>
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<p id="EdKUwF">“I came back to coach that kid and to watch him make that play. Made my year” Sumrall said. </p>
<p id="WR8J4X">Early in December, it was announced that Sumrall would be heading to Troy to take over as the head coach of the Trojans. And to some surprise, Sumrall announced he would be coaching the Citrus Bowl alongside his guys one last time. </p>
<p id="lxNyu9">Alongside that, he also continued to recruit for the Cats, eventually helping the staff land signatures from Quentel Jones and Ja’Kobi Albert. </p>
<p id="72T4K9">It is obvious that UK means a ton to Sumrall, and wouldn't be shocking to see him return to Lexington one day. </p>
<p id="Bmx2IU">For the time being though, what a way to go out. </p>
https://www.aseaofblue.com/2022/1/2/22863049/jon-sumrall-kentucky-football-iowa-hawkeyes-troy-newsEthan DeWitt