By LARRY VAUGHT
Kentucky coach Mark Stoops is happy he had seven players working out at last week’s NFL Combine. He was also appreciative that receiver Wan’Dale Robinson transferred to UK from Nebraska for the 2021 season to help the Cats and put himself in position to be invited to the combine.“It was a quick year but I thank him for coming back and what he did,” Stoops said. “The impact he had on our program in one year was greatly appreciated. He didn’t say a word. He just worked and tried to get better every day.”Robinson caught 104 passes for 1,334 yards, both UK records. He was only the sixth player in SEC history to catch at least 100 passes in a single season. He had six 100-yard games, second in UK history, and his two games with 12 or more catches tied Randall Cobb for most in a single season at Kentucky.Stoops said NFL teams should pay attention to those numbers against SEC competition.“You can see a guy that is productive. He can get in and out of breaks,” the UK coach said. “He is a guy that can get open.”Draft projections vary widely on Robinson. He’s rated as the fifth-best receiver by WalterFootball and 13th overall by CBS Sports. However, he is not listed on DraftKings’ draft board.Recently ESPN draft analyst Todd McShay recently called Robinson a “jitterbug” on his podcast with ESPN draft guru Mel Kiper and complimented his shiftiness and acceleration. He also said in some ways he reminds him of San Francisco 49ers receiver Deebo Samuel.“He can do a lot of things. He had seven carries, averaged 16 yards per carry on his seven carries this year. Just look at him with the ball in his hands. So screens, quick game. He’s not afraid to work over the middle of the field. He’s only 5-11, but 185 pounds,” McShay said.McShay believes he will go on the second day of the draft — rounds two and three.“I think he’s going to have really good success in the league because it’s built for his game now. He’s proven that, at a high level, playing in the SEC this past year,” McShay said.Robinson ran the 40-yard dash in 4.44 seconds — 15th fastest among the receivers — and his vertical jump was 34 1/2 inches — 17th among receivers. His broad jump was 9-10, the fourth shortest jump by receivers who participated.