Lexington, Kentucky, October 13, 2025
News Summary
The Kentucky Wildcats have increased their tight ends’ involvement in the passing game this season, with a 26.7% target share. Senior tight end Josh Kattus leads the way with eight receptions, showcasing a strategic shift under new tight ends coach Derek Shay. With the upcoming game against South Carolina, the Wildcats are looking to build on this positive momentum, indicating a promising trend for their offensive strategy.
Lexington, Kentucky – The Kentucky Wildcats have seen a noticeable surge in their tight ends’ involvement in the passing game this season, a change that fans have long advocated for. After years of wishing for the position to be a more significant part of the offensive strategy, this season’s statistics reveal that tight ends are enjoying a 26.7% target share in the passing game, up from previous years.
This season, the Wildcats have accumulated 131 targets over just five games, showcasing an emerging trend in how Kentucky approaches offensive plays. Senior tight end Josh Kattus is having a standout year, leading the team with eight receptions totaling 112 yards and one touchdown, which ties his previous career high for total catches in a season.
Kattus has established himself as a crucial red zone target and has demonstrated his skill with explosive touchdowns, particularly on play-action plays, underscoring his essential role in the offensive setup. Another key contributor is fellow tight end Willie Rodriguez, who has also made his mark with nine receptions for 141 yards. Newcomer Henry Boyer, an Illinois transfer, adds further depth to the position, contributing with an additional reception.
The adoption of a 12 personnel scheme by offensive coordinator Bush Hamdan has opened up numerous opportunities for tight ends. This strategic adjustment comes as the coaching staff acknowledges the need for reliable options in the passing game, especially in light of the absence of standout wide receiver options due to roster changes. The Wildcats’ stable offensive line has also played a part in allowing tight ends to participate more actively in the offense.
Kattus’s impressive development as a player is noted, as he consistently makes difficult catches even under tight coverage. Rodriguez’s progression also shows promise, as he has become a dependable outlet for quarterback Cutter Boley. The increase in successful plays can be traced back to the players’ commitment to extra practice, which has helped them earn trust from the coaching staff and has been pivotal in the overall offensive success.
With a change in leadership among the coaching staff, former tight ends coach Vince Marrow transitioned to a different team. His departure marks a significant change in the strategies that have prompted the uptick in tight end production. The new arrival of Derek Shay as the tight ends coach has injected considerable expertise and fresh ideas into the program. Early statistics indicate that both Kattus and Rodriguez are on track to surpass previous records held by Kentucky tight ends.
The Wildcats are set to face South Carolina in their upcoming game, which poses both challenges and opportunities as they look to build on the positive momentum in the tight end position. The coaching staff underscored that the effectiveness of Kattus and Rodriguez is integral to establishing a strong offensive identity for the team.
As Kattus himself noted, the ball is finding the tight ends more frequently this season, indicating a promising trend in their strategic utilization going forward.
FAQ
How is the tight end position performing for Kentucky this season?
The tight end position is performing exceptionally well, with a total of 131 targets in five games, equating to a 26.7% target share in the passing game. Senior tight end Josh Kattus leads the team with eight receptions and has established himself as a key red zone target.
What changes in coaching may have influenced the tight end’s production?
The recent transfer of former tight ends coach Vince Marrow and the appointment of Derek Shay have introduced new strategies and perspectives, contributing to improved production of the tight ends this season.
Is the team’s game strategy expected to change moving forward?
Considering the success of the tight ends under the new offensive schemes, it is likely that the team will continue to focus on utilizing tight ends more prominently in their offensive strategy as they move forward in the season.
Key Features of Kentucky Wildcats’ Tight Ends Performance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Targets in Season | 131 targets in 5 games |
| Tight Ends Target Share | 26.7% |
| Leading Receiver | Josh Kattus – 8 receptions, 112 yards, 1 touchdown |
| Additional Contributions | Willie Rodriguez – 9 receptions, 141 yards; Henry Boyer – 1 reception, 13 yards |
| Coaching Change Impact | Derek Shay as new tight ends coach and improved engagement from players |
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Additional Resources
- On3: Josh Kattus – Kentucky Football Tight End
- Kentucky.com: Kentucky Football Article
- UK Athletics: Derek Shay Named Tight Ends Coach
- Wildcat Blue Nation: Kentucky Football Players
- UK Wildcats Wire: Key Players Against Toledo
- Wikipedia: Kentucky Wildcats Football
- Google Search: Kentucky Football News
- Google Scholar: Kentucky Football Research
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Kentucky Wildcats
- Google News: Kentucky Wildcats
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