Mikkel Skinner didn’t just get on the board in Kentucky’s season opener. He made himself part of the trivia that fans will be tossing around for a long time.
In the Wildcats’ 45-13 win over Youngstown State at Kroger Field, Skinner became the first Cat of the Will Stein era in Lexington to catch a pass, picking up an 8-yard gain on the opening drive. He followed that by becoming the first Cat of the Stein era to catch a touchdown, hauling in a 10-yard pass from quarterback Kenny Minchey to cap Kentucky’s third touchdown of the day.
For Skinner, it was a breakthrough game in every sense. He had never caught a pass before Saturday, after appearing in four games as a true freshman last season. By the end of the afternoon, he had four receptions for 61 yards and the touchdown, finishing as a co-leader for the team in catches.
His teammates noticed what it meant. Willie Rodriguez said after the game, "I was emotional for him," fellow tight end Willie Rodriguez said after the game.
"I was so proud of him because he put in a lot of work from his freshman to sophomore year. It's a big jump.
I know it's a big jump because I did the same thing. You have to focus a lot.
He always has the ability, but it's a lot of mental game, and he really focused in. I was really excited for him."
Rodriguez also said he "knew that was coming" when Skinner celebrated in the end zone, a nod to the personality and energy Skinner brings to the room.
The bigger takeaway for Kentucky was how often the tight ends were woven into the offense. Skinner, Rodriguez and Henry Boyer all got chances to make plays, and all three delivered in their own way.
Boyer had a 31-yard catch. Rodriguez finished with four receptions for 48 yards and the second of Kentucky’s four passing touchdowns.
Skinner added a 28-yard grab, Rodriguez had a 20-yarder and Boyer’s explosive reception helped underline how much the group was involved.
"I think as a room we played really well," Rodriguez said. "Everybody got to showcase a little bit of their talent. I think we're really good as a room."
Will Stein said after the game, "We want to use our best players," Stein said after the game. "Those three are some of our best players. We definitely want to expand that."
The tight ends were useful beyond the box score, too. Minchey said the group helped in protection and kept Kentucky’s quarterback from being sacked once. But he also made clear how much they matter in the passing game.
"Our tight end room's great," Minchey said. "Mikkel Skinner, Willie Rodriguez, Henry Boyer, they're all great targets.
They all got to touch the ball today and when they get the ball, they all made plays. To be able to have guys like that in the pass game apart from receivers is really really good for our offense."
Kentucky will have another chance to lean on that group on Saturday, Sept. 12, when the Wildcats host No. 13 Alabama at Kroger Field.
The kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m. ET on ABC.
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