If there’s one thing Kentucky fans have always appreciated, it’s a tight end who can do more than just block. From Jacob Tamme to C.J. Conrad, the Wildcats have a proud history of game-changing playmakers at the position-guys who could carve up the middle of the field and give quarterbacks a reliable, physical target when it mattered most.
But in recent years? That tradition’s been more of a memory than a reality.
Enter Will Stein.
The new head coach in Lexington isn’t just bringing tempo and fireworks from his time at Oregon-he’s bringing a clear plan to reestablish the tight end as a centerpiece of Kentucky’s offense. And based on what he’s saying, two names-Mikkel Skinner and Willie Rodriguez-could be next in line to carry on that legacy.
The Oregon Blueprint
To understand where this is going, let’s rewind to what Stein did with Kenyon Sadiq at Oregon last season. Sadiq wasn’t your typical tight end.
He wasn’t just a big body who chipped a defensive end and caught the occasional checkdown. He was a legitimate weapon-51 catches, 580 yards, and 8 touchdowns.
That’s wide receiver-level production from a guy who lined up everywhere.
Now, Stein believes he’s got the tools in Lexington to do it all over again.
Mikkel Skinner: The Matchup Nightmare
When Stein talks about Mikkel Skinner, it’s clear he sees something special. The comparison to Sadiq wasn’t thrown out lightly.
“Mikkel... reminds me somewhat of a Kenyon Sadiq-type player that I had at Oregon, which is a really versatile athlete that we can use in a lot of different ways,” Stein said.
That’s high praise. Skinner is the kind of tight end who can line up in the slot, split out wide, or stay in tight and still beat you.
He’s got the speed to run away from linebackers and the frame to body up safeties. In the SEC-where mismatches are hard to come by-that kind of versatility is gold.
If Skinner can even come close to matching Sadiq’s production, Kentucky’s offense could take a massive step forward. Think about what that does to a defense: you can’t key in on the run, and you can’t double the outside receivers without leaving a guy like Skinner one-on-one. That’s the kind of chess piece offensive coordinators dream about.
Willie Rodriguez: The Culture-Setter
Then there’s Willie Rodriguez, a player whose return to the program was one of Stein’s first big wins. Rodriguez averaged 13.5 yards per catch last season, flashing the kind of playmaking ability that doesn’t just move the chains-it flips the field.
But for Stein, Rodriguez is more than just a stat line.
“Willie can play a lot of different spots. I think you can obviously line him up in the core, in the slide, in the backfield. He is kind of wherever you put him, that’s where it looks like he fits.”
Translation: Rodriguez is a Swiss Army knife. He can block when needed, catch when called upon, and line up just about anywhere. That kind of flexibility makes him an ideal fit for Stein’s system, which thrives on motion, misdirection, and creating mismatches.
Stein called bringing Rodriguez back a “big get” from a culture standpoint-and he’s not wrong. But let’s not dance around it: Rodriguez can flat-out play. And in this offense, he’s going to get his chances to prove it.
Depth with Purpose
This isn’t just a two-man show, either. Henry Boyer brings the physicality.
He’s your classic in-line tight end-strong at the point of attack, reliable in short-yardage situations. But don’t assume he’s just a blocker.
Stein’s offense has a history of slipping tight ends into space on delayed screens and red zone routes, and Boyer fits that mold perfectly.
And then there’s Elijah Brown, a former 4-star recruit who’s been waiting for the right system to unlock his potential. With Stein’s emphasis on multiple tight end sets and creative formations, Brown finally has a lane to make an impact. Don’t be surprised if he starts turning heads in spring ball.
The Bottom Line
We’ve heard the “we’re going to use the tight ends more” line from coaches before. Sometimes it’s lip service.
But Will Stein has the track record to back it up. He just produced an 8-touchdown tight end in a Power Five offense-and now he’s got a pair of athletic, versatile playmakers ready to step into that role.
Kentucky fans have been waiting for the next great tight end. They might be getting two.
Get ready, Big Blue Nation. The tight end is back in business.