Photo courtesy of Jamie H. Vaught, KySportsStyle.com Magazine
There are a number of players poised for breakout seasons around the country and the SEC, but a player that could take his team to another level is Kentucky tight end C.J. Conrad.
Conrad, a 6-5, 245lbs junior from LaGrange, OH, was fourth on the team in receiving last season with 19 catches for 262 yards and four touchdowns. Five of those catches, along with 133 yards, came during a career game vs. New Mexico State, where he had three receiving touchdowns. He was the first Wildcat with three receiving touchdowns in a game since Dicky Lyons, Jr. accomplished the feat vs. Florida in 2007.
During his freshman season, Conrad led all SEC freshman tight ends with 15 catches for 149 yards and one touchdown. His top performance came in a win vs. No. 23 Missouri, where he hauled in three catches for 55 yards and his first collegiate touchdown. Conrad was recognized as a Third-Team Athlon Sports Freshman All-American and landed on the SEC All-Freshman Team voted on by league coaches.
Wildcat fans have longed for a talented tight end ever since Jacob Tamme graduated in 2007. During his time at Kentucky, Tamme emerged as a favorite target of UK QB Andre Woodson, and the Wildcat offense became one of the most lethal units in the country. Tamme elevated his production during his senior season with 56 catches, 619 yards, and 6 touchdowns to help lead the Wildcats to their second straight Music City Bowl victory.
He doesn’t have to be Jacob Tamme, he just has to be C.J. Conrad. Last season could have been better, but he and UK QB Stephen Johnson failed to connect on a couple of routes last season. Expect the chemistry and timing to be there for both when the Wildcats take the field this fall.
This off-season was different for Conrad than most have been. During the winter, surgery was required to fix a torn labrum, which resulted in him missing spring workouts. Conrad was forced to watch as his teammates battled it out this spring, but like it always does, spring turns to fall and the Wildcat tight end is poised to lead his Cats to an Eastern Division title.
Through two seasons, the LaGrange native has a total of 34 receptions, 411 yards, and 5 touchdowns. Look for Conrad to post those numbers this season alone.
If you are looking for a breakout player in an offense loaded with candidates, look no further than the man wearing No. 87.
