Photo | Keyli Chisesi
Kentucky’s Lynn Bowden has big goals for the 2019 college football season.
The junior wide receiver from Youngstown, OH., is more than prepared to carry the torch passed on from Benny Snell and Josh Allen, who were stars during their time in Lexington.
As a sophomore, Bowden set the UK record for most pass receptions by a sophomore with 67, the most by a Wildcat since Randall Cobb (84) in 2010. He also led the team with 745 receiving yards and five touchdown catches.
While Bowden made an impact in the passing game last season, it was his two punt return touchdowns that helped propel the Wildcats to a comeback victory at Missouri (67 yard return) and establish an early lead they never lost in a Citrus Bowl victory vs. Penn State (58-yard return).
Fast forward to 2019, Bowden needs just 45 receiving yards to become the 30th player in program history to reach 1,000 yards for their career and 16 receptions to become the 17th UK player in history to have 100 career catches. However, he has his eyes set on an even bigger season and it will be needed if the Wildcats want to build on their 10-3 campaign from 2018.
Last week, the junior was one of 44 players to be named to the Paul Hornung Award Watch List, given annually to the most versatile player in college football. Additionally, Bowden was named to the Biletnikoff Award Watch List, an award given to the most outstanding receiver. Earlier this month at SEC Media Days, he spoke about the goals he has for himself this season.
“Individual goals, I want to be talked about in the Heisman race,” said Bowden. “I want to win the Biletnikoff award. I just want to be the best leader I can for this team.”
If Bowden reaches those goals or even comes close to what he expects of himself, the Big Blue Nation could be celebrating another successful season in Lexington.
Kentucky kicks off the 2019 season at Kroger Field on Saturday, August 31st vs. Toledo.
