Will Levis (UK Atheltics Photo)
Before Kentucky kicks off the season Saturday against ULM, I had to ask former UK all-SEC running back Anthony White a couple of questions about the upcoming season. First, can running back Chris Rodriguez lead the Southeastern Conference in rushing like he wants to do?
“He will be top two,” said White. “I know some teams are built on running but I think Chris will lead it (the league in rushing attempts) and also get a lot more runs than people think.
“We are going to throw the ball but not 40 or 50 times a game like Hal Mumme did. We will throw on a couple more third downs but I think we will run the ball a lot still and he is going to get plenty of chances to gain yards.”
Does quarterback Will Levis have to be great for Kentucky to be great this season?
“No, he doesn’t have to be great. I just want him to be efficient on third down,” White said. “Be accurate, get the first downs.
“He does not have to sling it around but the season could hinge on his arm. If he does not make the right reads the whole team could suffer. If he is efficient and gets 150 to 170 (passing) yards (per game), that will be enough.”
2 Responses
Well said
If Levis shines, and I believe he will, UK will be a different football team in 2021, and the wins will come. I say UK throws the football a lot. I say that because these coaches seem very confident now, and they have made Levis the man for several reasons. His quick release, his arm strength, and his poise and leadership qualities. Also, UK has some weapons now, at WR and from the slot. More talent than I can ever recall. As for C Rod, he will take no prisoners. He will just bull up and run over people on his way to the end zone with a bunch of bulldozers on his OL clearing the way, just watch. Coach Coen will give him the ball a lot, but the forward pass is in the cards for UK this year. The UK defense must get teams in punt formation a lot this year, and win the TO stat. I see UK competing very strongly in the SEC East. Time to see if I am right, beginning tomorrow. Hey, it’s still talking season right now. I have not been this excited since the days of Derrick Ramsey and Art Still.