Will Levis is a lot more comfortable leading UK than he was a year ago. (UK Athletics Photo)
At this time last year Will Levis was still a relative unknown even to his University of Kentucky teammates and coaches after transferring from Penn State.
The quarterback knew he had to tread lightly until he gained the trust of his teammates and coaches but this summer he’s clearly not only the leader of the team but the face of the program.
“Certainly I wanted to come in and be the starter and leader but when I got here I had not been named the starter even if that was my goal. I just tried to lead by example and by being vocal,” said Levis.
“Now I am a team captain and starter. I am more comfortable talking to guys directly because now I am the starter.”
Not only is he the starter but Levis is considered not only one of the best quarterbacks in the Southeastern Conference but in the country. He’s mentioned as a possible first-round pick in almost every 2023 NFL mock draft and has seen his name listed No. 1 in the draft after completing 233 of 353 passes for 2,827 yards and 24 scores. He also ran 107 times for 376 yards and nine touchdowns. He was fourth in the SEC in touchdowns and in the top 10 in nine other categories.
Former Kentucky quarterback Tim Couch, the No. 1 pick in the 1999 NFL draft, watched every UK game last season and was impressed with the progress Levis made.
“At first he was an inexperienced player with a lot of talent but in the last four or five games he played really good football,” Couch said. “That’s why his name is being mentioned in the first round. He’s got all the skills you want. He has a big arm and seems like a great leader.”
“He had not played a whole lot before he got to Kentucky. He went from an unknown guy to everyone knowing his name and being mentioned for SEC player of the year and even the No. 1 pick in the draft. For some guys that pressure could be overwhelming, but I think he will more than live up to all the expectations.”
