Former UK quarterback Dusty Bonner believes Beau Allen has the skills to play in the NFL. (Vicky Graff Photo)
Former Kentucky quarterback Dusty Bonner understands how fragile playing time can be for a major college quarterback.
He was Tim Couch’s backup at UK in 2008 when the Cats won seven games and went to the Outback Bowl. In 2009, he led UK to a Music City Bowl bid but in the offseason coach Hal Mumme decided to elevate Jared Lorenzen in front of Bonner. That led Bonner to transfer to Division II Valdosta State where he won the Harlon Hill Trophy given to Division II’s top player back to back years when he threw for over 8,000 yards and 100 touchdowns.
So it was no surprise on The Leach Report on WLAP Sunday Morning Sports that Allen said he totally understood the recent transfer of UK quarterback Beau Allen to Tarleton State where he quickly won the starting quarterback job. Allen not only was behind Will Levis at Kentucky but it seemed the No. 2 quarterback this season was going to be either Kaiya Sheron or Deuce Hogan.
“I don’t know all the details but at the end of the day I can’t blame a guy. In my opinion, he made the right decision for himself,” Bonner said. “He needs to play and has the opportunity to be a really good player. He has the skill set to play at the next level but he’s got to play. He had a lot of reasons to stay here but I really think he made the right decision.”
Bonner watched Allen play often during his record-setting years at Lexington Catholic. That’s why he believes Allen has NFL-type skills that he needs a chance to play and expand.
“If something happens to Levis, the next man up has to play,” Bonner said. “I think this offense has the pieces that even if you had to stick somebody in there, they can still thrive. In this offense, there are ways to help the quarterback out. It’s just part of football and how it works, so Beau had to do what was best for him knowing the team will be just fine.”
3 Responses
I have oft said that Stoops does not develop QB’s. He grabs already developed QB’s from the portal. History has shown this. If you want to play for KY at the QB position start out at a school that has proven to be a developmental program, ie good QB coaching. When you have developed really great tapes, knock on Stoops door. Chances are he will need you.
Playing Devil’s advocate to what Bonner says it would seem to me that learning the QB position from a guy (Scangarello) that has NFL credentials va from an asst coach at an FCS school that just moved up from Div II doesn’t make sense. Now if he just wants to play football then it’s a good move. Big fish in a small pond but if he has pro aspirations it does t make sense to me.
It made sense for Levis. Will Levis came from Penn State who has a history in college football that goes back to the beginning of the sport. Kentucky is a new start, so to speak, in college football. Similar situation.