Will Levis has taken a lot of hits this season and offensive coordinator Rich Scangarello wants him to change that. (Vicky Graff Photo)
Offensive coordinator Rich Scangarello knows he has a special talent with quarterback Will Levis.
However, he also knows he’s got room to improve and the former NFL assistant coach also had a warning for the star quarterback after Tuesday’s practice.
“He’s gotten a little loose with his footwork, led to some high balls. And protecting his body. He’s such a competitive guy. He wants to play every play like it’s his last, which I love — unless it’s your quarterback,” Scangarello said.
Remember before the season when Levis said he was going to protect his body more and not take unnecessary hits. That sounded good but it is not Levis.
Add in Kentucky’s inconsistent offensive line play at times this season and Levis has got hit a lot, something Scangarello and coach Mark Stoops do not like seeing.
“If he can protect himself on three-four plays a game where he’s exposing himself… Do that over a 15-year career and add up the hits,” Scangarello said.
“It’ll change your life. That’s what I want from him — protect yourself and be a little smarter in that area. The guy’s pretty dang good.”
Yes he is and that’s why Kentucky needs him healthy. If the Cats want to win nine or more games again, they need Levis doing what he does best at quarterback and not watching the game from the sideline while either Kaiya Sheron or Deuce Hogan try to beat a Southeastern Conference opponent.
Scangarello knows the Kentucky offense has to be better and more consistent when UK resumes SEC play at Ole Miss Oct. 1 after hosting Northern Illinois Saturday night.
“If you don’t have mental [lapses] and you take care of the ball, you’re going to win most of the time. In the end, that’s what I pride myself in being part of,” Scangarello said. “That’s what I expect as our standard of play. That’s what Coach (Mark Stoops) expects and that’s how you win a championship.”
“I have to do a better job — we all have to do a better job coaching — and we have to do a better job executing the plan.”
