Mark Stoops knows UK fans will appreciate Will Levis whether he plays in bowl game or not

levis-chris-oates

Quarterback Will Levis, shown with Chris Oats after UK's win over Louisville, apparently still has not decided if he will play in UK's bowl game. (Vicky Graff Photo)

It certainly was no surprise when Will Levis confirmed he’s going to put his name into the NFL Draft instead of returning to Kentucky for the 2023 season. That’s what you should do when you are projected as a first-round draft pick.

But Levis continues to be very careful not to say whether he will or will not play in a bowl game. My guess is he waits until he sees what bowl game Kentucky is placed in Sunday and who the opponent is before he makes his decision.

Many think he should opt out of the bowl game after going through an injury-filled season. But if Levis had no thoughts of playing, I think he would have already said that.

“He and I had another great talk today and it was really good to see. I saw him yesterday as well, he had a bunch of family in town, they were up in the building and I got a chance to see his parents and his grandparents, just spent some time together. Then today, he and I had a talk and we’ll keep that between us for right now,” Kentucky coach Mark Stoops said on his radio show Monday night.

“I don’t think he’s — he’s just mentally and physically exhausted and beat up right now. He needs a little bit of time to heal and think about what he needs to do.”

Kentucky has a culture of players playing in bowl games when it might have made more sense for them not to play and risk injury before the draft.

“I told him (Levis) the same thing I told Josh Allen back in the day. In the same way, his legacy is set. I’m quite sure everybody who’s listening to this is appreciative of what he’s done and how hard he’s played, what he’s done for us,” Stoops said.

“If that was his last game (against Louisville), then none of us will think any differently because he is a tough human being, a tough guy, laid it on the line for his team.

“And I’m not saying he’s not, but either way. I love him and appreciate him, so we’ll see where it goes. He definitely needs a little time right now to see how his body reacts.”

2 Responses

  1. Levis left it all on the field when he played.

    I hope he plays in the bowl, but fully understand why he wouldn’t.

    Thanks for your contributions to the UK football program

  2. If I know Levis, he plays. But if he don’t I can’t see UK getting to 8 wins. Hey it’s a free country, I wish him well.

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