Will Levis came to UK when he was “desperately needed” according to coach Mark Stoops. (Vicky Graff Photo)
Even now it is still hard for Kentucky coach Mark Stoops to describe exactly what quarterback Will Levis has meant to his program.
“He came at a time we desperately needed him,” Stoops said about his two-year starter and former Penn State transfer. “He helped attract some wide receivers and skilled players.
“We wanted to adapt and get better at getting the ball down the field and building on our play-action game.”
Kentucky won 10 games, including the Citrus Bowl, last season with Levis at quarterback and is 7-5 this year — Levis missed one game, a loss, with an injury. He is expected to be a first-round NFL draft choice and is contemplating whether to play in the Music City Bowl against Iowa Dec. 31.
Stoops did not want him to rush to make a decision after UK ended the regular season beating Louisville.
“The biggest thing was physically had some things to work through,” Stoops said Monday. “Wanted to see how his body responded, how he felt with treatment and see where he’s at injury-wise. So, we’ll get together I would imagine real soon here and he’ll let me know. I’m sure not long after that, you all will know.”
Levis was named a captain the last two years and Stoops says that showed the type leader he is.
“Having command of this team in short order is not easy,” Stoops said. “He did it in a way that was so respectful. He does not try to overpower you with words. It’s more about how he works and how authentic he is. You can see it and have to be blind if you don’t. He is very unselfish.
“We absolutely appreciate everything he has done. If he doesn’t play (in the bowl game), he has injuries. He has things he needs to get in order.”
Stoops said if Levis does opt not to play in the bowl game it won’t be because he’s taking to train for the NFL draft and abandoning his team.
“He will be right there with us coaching. He wants to be with his team,” Stoops said.
If Levis doesn’t play, UK will turn to either Kaiya Sheron, Deuce Hogan or Destin Wade in the bowl game. Sheron started against South Carolina when UK lost to the Gamecocks when Levis did not play.
“I am very confident in the quarterbacks we have. I am excited to see them in our bowl prep,” Stoops said. “I hope Will plays but if he doesn’t it opens the opportunity for others.”
2 Responses
This is likely going to be a game that will be a challenge to watch. That’s coach speak for a defensive battle. With or without Levis, our offense is suspect due to O line play. There is CRod but Iowa defense is tough. It will take some throwing to beat them. Iowa offensively is less thrilling than the Cats so, look for a very low scoring affair. I’m picking the Cats by 7 if Levis does not play. That’s not a 7 point spread. That’s 7 total points scored. If He does play, maybe 17 – 3 Cats.
I hope Will plays. Regardless, I’ll respect his decision…