Quarterback Will Levis took a lot of hits during the season and played with at least an injured foot and shoulder. (Vicky Graff Photo)
With Levis opting out of the Music City Bowl, Kaiya Sheron probably will get the start at quarterback in the bowl game and true freshman Destine Wade likely might get a chance to play for the first time this season at quarterback, too.
In his latest NFL mock Draft, CBS Sports NFL Draft writer Chris Trapasso is projecting that Levis will be the sixth pick overall by the Carolina Panthers. Levis played hurt most — or maybe all — of last season and speculation had been he would opt out to avoid risking any more injuries.
When Kentucky went to the Citrus Bowl after the 2018 season, defensive player of the year Josh Allen did play in the bowl victory for UK. He was later picked No. 7 in the draft by Jacksonville.
Benny Snell, Lynn Bowden and Wan’Dale Robinson — along with others — have not opted out of bowl games at Kentucky. However, Levis has made the decision he feels is best for him.
Some UK fans on social media understood why Levis made this decision. Others did not.
“Fans that pay for tickets to support the program deserve better. In no situation do I support players quitting on their team. Why play if you aren’t going to be committed? I can still wish him well in his future endeavors and also criticize him for quitting at the same time,” Mike Bear Rogers tweeted.
“He can opt out and I can opt out of buying a ticket to this bowl game,” Chris Harvey posted on Twitter.
“Then why not sit out the Louisville game… I don’t get this kind of thinking. He is a QUITTER. Not the kind of player I want to be in a foxhole with,” @denman19641 tweeted.
“We as fans can also have a negative opinion of his decision. Lynn Bowden showed up in Charlotte. I guess others are not of the same ilk as him,” Roger Whited tweeted.
Other Kentucky fans supported/understood Levis’ decision.
“It boggles my mind that people are legitimately finding fault with his decision,” Logan Harris posted.
“Tough decision. He is a team guy but he’s also not 100%. If it was a tremendously important bowl game I’m sure he would give it a go. This bowl is not,” Keith Peel tweeted.
“Yeah, poor guy’s been banged up all year. I have faith he will advertise the @UKFootball program at every opportunity. We did give him a stage, but he did us proud,” @saltrivereng tweeted.
“That guy gave his heart, soul and body to us. He owes us nothing,” Libby Fisher tweeted.
“If UK was still in the hunt for a top 10-12 spot I’m sure things would be different, but he has nothing to gain , he is the most sacked QB in football , his OC was fired , his O line hasn’t improved since Spring Practice. He is still not 100%. No way he should chance it,” Shawn Coy posted.
“I understand completely and wish him nothing but the best,” James North posted.
“Just the new reality in college sports!” Jack Watson posed.
10 Responses
I texted a friend on November 5 during the Missouri game. UK was trailing at the time in the 2nd half, and Levis had taken an absolute beating. My exact text: " If UK happens to win one more game and get to a bowl… if I am Will Levis, I’m not 100% sure I would play in it, just to get severely hurt." Folks, I don’t blame him one bit. If we had gotten to a bowl in Florida against Notre Dame, I believe he would have played. This game is virtually meaningless for this season. The best we can do is use this game to prepare for next season. Give the other guys a shot.
I 100% agree with you Andrew. If Levis wasn’t already beat up, it would be different. It’s not like the Cats are going for another ten wins. Fans are such narcissists now days.
Let’s look at this way – he’s done as much for UKFB as anyone since Babe Parreli.
AND HIS SALARY FOR THE NEXT 3 YEARS IS SLOTTED AS TO WHERE HE IS DRAFTED.
I sort of wanted him to play, but It’s a free country. Levis gave UK all he had when it meant the most. This season was, IMO, run aground with the Ole Miss loss. After that game UK looked like a different team. Levis was injured in that game also and never really100% afterwards. Now I also recall that,Allen, Bowden, and Snell etc. all played in bowl games with NFL in their futures.
There is simply to much money on the line, I guess, for Levis too risk an injury in a game that really means very little for him or his legacy. So, we will see what UK’s backup QB’s can do. We didn’t see much of them when this staff played Levis injured all year. That in itself could have been devastating for Levis with all the hits and sacks he endured this year. UK, I hope, will use their reserve QB’s more in the future, if the score permits, to prepare them for potential game time emergencies, and personal development. This year, UK simply could not score enough points to allow such substitutions is my guess. These coaches see these young men every day, we don’t, and Stoops just said recently that there are capable QB’s already on campus. So…. trot them out Coach, and let us see what they can do against a good Iowa team. I look for a huge defensive struggle in Nashville. I also hope UK puts the ball in the air, a lot, to test the Iowa secondary in a balanced attack.
I agree with all the comments currently. He gave us 42 opportunities for his career to end(sacks). He has done what we send our kids to college to do. Set themselves up for a better future. Now it is time for him to harvest the fruits of his labor. I am always amazed when players are criticized for going pro or protecting their draft status. When you look at the O line issues and the sacks (which could have repercussions for the rest of his life not just his NFL career) he is making the only sane decision. IMHO
Thanks for the memories Will. I will always remember the L’s down in last years Louisville game(priceless). That is one of my all time favorite UK FB memories! ! You will be missed! !
I for one respect his decision also, some people just don’t looked at the positive things he did for UK football. Best of luck Will be looking forward watching you on Sundays next year
No one should ever get mad at players who gives their all for the team and university. I think it is better to play for next year, when possible. You have to give every player their opportunity but playing severely hurt is not enjoyable. Sports are supposed to be fun and entertaining. I plan to enjoy the bowl no matter what and see what is needed for next year.
When it’s all about the money — and opting out is all about at least the chance to get some money — then "It Just Means Less," at least to me as a fan. Not judging; might do the same thing in their place. Just saying it diminishes my own fan experience and zeal to be involved with the "team."
Levis made the right decision. This is not a major bowl game. Whether we finish 8-5 or 7-6 won’t affect the future of our program. What will impact it greatly is waiting too long to name a new OC. The transfer portal is active and coaches are aggressively pursuing the top targets. We need a quarterback, a running back, at least one receiver, a couple of O linemen if not more, and that’s just on the offense. Anyone who takes the OC job at KY will want to have a say in recruiting the top level transferees instead of having to settle for the leftovers. Stoops should fill this spot before the Music City bowl if not sooner, but I don’t see it happening until late January. Go figure…coaching not to lose versus coaching to win.
This is a time when the coaches wish they had given the backups more playing time. Such is the history of coach Stoops.. That said, we have the majority of the team playing and all the defense. it will be a good "armature" football game. It’s what college sports is all about right!