Training For Potential NFL Career Was Not Easy For Liam Coen

Liam Coen didn't have a “quarterback physique” when he trained for the NFL draft with Steve Saunders, the father of UK quarterback commit Stone Saunders. (Vicky Graff Photo)

Steve Saunders has trained a lot of athletes, including when he was director of performance for the Baltimore Ravens. But he also trained a lot of college athletes and tried to help current UK offensive coordinator Liam Coen prepare for an NFL career after his playing career at quarterback ended at UMass.

“He got hooked up with me through his agent,” Saunders said. “Coming out of college he did not have the best physique for a quarterback. Liam will tell you he got in the best shape of his life training with me. There are probably still piles of vomit from me training him because I really worked him hard.

“I told Liam that he was there for combine training and was only allowed to eat meat and greens. He was training two or three times a day. He was a happy, go-lucky guy and even when he was getting beat up working in the weight room he had that same demeanor.”

The two reconnected when Coen was coaching with the Los Angeles Rams and Saunders was with the Ravens.

“Liam is smart. He works hard. I love how he teaches the system he is using at Kentucky.” Saunders said.

That’s partially why Saunders’ son, Stone, verbally committed to UK before the season started. He’s a four-star junior quarterback in Pennsylvania.

“We tried not to make this whole process happen too quickly because he still has two years left (in high school),” Steve Saunders said.  “I trust Liam with my son. This is a crazy business. As a parent, all you can do is try to put your kids in a good situation and then they have got to put in the work and hope they are around good coaches and good people.

“Stone chose a great situation and we are thrilled about it.”