Mark Stoops reveals what will make Will Levis successful in NFL

During the SEC Football Media Days, the Kentucky Wildcats‘ head coach Mark Stoops provided his thoughts on how last season’s shortcomings impacted the previous year’s starting quarterback Will Levis in the NFL Draft; taking exception to those who slighted his former signal caller. But he also took some time to discuss some of Levis’ positives. According to Stoops, the Tennessee Titans top pick of the second round has all the intangibles to be great at the next level.

“The first thing that he has… really, it’s the work ethic that he has. I can promise you, from what I’ve seen, that he’s going to work,” said Stoops. “And I know how hard it is to be successful at that position in the NFL. I also think it’s very important to have the right system and the right people around to help that quarterback be successful. But I know he will work extremely hard; he’ll be relentless.

“It’s not about being a starter. It’s not about money; it’s about winning and performing for his players. And I think that’s the biggest thing with him is that he is ultra-competitive.”

Levis didn’t get to show off all of what he could do last season after he missed two games with an injury. Even more so, struggles with the Wildcats’ running game contributed to their shortcomings last season. Still, Levis was able to hear his name called early in the NFL Draft; although it was not as early as initially projected.

Stoops details ‘ah-ha moments’ from Devin Leary during spring

Stoops eventually turned his attention from the past to the future of Wildcats football in former NC State quarterback Devin Leary. The new Kentucky signal-caller has impressed both his teammates and the coaches in the offseason, quickly picking up the playbook and calls for the offense. But was there a moment for Stoops when he knew Leary was the right man for the job?

According to the Wildcats headman, he did have an ‘ah-ha moment’ and revealed what it was at the SEC Football Media Days.

“I think there was obviously some ah-ha moments, like with just ball placement and the way he throws it; and (he’s) just a good football player. And that’s going to happen whether it’s the quarterback or any other position. You’re going to have some moments if they’re very talented and very good players. They’re going to have some flash plays. But I like his approach. I love the way he handles himself (and) the command that he has,” said Stoops.