Mark Stoops: 'Will's still going to be Will and we want him to be that'

Will Levis is the focal point of Kentucky’s program. The NFL QB prospect has continued to grow his game since transferring to Lexington and has become a beloved player for the Wildcats. While his play style is easy to appreciate for a quarterback, though, it can put him in harm’s way at times. Even so, Mark Stoops knows Levis is going to do what he does no matter what.

Stoops spoke about Levis’ style at his press conference after Kentucky’s practice Thursday. He said no matter what Levis has learned over his first year of starting, he’s still going to play the only way he knows how.

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“Will’s gonna do what he has to do. At some point, he’s trained really hard and he’s a more experienced player than he was a year ago. But Will’s still gonna be Will,” said Stoops. “We want him to be that. I want him to be who he is.”

Levis’ arm is top-tier when it comes to his skill set. He opened his season with 303 yards, the fourth most of his career, and three touchdowns. Still, it’s his willingness to give his body up in the run game that isn’t often common for quarterbacks.

There were some plays against Miami (OH) where Levis was still giving his body up. While Stoops wants to see his star player take care of his body, he knows Levis is going to do whatever he wants if it means Kentucky will win games.

“Obviously, I want him to protect himself and minimize the risk as much as he can. But he’s going to go play ball and do what he has to do to win games,” said Stoops.

Mark Stoops has benefitted from Levis’ rushing ability more times than once. However, the Wildcats can’t afford to lose him this year. It’s a risk vs. reward decision that Kentucky will keep its eyes on throughout the season. Either way, though, Levis is going to keep being Levis and the Wildcats will just have to cross their fingers that it continues to benefit them rather than cost them.