Will Levis discusses perception of toughness as a quarterback

Kentucky is now a top-10 team nationally, checking in at No. 9 in the nation in this week’s AP Top 25 following a road win at then-No. 12 Florida. Though it was a complete team effort by the Wildcats, quarterback Will Levis‘ toughness continued to stand out against the Gators.

Teams have game-planned the Wildcats a bit differently so far this year, doing a better job neutralizing the threat Levis can be with his legs.

The senior quarterback is coming off a 2021 campaign where the totaled 387 yards and nine touchdowns on the ground.

Most opponents so far haven’t made the mistake of letting him get loose on the run, keeping a close eye, in particular, on the third-and-medium type situations where Levis has been quick to take off and risk his body to extend to the first-down marker.

So where does Will Levis’ toughness come from, exactly?

“I guess it’s just an innate ability,” Levis said. “I think it’s a combination of how I’ve been able to build myself physically to kind of take those hits, but then also just the mentality. Even if it’s the most bone-crushing, most uncomfortable hit I’m going to do my best to not show that to my teammates to make sure I stand as that individual that they can look to and have faith in.”

Wildcats emulating Will Levis’ toughness as a team

Coach Mark Stoops‘ teams at Kentucky have always had a bit of an edge to them, especially on defense. They’re well-coached, relatively disciplined and they don’t allow you to get many cheap yards or conversions.

Offense has been another story.

Kentucky’s average national ranking in total offense under Stoops prior to Levis’ arrival (2013-2020) was a dismal 92nd. Last year, the ‘Cats had their best ranking under Stoops’ leadership, checking in at No. 50 nationally at 424.1 yards per contest in Levis’ first year as the starter.

The Wildcats haven’t gotten off to an elite start offensively by any means in 2022 — though playing a ranked Florida team on the road in a sample size of just two makes it tough to judge too much for now — but Levis’ leadership and toughness have been apparent all the same.

He’ll get a chance to will the Wildcats to a 4-0 record with very winnable games against Youngstown State and Northern Illinois up next on the docket before a road trip to Ole Miss kicks off the month of October.

Don’t expect him to back down from many collisions. Even if it leaves him a big blue and black mess.

“I like that as part of my personality and how I play the game,” Levis said.