Mark Stoops hopes to utilize 4-star freshman Destin Wade

Four-star freshman Destin Wade came to Kentucky as a versatile offensive talent capable of playing multiple positions. He’s listed, though, as a quarterback, working with fellow pass-throwers Will Levis, Kaiya Sheron and Deuce Hogan.

It comes after Wade was named Mr. Football in Tennessee’s 6A class, the largest classification of high school football in the Volunteer state. A consensus four-star prospect and top-20 ATH in his class after rushing for 2,308 yards and 30 touchdowns while throwing for 1,436 yards and 18 touchdowns as a senior, he chose the Wildcats over Tennessee, Louisville and Virginia.

With Kentucky shorthanded at quarterback with Levis dealing with a foot injury, head coach Mark Stoops considered using the versatile weapon this past weekend against South Carolina. Following the fumble that led to seven quick points for the Gamecocks to open the game, among other self-inflicted mistakes in the 24-14 loss, an opportunity for Wade never presented itself.

“We didn’t get to that point, obviously, with the way the game played out,” Stoops said Monday. “We would love to get Destin in there a few plays and a package and see but the game didn’t play out that way. We’ll see where it goes in the future.”

Wade was brought in as a potential early contributor, no matter how he was utilized. Dual-threat quarterback, running back, whatever, the talent is there and Kentucky likes the way he has progressed since arriving on campus this past offseason.

His moment just hasn’t arrived quite yet.

“We’re impressed with the way he’s developing. We really are,” Stoops said. “We feel like he’s made a lot of improvements since he’s been here.”

It’s not the first time the Wade twin — his brother, Keaten, has recorded 13 tackles as a freshman for the Wildcats — has received praise. He made a strong early impression on offensive coordinator Rich Scangarello this summer.

“I would say based on what I evaluated him he probably throws the ball a little bit better than I expected,” Scangarello said in August. “Which is a promising sign. We know he’s a good athlete, we know he’s a leader, we know he’s competitive.”

At the time, Scangarello acknowledged he wouldn’t be needed at quarterback right away, especially with Levis being the clear-cut starter. He’d be brought along at his own pace with high expectations for the future.

“Fortunately for him, we’re in no rush to play him,” Scangarello said. “I think it’s hard — in this offense for sure — to play a true freshman that hasn’t been here in the spring. He’s got a role to play. He’s going to be huge on the scout team for us this year.

“… So far, I’ve been impressed with him as a person and a player.”

It didn’t happen, but Wade nearly got his first game action against the Gamecocks. Could that change this weekend against Mississippi State? It depends on Levis’ availability.

When asked about the possibility of a two-QB rotation — likely Sheron and Wade — Stoops said on his call-in radio show Monday evening that he hopes we won’t have to find out. Levis returned to practice today and the hope is he can give it a go.

“We have a great one in Will Levis,” Stoops said. “If Will is healthy, he will be on the field.”