Meeting Will Levis

I’ve met most, if not all of Kentucky’s starting quarterbacks starting with Derrick Ramsey and stretching all the way to Terry Wilson. I hadn’t met Will Levis until Wednesday’s Media Day. I have to admit, I was a little nervous and my interview was somewhat random and goofier than I would have preferred. But, we got it done and now I have a better understanding of the Franchise. 

Will Levis is a focused, mature, and determined leader. Teammates’ descriptive words and facial expressions when discussing their quarterback painted a picture of universal admiration and respect for their quarterback. That told me all I needed to know. 

Will’s final five games of the 2021 season were phenomenal. His growth in pressure situations was obvious and demonstrated in the differences in the Cat’s two-minute efficiency in the Tennessee loss and the Iowa win. The senior QB’s performance against Louisville in the Governor’s Cup was legendary. He leaped over and ran through would-be tacklers and was precise through the air during UK’s dominant victory over their arch-rivals. The manner in which he embraces the rivalry is also refreshing and motivating to teammates and fans alike. He called his shot and delivered. 

Self-Scouting the Will Levis Interview

I wish I could re-film the segment after watching the interview. I choked. My uneasiness brought on silliness that I regret and would have preferred to have been more technical with my questions. However, I was overwhelmed with his level of competence and confidence. I can see why teammates and coaches are enamored by the leader. Will Levis is special. Defining that in typed words is difficult. 

I’ve seen first-hand the determined eyes of Kentucky quarterbacks throughout the years. You can tell a lot about folks by their eyes. I’m not sure any had the innate glare that I saw in Will Levis. In summary, Levis has the presence of Derrick Ramsey, guts of Bill Ransdell, calmness of Pookie Jones, coolness of Tim Couch, and the swagger of Jared Lorenzen.  Levis lives in different times that the aforementioned legends. Name, Image, and Likeness has given the QB1 a different life than his predecessors. I found that to not factor in his preparation or dedication to his teammates. I would have not been as mature as Will. 

How good can he be? Some say he’s a Top 10 NFL pick. That will be sorted out next April. What I can report after meeting him is that he’s the undeniable leader of a confident football team with a legitimate goal of reaching Atlanta. Levis has a chance to play the quarterback position at a level that has rarely been seen in Lexington. I’m not saying he’s going to be the best ever. Determining that label is incredibly subjective. What I am trying to say is that he has a chance to potentially play the position at a higher level than anyone in recent memory. Offensive coordinator Rich Scangarello and head coach Mark Stoops are awfully high on their guy. So am I. 

Matt Jones asked Kash Daniel and I where Levis ranked on Stoops’ list of quarterbacks after the second game of the 2021 season on a pregame show. We both listed him behind Terry Wilson. I made that determination based on Levis’ limited body of work and the fact that Wilson won a bunch of games and broke streaks. That order has changed. I don’t think that high expectations will influence Levis’ play on the field. His confidence and demeanor are above that. There are areas in which the quarterback must show improvement. His jump from a first year starter to second year future pro could be magnificent. I’m glad I finally got to meet him. I’m a huge fan. 

Football State.