Tim Couch on Cutter Boley: "He's got all the potential in the world."

The stats look good on paper for Kentucky pledge Cutter Boley, who threw for 3,901 passing yards and 36 touchdowns with a 63.5% completion rate as a junior in 2022. He led the state in passing while also leading the charge for Lexington Christian Academy on a run to the state semifinals.

And he did it all on a hurt ankle, one that affected his play throughout the season — and contributed to the 15 interceptions he tossed in 13 games.

Former Wildcat superstar Tim Couch saw every snap, now playing the role of Dad as his son, Chase Couch, is a defensive standout for LCA. And he knows elite quarterback play when he sees it, throwing for 12,104 yards, 133 touchdowns and 872 completions — all Kentucky high school state records — at Leslie County back in the day. You guys know the rest of the story: No. 1 overall recruit, No. 1 pick in the 1999 NFL Draft after throwing for 8,159 passing yards and 73 touchdowns his sophomore and junior seasons in Lexington.

So what does he think about Boley, who announced his commitment to Kentucky back on May 18? He’s a fan — a big one.

“I’m excited about Cutter,” Couch said on Wednesday’s edition of KSR. “I saw every snap that he took last year, he had some injuries. He missed a couple of games and had a lingering ankle issue throughout the season. But I think he still led the state in passing last year.

“He’s got everything you look for — his size, he’s got the arm strength, he’s athletic, he can run, you know? He’s got what you’re looking for in a QB. He passes the eye test.”

Boley is ranked No. 75 overall and No. 7 at his position in 2024, according to On3. Standing 6-5, 200 pounds, he draws comparisons to Los Angeles Chargers star Justin Herbert — all of the physical tools you look for in a blue-chip quarterback.

But beyond that, Couch says Boley’s work ethic is what separates him from other top gunslingers in his class.

(And yeah, probably the ridiculous arm talent, too.)

“Cutter is more laid back, just old school as far as his work ethic goes,” Couch said. “He puts in a lot of time, he’s got a quarterback coach in the offseason that he works with. A lot of these guys do nowadays. But he’s fundamentally sound, big arm, makes all the throws.”

He also boasts a high football IQ, advanced for what Couch typically sees at this level. Boley doesn’t throw to open receivers, he throws receivers open. That’s going to translate to the next level at Kentucky.

“He makes some throws you just don’t see at the high school level very often,” Couch told KSR. “I’m talking about those deep comebacks on the sideline, those seam route throws between the linebacker and the safety. He can really fit it into some tight spaces. With his arm strength, he anticipates throws really well, which I like to see — especially at that age.

“A lot of times in high school, quarterbacks will want to see the guy come open and then throw it to him. As you get to college, the windows close and you’ve got to throw it before, anticipate him coming open. Cutter is really good at doing that already.”

Boley still has one year to go in high school before enrolling at Kentucky and competing for the starting job down the road. He’s not a finished product, obviously. But considering where he is now and the flashes he’s shown of what he can be, the sky is the limit.

“He’s obviously got a ways to go, but he’s further along than most high school quarterbacks in that area,” Couch said. “He’s got all the potential in the world.”

His son, Chase Couch, “loves Kentucky”

Boley isn’t a one-man show at LCA, either. The former Wildcat’s son, Chase, can play, too, earning a scholarship offer from Kentucky back in January.

How is the standout defensive end’s recruitment going? Things are starting to ramp up, highlighted by new offers and interest in recent months. And yes, the hometown Wildcats are still right there in the thick of things.

“He’s going into his senior year, he will hopefully have a big year this year,” Couch said. “He got a few new offers over the summer, Marshall has come in and is recruiting him very heavily. That’s a really good school, he likes that program. It’s close to home, which I like. And obviously, he loves Kentucky. Kentucky is still on the board. He’s got some Ivy League offers.”

Chase Couch is taking care of business both in the classroom and weight room, something that obviously makes Dad proud. He’s gearing up for a big fall on the football field before figuring out what’s next in his journey as a student-athlete.

“It’s great, man. I’m so proud of him,” Couch said. “He’s a 4.0 student, has never given me any trouble, never any issues. He is just a great kid and he works hard. He’s really bulked up, playing at 245, 250 right now. And he’s taller than me at 6’5.5″ as a defensive end.”