WATCH: Mark Stoops, Will Levis, Jay Boulware Speak after UK Bowl Practice

Mark Stoops celebrated graduation day at the University of Kentucky by bringing his team out to the Joe Craft Football Training Facility for the Wildcats’ first Music City Bowl practice.

Kentucky’s head coach confirmed Kiyaunta Goodwin‘s departure, then hit all the usual talking points. Stoops refused to name a starting quarterback (“they’ve all had their moments”) or specifically say who will be the play-caller in the bowl game (“by committee”).

We did get a little more once Will Levis stood behind the podium. Even though he will not play in the bowl game, he is a part of the preparation process, as well as Kentucky’s efforts in the transfer portal. He acknowledged that it may be awkward or unsettling for the guys on campus, but he had some poignant advice to share as fans fawn for the next gunslinger to transfer to Kentucky.

“At the end of the day, you just gotta focus on yourself, and that’s what I told them. Just go out there and do your best,” Levis said.

“This is a huge opportunity for them, all three of those quarterbacks. There’s a fair chance that each of them may be able to get reps in this game and I don’t think there’s a set kind of idea of what we’re going to be doing, which is exciting for them. It’s pretty much a competition and all that can be nerve-wracking or tough for them, but it’s just an opportunity for them to go out there, compete and show leader they are. I’m happy they get to have this opportunity.”

Following Levis’ conversation, new running backs and special teams coach Jay Boulware was introduced to the media. From the Pittsburgh Steelers to his time with Bob Stoops and every where in-between, he discussed his career at length and explained why coming to Kentucky was a “no-brainer.”

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