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Kentucky Wildcats

Liam Coen talks Kentucky QB competition following start of spring practice, what Will Levis brings to the team

Michael Wayne Bratton

By Michael Wayne Bratton

Published:

Liam Coen was hired by Mark Stoops to serve as Kentucky’s offensive coordinator for two reasons.

Coen was primarily brought in to modernize the offense in Lexington but the success or failure of his system is likely going to rely upon the coach’s ability to identify and develop the quarterbacks he has to work with at Kentucky.

It didn’t take very long for Coen to be asked about the quarterback competition in Lexington as the team’s offensive coordinator was asked to provide an update following Day 1 of spring practice.

One factor that complicates the competition, one of the contenders (Penn State graduate transfer Will Levis) isn’t on campus for spring football.

“Yeah, it’s tough to say because Will Levis is still got to come into the program at some point here,” Coen answered. “When he gets in, I think that’s when we’ll truly have an evaluation and a competition, once he gets in here. But it’s more so, like you said, I have got to believe as we go through spring practice, we’ll have an idea of somewhat of where we are at – in terms of one, two, three, four, five and who Will will be competing with ultimately for the job.

“I think that’s something we will have an idea of after spring practice for sure. I gotta believe that’s something we will be able to identify towards the end of spring practice and the guys will know. That’s the thing about this game, their tape is their resume. These kids are going to know by watching the film where we are at and what we need to do to get better and put themselves in a position to compete for the job.”

What does Levis potentially bring to the QB room in Lexington that makes Coen so eager to see him in a Wildcat uniform?

Based on the offensive coordinator’s comments, the Penn State transfer may be the best combination of throwing and running ability on the roster in Lexington.

“I knew Will a little bit when I recruited him prior; when he was coming out of high school out of Xavier High School in Connecticut,” Coen shared. “Just knowing his body type, he’s a big, strong kid that can really throw the football. It’s one of those things that he can throw the football, and the one thing he can also do is run. He’s had some ability to run the football at Penn State.

“It’s more so for him, just putting it all together and becoming that true dynamic quarterback in all three phases for him, operationally and throwing it. I think he’s going to come in and give it a go.”

Sounds like the QB race is about where you would expect it to be after just one day in Coen’s new offense.

Michael Wayne Bratton

A graduate of the University of Tennessee, Michael Wayne Bratton oversees the news coverage for Saturday Down South. Michael previously worked for FOX Sports and NFL.com

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