Players’ coach: Mark Stoops discusses decision to name Kentucky starting QB in fall camp

We’ve seen many quarterback battles go right down to kickoff of Game 1. Kentucky head coach Mark Stoops, however, decided to do things differently.

Stoops recently named Will Levis as Kentucky’s starting quarterback for the 2021 season. One reason Stoops named his starter approximately three weeks from Game 1 was to give Joey Gatewood time to make a decision on transferring. It makes more sense for Gatewood to transfer now as opposed to September when classes when fall classes are underway at most schools.

Stoops discussed looking out for a departing player with BBN Tonight. Stoops noted that he has respect for Gatewood even though his time at UK didn’t work out the way he had hoped.

Players 👏 first 👏 coach 👏👏👏

Mark Stoops on Joey Gatewood’s decision to enter the transfer portal:

“Making the decision early, giving Joey an opportunity to transfer if that’s what he wants to do.. I’m all for that for him because I respect him” pic.twitter.com/cpNJ1G8I8D

— BBN Tonight (@BBNTonight) August 17, 2021

Andrew Olson

Andrew writes about sports to fund his love of live music and collection of concert posters. He strongly endorses the Hall of Fame campaigns of Fred Taylor and Andruw Jones.