Mark Stoops defends Will Levis ahead of NFL Draft, says ‘he has nothing to hide’
By Keith Farner
Published:
Mark Stoops took an opportunity to defend Will Levis this week as the Kentucky quarterback is getting set for the NFL Draft and will workout at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis.
In an interview with Heather Dinich of ESPN, Stoops said Levis is “capable of being a franchise quarterback,” and added, “let this pre-draft competition take place. I’m glad he’s throwing because he has nothing to hide.”
Levis is expected to be a top-5 quarterback selection in the NFL Draft, and is known for his arm strength and frame, which sets him apart from other elite QBs in this class. Levis will join Ohio State’s C.J. Stroud and Florida’s Anthony Richardson as top prospects at the position to throw, while Alabama’s Bryce Young is expected to wait until Alabama’s Pro Day.
Levis was Kentucky’s starter the last 2 seasons after he transferred from Penn State. He completed 65% of his passes for 2,406 yards, 19 touchdowns and 10 interceptions in 11 starts for the Wildcats in 2022.
Why Levis is a lightning rod talking point
Levis will probably forever be remembered as this pick-your-poison draft prospect. Critics recall that he couldn’t beat out Sean Clifford at Penn State before he transferred. And then last season, he had prolonged struggles for a Kentucky team that had a tough season and battled to a 7-6 record.
One point that keeps coming to mind, though, is how NFL types, be it scouts, general managers or even reporters, dismiss, or outright ignore, the college game. Unlike college football fans and media, they don’t pay attention to the SEC East race, or how Mark Stoops has built a firm foundation for that program. The NFL looks at Levis in an isolated manner, almost with tunnel vision, outside of his measurables and arm strength and, most of all, potential. For them, their jobs come down to risk management.
Levis was listed at 6-foot-3 and 232 pounds at UK, and it’s a much easier sell to ownership and fans to have a prospect who can withstand the strength and force of defensive linemen, than one who is potentially injury-prone. Depending on the division, the weather and the supporting cast, Levis has a better than average chance to reach his potential.
To glimpse at his NFL.com draft profile, Levis is described this way: “Levis’ talent is well worth an investment, but could require a talented quarterback coach and a patient plan to tighten up his mechanics, rebuild his confidence and explore an offensive scheme that best suits him.”
Virtually every NFL QB coach and offensive coordinator believes they can develop a young prospect. Look for Levis to go early, and get ready for the next phase of his career, with plenty of critical eyes.
A former newspaper veteran, Keith Farner is a news manager for Saturday Down South.
