2023 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Will Levis, QB, Kentucky

Will Levis Kentucky Banana — Kentucky quarterback Will Levis is a big kid and is on the rise as of late in most NFL draft sites rankings, but this is interesting.

The journey traveled by Kentucky Wildcat star quarterback Will Levis was not an easy one. Being a part of one of the top recruiting classes in the nation when he committed to Coach James Franklin and the Penn State Nittany Lions. That year Penn State was ranked sixth by 247 sports, fifth by Rivals, and fourth by ESPN in 2018. That year the Nittany Lions had six prospects that were top five at their position and three were top three. One of those prospects was now Dallas Cowboy star Micah Parsons.

That class now has six current NFL players with three First round selections, Levis looks to be the fourth out of that class. After a breakout season in which he threw for 2,826 yards 24 touchdowns with 13 interceptions and rushed for 376 yards and nine touchdowns. He showed the talent that i saw when I watched his film coming out of high school as the second ranked prospect in Connecticut. The number one prospect in Connecticut that year was former Alabama Crimson Tide and current Philadelphia Eagle cornerback Josh Jobe. Levis also completed 66% of his passes and was 18th in the nation with a 76.8 QBR. Draft boards have him as a top ten prospect in 2023.

The master class Penn State was recruiting attempted to add arguably the most talented offensive talent in the recruiting class Justin Fields. It was always a tug of war between Fields and Trevor Lawrence. Fields chose Georgia that year before eventually transferring to Ohio State the following year and being drafted by the Chicago Bears in the first round. Now, Levis who was the 652nd ranked recruit in 2018 and the three-star recruit Penn State got instead of Fields turned into a star in Kentucky and is now being considered as one of the top prospects in a deep talented quarterback class. Levis is one of the top ten prospects in 2023 by NFL Draft Diamonds. He talked with me about the NFL, How he has evolved and what to expect from Kentucky this year for NFL Draft Diamonds.

Leader Johnson: First off I just want to say I remember the growth and I remember what you went through. Proud to see where you are at. What made you leave Penn State?

Will Levis: It was a business decision. I just felt Kentucky offered what I needed to evolve and my talents be seen.

Leader Johnson: What do you like about the Kentucky Wildcats program?

Will Levis: I absolutely love Kentucky. The people, the great culture. The way the coach runs this offense is better suited for me.

Leader: What do you bring to an NFL team when you step on an NFL field?

Will: I feel like I’m far from ready but I am a pro caliber player that stays ready and stays focused.

Leader: Who in your family are athletes?

Will: My great grandfather

Leader: If you can choose an NFL team who would you want to play for?

Will: Whoever wants me but I love the culture in New England. Great franchise but whoever wants me I would be excited to play at a high level for that team.

Leader: What NFL players do you watch the most to model your game after?

Will: Tom Brady and Josh Allen

Leader: What NFL player would you love to play with and throw the ball to?

Will: Julio Jones

Leader: Of course opportunities and ways to benefit from what athletes bring to the table is great. The NIL era is making a big impact. There is negative and positive feedback going to get some getting used to. What do you think about this NIL era?

Will: Crazy situation for some athletes and universities. Going to take a while for some to catch up with the process. Athletes just have to make sure to gather the necessary info. It’s lots of opportunities out there. Worked well for me.

Leader: What will scouts see has improved about your game this season that makes you a better quarterback?

Will: My decision making. I forced a lot of plays last year. I make better decisions and will be a much better leader for this team.

Leader: What will NFL coaches like about your character and impact in the locker room?

Will: My character will represent the organization in a way that will make everyone around the organization proud. I understand that everything I do and everything I represent directly affects not only how people view me but how they view the team.

Leader: What can we expect this year from the Kentucky Wildcats?

Will: You can expect a disciplined, tough, damn good football team. Spreading the ball around and making plays. Can’t wait for the season.