Draft Scout Warning: Undefined variable $TeamName in D:\InetPub\vhosts\scoutnation.com\draftscout.com\notesteam.php on line 20 Player News, College Football: Warning: Undefined variable $TeamName in D:\InetPub\vhosts\scoutnation.com\draftscout.com\notesteam.php on line 20

2022 LOTT IMPACT TROPHY PRESEASON WATCH LIST: J.J. WEAVER, LB, Kentucky, Jr., 6-5, 241, Louisville: Rebounded from torn ACL in 2020 to make 3rd team All- SEC; Led Kentucky with six sacks and had 10 tackles for losses. - Lott IMPACT Trophy/The Pacific Club IMPACT Foundation

(DS#28 DE) rSr/2025

DE J.J. Weaver, Kentucky
News Source: Lott IMPACT Trophy
Share/Comment: Here

05/24/22 - Will Levis, rSr/2023, Kentucky, 6-4, 229 (DS#4 QB) + More +

Former Kentucky QB Tim Couch said he's only met Will Levis once in person but that the two have texted some. He hopes to interact with him more in the coming months, over which Levis will be more closely watched than ever before. Levis is still raw and needs to demonstrate growth from last year to this season, Couch said, but based on what he saw from him over the course of UK's final five games in 2021, he thinks Levis has what it takes to be a first-rounder come April. "You look at the physical traits, his size, the arm strength obviously, his ability to run and make plays with his legs, his leadership, his toughness, he has all the qualities that you look for in a guy that's gonna be a high pick in the draft. He's got everything that you want. "You just want to see him this year take it to another level with his accuracy and decision-making, some things that every quarterback can improve on as they mature in the system and more opportunities to play. He's got all the potential in the world. He just has to go out and take advantage of it." - Herald Leader

(DS#4 QB) rSr/2023

QB Will Levis, Kentucky
News Source: Herald Leader
Share/Comment: Here

05/24/22 - Zach Calzada, rSr/2026, Kentucky, 6-3, 222 (DS#57 QB) + More +

Zach Calzada, the Texas A&M transfer who joined the program in the spring, will be "full-go" for summer workouts after being limited in the spring due to an injury to his non-throwing shoulder, head coach Bryan Harsin said Monday in Alexander City. Calzada is one of two candidates for the starting job - along with T.J. Finley - who has prior starting experience in the SEC. Auburn QB competition takes center stage at A-Day "He's good," Harsin said. "...He's really been pushing himself and studying and preparing, so now it's just a matter of letting him get out there this summer. There's going to be no contact, there's no helmets, no pads, anything like that, so he's going to get all the reps he needs in the summertime." Calzada's introduction, without limitations, will inject some more intrigue into the race for QB1 this offseason.

He spent most of the spring as the fourth quarterback in rotation for drills, behind Finley, Oregon transfer Robby Ashford and true freshman Holden Geriner. During the Tigers' 10th practice of spring, Calzada was seen receiving some reps with the first-team offensive line and running back Tank Bigsby, though those came during the final period of the day and limited to handoffs near the goal line. Calzada was also held out of Auburn's A-Day spring game, as Finley received the majority of the first-team reps, Ashford worked with the second team and Geriner engineered a late scoring drive in the fourth quarter. - Birmingham News

(DS#57 QB) rSr/2026

QB Zach Calzada, Kentucky
News Source: Birmingham News
Share/Comment: Here

05/23/22 - Will Levis, rSr/2023, Kentucky, 6-4, 229 (DS#4 QB) + More +

For those of us who actually watched Levis take every snap in 2022, the pro hype is no surprise. Levis has the size. He's 6-foot-3, 232 pounds and solid. He has the arm strength. He can grip-it-and-rip-it. He's mobile. He has the leadership abilities. Practically from the moment Levis stepped on campus, after transferring from Penn State, he has embraced being the face of the program. He also played in an NFL-style offense last year under then-coordinator Liam Coen, who brought Sean McVay's playbook to Lexington. And Levis will do so again in 2022, if in a slightly different NFL offense. After Coen returned to Los Angeles to be the Rams' offensive coordinator, Mark Stoops hired Kyle Shanahan's quarterbacks coach, Rich Scangarello, to add a San Francisco 49ers' twist to what Coen started.

Still, the guess here is that those bullish on Levis expect him to take another step forward next season. He was 233-of-353 last year for 2,826 yards with 24 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. The scouts would love to see a rise in the TD numbers and a decline in the turnovers. Levis says his goal is to raise his completion percentage from 66 percent last year to 70 percent this season. It's a worthy goal. Seven FBS quarterbacks completed 70 percent of their passes in 2021. Eight did so in 2020, including two quarterbacks now starting in the NFL - New England's Mac Jones and the New York Jets' Zach Wilson. Levis will be breaking in a nearly new receiving corps. Gone is Wan'Dale Robinson, a second-round pick of the New York Giants in the 2022 NFL Draft. Gone too is the dependable Josh Ali. - Herald Leader

(DS#4 QB) rSr/2023

QB Will Levis, Kentucky
News Source: Herald Leader
Share/Comment: Here

05/22/22 - Ramon Jefferson, rSr/2024, Kentucky, 5-09, 201 (DS#38 RB) + More +

In the spring, Colorado running back Alex Fontenot was asked if he had watched any film of transfer Ramon Jefferson, who was expected to join the team in the summer. "I don't pay attention to new recruits," Fontenot said. Good thing, because Jefferson won't be coming to CU after all. On Friday, Jefferson, a former Sam Houston running back and one of CU's top transfer recruits of the offseason, announced that he has de-committed from the Buffs and will play elsewhere in his final year of eligibility. Expected to compete with Fontenot for the starting job, Jefferson had previously committed to Colorado in January and signed a grant-in-aid.

A grant-in-aid is binding for the school, but not for the student-athlete until they enroll in school, so Jefferson was still recruitable by other teams as he finished up his academic year at Sam Houston. CU recruited Jefferson after losing star Jarek Broussard, who transferred to Michigan State. Broussard, the 2020 Pac-12 offensive player of the year, led the Buffs in rushing the past two seasons. - Daily Camera

(DS#38 RB) rSr/2024

RB Ramon Jefferson, Kentucky
News Source: Daily Camera
Share/Comment: Here

05/19/22 - Zach Calzada, rSr/2026, Kentucky, 6-3, 222 (DS#57 QB) + More +

Scoping SEC QB transfers: Eleven quarterbacks transferred to 10 SEC schools this offseason, with South Carolina's Spencer Rattler the lone guaranteed starter of the entire group. Here are On3.com ratings. No 6 - Zach Calzada, Auburn (from Texas A&M). The lean here is Calzada ultimately gets the nod over Ashford and Finley thanks to experience. The former Aggies has a win over Alabama on his resume, but also 10 other career starts. Still, much like Finley, accuracy issues (56.1 completion percentage in 2021) are a real concern. Can he show a better propensity of not throwing the ball 99 miles per hour every time? Calzada may not open Week 1 as Auburn's QB1 but he stands a strong chance of logging multiple starts in what could be a musical chairs-like competition. - On3.com

(DS#57 QB) rSr/2026

QB Zach Calzada, Kentucky
News Source: On3.com
Share/Comment: Here

05/18/22 - Tayvion Robinson, rSr/2024, Kentucky, 5-11, 191 (DS#44 WR) + More +

Poised for a 2022 standout season: Wide receiver Tayvion Robinson, a Virginia Tech transfer, is among several looking to fill the huge void left by the departure of receiving leader Wan'Dale Robinson to the NFL draft after a 104-catch, 1,334-yard season. Tayvion Robinson totaled 1,555 yards and 113 receptions in 36 games with the Hokies. - AP College Football

(DS#44 WR) rSr/2024

WR Tayvion Robinson, Kentucky
News Source: AP College Football
Share/Comment: Here

05/17/22 - Chris Rodriguez Jr., rSr/2023, Kentucky, 6-0, 217 (DS#20 RB) + More +

After he was arrested for careless driving and operating a vehicle while under the influence, Kentucky junior running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. has seen a significant decrease in his On3 NIL Valuation. Rodriguez now has an On3 NIL Valuation of $227,000, which is a decrease of $76,000 from previous weeks. Rodriguez, who is projected to be a major piece in the Wildcats' offense, saw a rise in his NIL value throughout the spring. His NIL value climbed from $99,000 to $303,000 buoyed by the news of his return and expected impact in the SEC. Yet, the On3 NIL Valuation algorithm considered Rodriguez's arrest and 8.5% drop in social media followers and engagement in the new valuation released on Tuesday.

The On3 NIL Valuation is an index that looks to set the standard market value for both high school and college-level athletes. The NIL valuation does not act as a tracker of the value of NIL deals an athlete has completed to date. It rather signifies an athlete's value at a certain moment in time. And at this moment, it's clear Rodriguez's value on the NIL market is dropping because of the off-the-field issue. The On3 NIL Valuation is an index that looks to set the standard market value for both high school and college-level athletes. The NIL valuation does not act as a tracker of the value of NIL deals an athlete has completed to date. It rather signifies an athlete's value at a certain moment in time. And at this moment, it's clear Rodriguez's value on the NIL market is dropping because of the off-the-field issue. - On3.com

(DS#20 RB) rSr/2023

RB Chris Rodriguez Jr., Kentucky
News Source: On3.com
Share/Comment: Here

05/17/22 - Chris Rodriguez Jr., rSr/2023, Kentucky, 6-0, 217 (DS#20 RB) + More +

Kentucky running back Chris Rodriguez' warrant is set aside following mistake by his lawyer. Rodriguez was arrested on May 8 for careless driving, having no tail lamps and operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, according to the Kentucky arrest report. He was stopped by police in Fayette County, Ky. Originally, it was reported Rodriguez failed to appear at his arraignment. That led to a warrant for his arrest and also a $200 fine. However, there was a scheduling mishap on the attorney's part. The attorney told Rodriguez not to attend, according to Kentucky Sports Radio's Matt Jones. The new court date will take place this coming Friday in Lexington. "We have confirmed with Chris' attorney's that this was a scheduling mistake in their office," Kentucky Sports Information Director Susan Lax said. "Chris was specifically advised by his attorneys not to attend because they would take care of it. They are diligently working to get it corrected."

According to Lax, "take care of" refers to having his attorneys attend on Rodriguez's behalf. Rodriguez returns to Kentucky for his fifth season in the program after a career-best 1,378 yards on the ground in 2021. In 32 career games, he has 417 carries for 2,739 yards and 27 touchdowns. He added 15 receptions for 75 yards and three touchdowns. The former three-star recruit came to the Wildcats in the 2018 class as an unheralded prospect. He ranked No. 1082 in the country according to the On3 Consensus, also ranking No. 83 among running backs and No. 110 in his home state of Georgia. - On3.com

(DS#20 RB) rSr/2023

RB Chris Rodriguez Jr., Kentucky
News Source: On3.com
Share/Comment: Here

05/17/22 - Alex Wollschlaeger, rSr/2026, Kentucky, 6-6, 305 (DS#37 OT) + More +

Spring camp breeds competition within each college football program. Some, more than others. But when the clouds of dust settle, contenders arise. Whether it be for a starting position, for a reserve role, or simply for a chunk of playing time, some players get ahead in fall camp and make noticeable strides in their own skill sets. After Bowling Green State University's spring football game in April, one of those standouts was singled out by coach Scot Loeffler. "Really proud of Alex Wollschlaeger," Loeffler said. "Alex Wollschlaeger, hands down, is the most improved lineman out there. And he played a bunch last year, but he had a really good spring." Wollschlaeger appeared in four games and started two on a rebuilding Bowling Green State University offensive line last season.

The 6-foot-7 sophomore was part of a unit that largely struggled but flashed at times, especially toward the end of the season. He earned his first career start against Murray State, in which BGSU ran for two touchdowns as a team, and got another score from a five-yard pass to running back Taron Keith. His other start came in October at Northern Illinois, in which BGSU rushed for 5.8 yards per carry and a touchdown. He saw time at guard, but given a few incoming transfers and more jockeying for up-in-the-air starting roles, the competition is on across the 2022 line, save for the center position, which is occupied by Jakari Robinson. Wollschlaeger said he feels home at tackle, and has been working to bulk up for the position. He said his weight is just shy of 300 pounds, but he's aiming to eclipse that before the start of training camp. - Toledo Blade

(DS#37 OT) rSr/2026

OT Alex Wollschlaeger, Kentucky
News Source: Toledo Blade
Share/Comment: Here

05/15/22 - Chris Rodriguez Jr., rSr/2023, Kentucky, 6-0, 217 (DS#20 RB) + More +

A warrant was issued for University of Kentucky football player Chris Rodriguez after he failed to appear in court Friday afternoon. Judge Denotra Gunter issued a warrant for Rodriguez's arrest and imposed a $200 fine, according to a report by LEX-18, the official television partner of UK. Rodriguez, the team's returning starter at running back, faces three charges - operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol, careless driving and no tail lamps - stemming from an arrest early Sunday morning. His arraignment was scheduled for 1 p.m. Friday.

According to a citation, Rodriguez's speech was slurred and there was "an odor of alcoholic beverages coming from within the vehicle" after he was pulled over at a gas station off Nicholasville Road. Rodriguez agreed to a horizontal gaze test but refused to perform other field tests while outside of the vehicle, according to the citation. He displayed "the involuntary jerking of the eyes indicating alcohol consumption" during the gaze test, according to the citation. The officer wrote that Rodriguez, 21, admitted to having consumed "one or two shots of alcohol" at Belle's Cocktail House, a bar located downtown near the intersection of Church and Market streets. He was transported to the Fayette County Detention Center, where he refused an evidential breath test. - Herald Leader

(DS#20 RB) rSr/2023

RB Chris Rodriguez Jr., Kentucky
News Source: Herald Leader
Share/Comment: Here

05/13/22 - J.J. Hester, rSr/2026, Kentucky, 6-3, 206 (DS#143 WR) + More +

Former Missouri wide receiver JJ Hester announced on his Twitter page that he's going to play for the Oklahoma Sooners next season. A former Consensus four-star recruit out of the Class of 2020, Hester committed to the Tigers over a number of offers - including from Kansas, West Virginia, Texas, Georgia and Ohio State - coming out of Booker T. Washington (Oklahoma) High School. Ranked as the No. 3 prospect in the state of Oklahoma coming out of the 2020 class, Hester was projected to produce much more than he did as a freshman. Now he'll get to see if he can make things happen with Dillon Gabriel as his quarterback in Norman. - JJ Hester's Twitter, On3.com

(DS#143 WR) rSr/2026

WR J.J. Hester, Kentucky
News Source: JJ Hester's Twitter, On3.com
Share/Comment: Here

05/09/22 - Chris Rodriguez Jr., rSr/2023, Kentucky, 6-0, 217 (DS#20 RB) + More +

A Kentucky football player has been charged with drunken driving, university police said. Running back Chris Rodriguez Jr., 24, was arrested Sunday and charged with operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol, careless driving and driving without tail lamps, news outlets reported, citing a police citation. A University of Kentucky Police officer pulled over a black Dodge Durango that was "not maintaining its designated operating lane" and did not have its taillights activated, the arrest citation filed with Fayette District Court said.

Rodriguez had slurred speech and there was "an odor of alcoholic beverages coming from within the vehicle," the officer wrote. He was taken to the Fayette County jail. The senior was the team's leading rusher and finished with 1,238 yards and eight rushing touchdowns in 11 games last year. - AP College Football

(DS#20 RB) rSr/2023

RB Chris Rodriguez Jr., Kentucky
News Source: AP College Football
Share/Comment: Here

05/07/22 - Will Levis, rSr/2023, Kentucky, 6-4, 229 (DS#4 QB) + More +

Kentucky's Will Levis is projected as a first-round NFL pick in most early mock drafts for 2023. "It's cool, but I mean, it doesn't matter," he said. "It's random media people with their own opinions. Obviously, anything you see with that doesn't guarantee anything. If anything, it's just kind of cool to hear and see. But I don't want to spend time and attention on that." That's a wise attitude to have for a litany of reasons, but especially because we're just barely less than a year away from next year's draft. Most of last year's "way-too-early" mocks had North Carolina's Sam Howell as the best quarterback in the draft class and projected as a top-10 selection; he ended up getting picked in the fifth round and was the sixth quarterback selected. A lot can change in a year.

Stoops said Levis deserves the preseason hype. "I know this, I know Will," Stoops said. "I know how motivated he is. It'll drive him to see any quarterback taken in front of him because I believe he believes he can be the No. 1 quarterback taken. He has that kind of ability and I think he's gonna have that kind of year." The trickle-down effect of having a quarterback with that kind of outlook matters, too. "They make people around them better," Stoops said. "He's a great leader, he's competitive. It's not just about him, it's about the team. Those kind of guys make a difference. I really like where we're at." - Herald Leader

(DS#4 QB) rSr/2023

QB Will Levis, Kentucky
News Source: Herald Leader
Share/Comment: Here

05/05/22 - Will Levis, rSr/2023, Kentucky, 6-4, 229 (DS#4 QB) + More +

With a 10-win season on his resume, Will Levis has already cemented his status as one of the most successful quarterbacks in Kentucky football history. But a year from now, Levis could make a different kind of impact on the UK record book. No Kentucky quarterback has been picked in the NFL draft since Andre Woodson in the sixth round in 2008. Only three UK quarterbacks have been drafted since 1966. No former UK quarterback has thrown a touchdown pass in the NFL since Tim Couch in 2003.

In January, ESPN tabbed Levis as a "potential Day 2 pick next year," but is there room for even more growth as an NFL prospect? "He's got everything they're looking for to be a high pick, to be a franchise quarterback," Kentucky coach Mark Stoops said in April. "The sky is the limit for him there." In his first season as a full-time starter - after two years as a backup at Penn State - Levis completed 66% of his passes for 2,827 yards and 24 touchdowns for Kentucky last season. He also rushed for 376 yards and nine more touchdowns. - Courier Journal

(DS#4 QB) rSr/2023

QB Will Levis, Kentucky
News Source: Courier Journal
Share/Comment: Here

Previous 15 Notes

|Back to Page One|

Next 15 Notes

Warning: Undefined array key "TeamID" in D:\InetPub\vhosts\scoutnation.com\draftscout.com\2020rightcolteam.php on line 56

Warning: Undefined array key "DSTeamID" in D:\InetPub\vhosts\scoutnation.com\draftscout.com\2020rightcolteam.php on line 57

Kentucky Football Videos

Buy Draft Scout Weekly

** Draft Scout Data **
(Everything Online PLUS)

Support Draft Scout

The Database Engine for NFLDraftScout.com, Draft Scout is being repurposed...Support the Future Development of ScoutNation.com...

Draft Scout Archives

** 2010-2022 Draft Scout Archives **
(Yearly Player Data Exports, Prospect Lists & More)

Draft Scout Future

100% Dedicated and Never Done

80% Innovated

45% Hidden

35% Built

2025 CFB/2025-2029 NFL Draft Scout

2024 CFB/2024-2028 NFL Draft Scout

2023 CFB/2024-2027 NFL Draft Scout

NFL Draft Scout History

2022 Draft Scout

Draft Scout by Conference

2023 Draft Scout Offense

2023 Draft Scout Defense

2022 Draft Scout Offense

2022 Draft Scout Defense

Kentucky Football Videos

Buy Draft Scout Weekly

Support Draft Scout

Draft Scout Archives

Draft Scout Future

Synergization

Did You Know?

Hidden Designs

Future Development