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 Draft Scout College Football Player News: Kentucky
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  Will Levis came to Kentucky expecting this kind of performance, though his first time out created a tough act to follow. Levis threw for career highs of 367 yards and four touchdowns in his Wildcats debut, including two to fellow transfer Wan'Dale Robinson, and Kentucky overcame an early hole to blow out Louisiana Monroe 45-10 in Saturday's season opener. Playing on a sunny afternoon before its biggest crowd (in nearly two years following a season of COVID-19-related attendance restrictions, the Wildcats shrugged off a 7-0 deficit after a turnover to overwhelm the rebuilding Warhawks.

Unveiling a new pro set offense with former Penn State quarterback Levis behind center, Kentucky piled up 341 of its 564 yards by halftime alone to lead 28-7 and only allowed the Warhawks past midfield twice besides after the giveaway. The offensive numbers thoroughly demonstrated Levis' grasp of new coordinator Liam Coen's up-tempo scheme that ULM couldn't stop before 47,693. After his first pass went off Josh Ali's fingertips to ULM's Jabari Johnson, the junior quickly regrouped to deliver the flashy plays Kentucky lacked last season. - Kentucky/AP College Football

rSr/2023 QB Will Levis, Kentucky
News Source: Kentucky/AP College Football
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  Carrington Valentine started against N.C. State in the Gator Bowl and has been frequently cited as a strong riser throughout fall camp; the true sophomore from Cincinnati is poised to become the next in what's becoming a steady line of defensive backs to make a name for themselves in Lexington. - Herald Leader

Jr/2023 CB *Carrington Valentine, Kentucky
News Source: Herald Leader
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  There has been no shortage of excitement about the role Kentucky's tight end could play in new offensive coordinator Liam Coen's scheme, but the majority of the attention has been devoted to Keaton Upshaw, who is expected to miss the entire season with an injury; Brenden Bates, a projected breakout candidate and Izayah Cummings, the former Male star who has earned raves after moving from wide receiver to tight end this month.

It is easy to forget then that super senior Justin Rigg is actually the returning starter at the position. Rigg is the most experienced player on Kentucky's roster with 50 games played. He ranks sixth on the team with 22 career starts. Even playing in an offense that struggled to establish a consistent passing attack Rigg has caught 30 passes for 358 yards in the last four years. He caught 23 passes for 273 yards and two touchdowns in the last two seasons. The 6-foot-6, 261-pound tight end probably cannot match the upside of Cummings or Bates at the position, but his steady production and ability to contribute as both a blocker and pass-catcher should not be overlooked. - Courier Journal

rSr/2022 TE Justin Rigg, Kentucky
News Source: Courier Journal
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  There's more to playing quarterback than a strong arm. Will Levis can spin it. No doubt about that. Kentucky's new starting quarterback has the arm talent college coaches crave. He has been working on his mechanics, fine-tuning the touch on his intermediate and short throws, and putting in the time in front of the video screen. But when Levis was asked Tuesday about what he needs to work on, now that he has been officially named the Wildcats' No. 1 quarterback, the Penn State transfer pointed to a facet of the job description that has little to do with out routes.

"Being a leader for this team," Levis said. "And learning how to connect with all the guys the best way possible. Everybody is going to be led effectively differently. Obviously, since I'm new here, I've spent these last few months getting to know these guys. It's going to take a lot of effort to really get their trust and show that I can lead them effectively in whatever situation we find ourselves in." Like it or not, the quarterback is the face of the program. And QB1 should be player No. 1 when it comes to leadership. He should have command of not just the playbook, but the locker room, and in a way that translates for public consumption. As Mark Stoops has often said, there are position battles all over the roster during a team's training camp, but the quarterback battle always draws the most interest. "It is what it is," Stoops said Sunday. "We understand that." - Herald Leader

rSr/2023 QB Will Levis, Kentucky
News Source: Herald Leader
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  He has only been in Lexington a few months, but Will Levis is officially the big man on campus. University of Kentucky football head coach Mark Stoops officially announced Levis as the starting quarterback during an impromptu Sunday news conference, announced minutes after reports surfaced that he had addressed the team to inform them of the decision. Levis' efficiency in running UK's offense through two weeks of camp, including the team's first scrimmage on Saturday, was a difference-maker. Stoops said he's completed 74 percent of his passes on what he called "gradable snaps" and that he threw a 65-yard touchdown pass on his first live play in Saturday's scrimmage.

"He has a lot of talent," Stoops said. "He's been doing some things really good. He's been very efficient. He's got unbelievable arm strength. He's a big, strong guy. He won the job." Levis' performance in Saturday's scrimmage left quite an impression on Stoops, who said all three quarterbacks vying for the starting job - Levis, junior Joey Gatewood and sophomore Beau Allen - had done well in camp. It was "clear," though, following the Cats' first scrimmage, who should get the ball when UK hosts Louisiana Monroe on Sept. 4. Stoops lauded Levis' presence in the locker room, which was thought by some to be a potential road block to him being named the starter since he'd only been around since May. "I feel very clear on this decision," Stoops said. - Herald Leader

rSr/2023 QB Will Levis, Kentucky
News Source: Herald Leader
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  Kentucky must replace two NFL draft picks at cornerback. One of those spots should be filled by senior Cedrick Dort, who started 12 games in 2019. Valentine, a sophomore from Cincinnati, is the favorite to win the other starting job. "Has the right makeup," White said of Valentine at the kickoff luncheon. "Was able to play some as a freshman so he's got some reps under his belt. But the way he's approached and attacked the spring and the offseason, I think he's a guy who's really going to challenge and push at that corner position for us."

Valentine played in 10 games as a freshman, totaling 10 tackles and one pass breakup. He started the Gator Bowl versus NC State after Cowboys second-round pick Kelvin Joseph opted out of the bowl game. Valentine tallied a season-high six tackles and forced a fumble to close his debut season on a high note. "It kind of boosted my confidence a little bit," Valentine said of the Gator Bowl this spring. "Basically, starting that last game as a freshman was really big for me. Now, going into the offseason, trying to perfect my craft and bring my teammates along, being used to the defense and all, that was really big for me." - Courier Journal

Jr/2023 CB *Carrington Valentine, Kentucky
News Source: Courier Journal
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  Kentucky coach Mark Stoops has named Penn State transfer Will Levis as the Wildcats' starting quarterback over holdovers Joey Gatewood and Beau Allen. Levis arrived in June and had to quickly pick up new offensive coordinator Liam Coen's pro style system that promises to speed up the Southeastern Conference worst passing attack last season in yards per game (124.1). The junior began camp expected to compete with Gatewood and Allen, who had a jump on the system this spring, and Stoops said on media day that he wanted to "get it right than be in a hurry" in making a choice.

He informed the QBs of his decision on Sunday before announcing in a virtual news conference. Stoops added that Gatewood, an Auburn transfer who played in seven games last season, planned to enter the NCAA transfer portal. The 6-foot-3, 232-pound Levis completed 61 of 102 passes for 644 yards and three touchdowns with two interceptions in 15 games over three seasons for the Nittany Lions. He will make his Kentucky debut on Sept. 4 against Louisiana-Monroe. - AP College Football

rSr/2023 QB Will Levis, Kentucky
News Source: AP College Football
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  Wide receiver Rahsaan Lewis wasn't a complete revelation during Kentucky's open practice for fans on Saturday - his name was mentioned by fellow receivers and prominent defensive backs a few times during the spring as a guy to keep an eye on - but the impression he left was much more sizable than anticipated. The son of Hall of Famer Ray Lewis is a walk-on who enrolled at UK last fall following one-year stints at Central Florida (2018) and Florida Atlantic (2019). He didn't play in a game last year, but based solely on his performance Saturday, Lewis is destined to see the field this season.

Fifth-year senior Josh Ali and star transfer Wan'Dale Robinson were as good as expected, but it was Lewis who stood out among a crowded receiving corps full of fresh faces shouldering higher production expectations than has been asked of that group in years past. He twice made sensational, frame-twisting grabs for "touchdown" scores of about 40 yards against double coverage in 11-on-11 drills, and was as consistent as anybody catching balls through practice. His biggest highlights were versus No. 2 and No. 3 defensive backs, but if he continues to impress there he ought to have a chance to prove himself against the 1's soon. Lewis told the Herald-Leader on Friday that he was battling an injury last year that kept him from earning some run in 2020. - Herald Leader

rSr/2024 WR Rahsaan Lewis, Kentucky
News Source: Herald Leader
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  Tennessee redshirt freshman Dee Beckwith has been a running back for nearly a year now, and the plan is to keep it that way. The 6-foot-5, 227-pounder from Florence, Alabama, signed with the Volunteers as a three-star athlete prospect, and he worked last preseason at tight end, wide receiver and running back. His move to running back was at least partially due to low numbers at that position stemming from COVID-19 contact tracing, but that's where he resided last season and this spring.

"We have Dee at running back because we believe that he's a running back, and we want to see him progress," coach Josh Heupel said Wednesday during a news conference that followed his first August practice with the Vols. "I thought during spring ball that his last five practices were his best. He started to understand the principles and using his blockers in front of him, and he started to use his body as a true weapon. "He learned how to start playing with a little pad leverage, too, because he's a big, tall, long body back there." Beckwith made his debut on special teams last December against Florida in the Vols' eighth game of the season. His first two carries totaled 24 yards in the win at Vanderbilt, with the season finale against Texas A&M yielding one rush for 1 yard. - Chattanooga Times Free Press

rJr/2025 WR Dee Beckwith, Kentucky
News Source: Chattanooga Times Free Press
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  All-SEC contender Chris Rodriguez had one more task to checkoff before Kentucky football opens preseason practice Friday. Get a COVID-19 vaccine. "Getting the vaccine feels like I'm signing my life away, but aye #ForTheTeam," Rodriguez tweeted Tuesday afternoon. The Wildcats star running back quickly followed that tweet with a second making sure fans understood his decision. "I was not forced to get it," Rodriguez wrote. "I got it because I wanted to. I missed two of the biggest games last year. I say #ForTheTeam because if I miss a game, I'm letting them down."

How many of Rodriguez's teammates decide to follow his lead could turn out to be a key factor in Kentucky's chances of a special season. At SEC Media Days last month, SEC commissioner Greg Sankey revealed 6 of 14 football teams had reached the 80% threshold of vaccinated players. Kentucky coach Mark Stoops later confirmed his team was not one of the squads to hit that number. With the Delta variant causing COVID-19 cases to spike again, especially in the SEC's regional footprint where vaccination percentages remain low, player availability during the pandemic will likely be a storyline to watch for the second consecutive season even as college football stadiums return to full capacity. - Courier Journal

rSr/2023 RB Chris Rodriguez Jr., Kentucky
News Source: Courier Journal
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  Among Kentucky football players with the potential to profit most off the NCAA new name, image and likeness policy, NFL draft first-round prospect Darian Kinnard would likely be high on the list. But Kinnard has no plans to actively pursue endorsement opportunities this fall. "It's my last year," Kinnard said. "If this came out maybe two years ago, it could have been a good avenue I'd gotten into. With this last year coming up, we all look back at the end of the season and say, 'Man, it flew.' I'm just taking this opportunity to really focus on what I need to do, and NIL can wait until I'm done with college."

Kinnard did not completely close the door to NIL opportunities but confirmed he would "probably not" pursue any deals when asked to clarify his intentions. That does not figure to be the case for most of Kentucky's star players. A handful of Wildcats, including quarterback Will Levis, have signed up for Cameo, a website where fans can pay for personalized video messages from celebrities and athletes. Wide receiver Josh Ali and cornerback Cedrick Dort signed endorsement deals with water company KeenH20. Wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson has already signed with player management company the Virtus Brand. As the season gets closer, endorsement opportunities for standout players seem likely to increase. - Courier Journal

Sr/2022 OG Darian Kinnard, Kentucky
News Source: Courier Journal
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  Kentucky is earning some football respect across the Southeastern Conference. Just look at this year's All-SEC preseason media voting results, released Friday. UK was picked to finish third in the Eastern Division, behind Georgia and Florida, the school's highest preseason position since the league went to a divisional format in 1992. The Wildcats were selected by two voters to win the East, and were one of five teams outside of the top challengers - Alabama and Georgia - to receive a single vote to win the SEC championship this fall.

Offensive tackle Darian Kinnard, an All-America player last season, was one of five Wildcats named to the All-SEC squad. He was UK's only First Team representative, and one of three players named on offense. Running back Chris Rodriguez, who led the league in rushing average (6.6 yards per game) last season, and lineman Luke Fortner, a fifth-year senior who has started 23 straight games, were both named to the Third Team offense. - Herald Leader

Sr/2022 OG Darian Kinnard, Kentucky
News Source: Herald Leader
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  The University of Kentucky this month added offensive tackle Dare Rosenthal, a transfer from LSU, to its roster, setting up quite a battle for an open starting job on the offensive line. Rosenthal was the seventh player to transfer into Kentucky's program this offseason, and is expected to start for the Wildcats. Where on the offensive line that will be remains to be determined; he was LSU's starting left tackle, a position whose availability in part influenced Darian Kinnard's decision to forego the NFL Draft and return to UK for his senior season. Kinnard, who has started 25 straight games at right tackle for Kentucky, told reporters that he hasn't yet had an opportunity to get to know Rosenthal but looks forward to the competition at left tackle. Both players have been talked about as first-round level talents. "If everyone is planning to go to the NFL - that's why they come to college, besides getting a degree - you're going to have somebody come for your spot every year," Kinnard said during the Southeastern Conference Media Days event. "So I feel like you've got to get used to it now or later. But at the end of the day, it's good competition. He's a teammate. It's healthy competition."

Disciplinary issues led to Rosenthal's departure from LSU following his third year in the program, but Tigers head coach Ed Orgeron spoke highly of him during his turn on the podium Monday. "He's a tremendous player. I hate to lose him," Orgeron said. "... He didn't want to leave. It was hard on him. I think they've got a potential first-round draft choice there. And Dare knows he's got some stuff he needs to get better at, and I'm sure Kentucky's going to see that. He's a great young man, a great team player. He's going to be wearing another helmet. He's going to be trying his best. I'm going to expect his best against us, and he's going to get our best. He expects that, and that's just the way it is." - Herald Leader

rJr/2022 OT *Dare Rosenthal, Kentucky
News Source: Herald Leader
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  University of Kentucky defensive end Josh Paschal's battle with cancer has been well-documented across the nation, including by NBC's "Today" in May 2019. Paschal, who was diagnosed with a malignant melanoma ahead of the 2018 season, earlier this month during an episode of "Behind Kentucky Football" talked about his experience on "Today." He recounted details of that experience again Tuesday while on the podium at SEC Media Days. The highlight? Meeting multimedia star Jennifer Lopez, who was performing on the show that day. "I'll set the scene for everybody, all right? I was outside the dressing room because all the famous people and the actual commentators are right there," Paschal said. "So J. Lo keeps coming in and out. So my mom, she keeps fan-girling and everything. She loves J. Lo. And I'm like, all right, it's not that big of a deal, but in my mind, I'm thinking, 'It's J. Lo, it's J. Lo, it's J. Lo." "I keep seeing her. So she's changing, because she's performing that day. She's changing, and she's coming back, and she's walking up the stairs, and I just look up. I was looking at the stairs, and I look up, and we make complete eye contact. And she winked at me. I hope that wink was real because I've been telling this story ever since it happened. When I tell you 'I melted,' I melted."

Paschal was able to return to the field at the end of the 2018 season and has since remained cancer-free. He has started 25 of the 40 games in which he's played at Kentucky, and will lead a defensive front this season that's otherwise lean on experience and looking to bounce back from a lackluster effort in terms of pass-rushing production, especially compared to the years prior. - Herald Leader

rSr/2022 DE Josh Paschal, Kentucky
News Source: Herald Leader
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  Louisville native J.J. Weaver could be back on the field for Kentucky football faster than expected this fall. "J.J. is doing very good," UK coach Mark Stoops said during Kentucky's appearance at SEC Media Days Tuesday. "He's definitely ahead of schedule, working extremely hard." Weaver, a former star at Moore High School, was in the midst of a breakout season when he tore the ACL in his right knee in a Nov. 28 game against Florida. He finished the season with 33 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss and one-half sack in nine games. Weaver was voted to the SEC's All-Freshman team by the league coaches.

"He's working his tail off," UK defensive coordinator and outside linebackers coach Brad White said when asked about Weaver's rehabilitation during spring practice. "That's all I can ask for: A guy that puts in the time and he grinds. ... Right now, it's big on the mental piece. ... When he steps back, he may not be able to physically execute them but at least if we can have it all mentally locked in then we're further ahead in the process. OK, when you come back, let's physically put those things into action and go from there. "He's done a great job. He's up all the time watching film. He's asking questions. He's getting all his rehab sessions in, pushing harder. 'OK, can I come up after, let's do some individual stuff.' He's in every meeting. So, really pleased with that. Trying to get as much squeezed out of that as we can." - Courier Journal

rSr/2025 DE J.J. Weaver, Kentucky
News Source: Courier Journal
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