LEXINGTON, KY — Thanks to a late touchdown reception by Vanderbilt wideout Will Sheppard, the visiting Vanderbilt Commodores upset the 24th-ranked Kentucky Wildcats, 24-21
In a game that was widely billed as a showcase for Kentucky Wildcats QB Will Levis, who some draft experts have projected as the top overall pick in the upcoming 2023 NFL Draft in Kansas City, the former Penn State graduate transfer’s hope of elevating his draft stock were put in a deep freeze.
On a bitterly cold afternoon in Lexington, Levis looked like a time tracking extra that played in “The Ice Bowl” and mistook Kroger Stadium from the storied tundra of Lambeau Field, in completing 11-23 passes for 109 yards, no touchdowns and one interception.
If any NFL draft scout was hoping to come away with a favorable evaluation of the 6’4 232-pounder, with a live arm and prototypical NFL pocket passer build, they would be sadly mistaken, as Levis looked uncomfortable in the pocket and tentative at times when under pressure.
Surely, the on-and-off snow flurries and cold temperatures didn’t help Levis’ cause, as he was also dealing with a nagging foot injury before the game, but when you have an estimated 10-20 NFL team scouts looking at you, you only get one chance at making a good impression.
Yes, game tape matters, but there is just something different when you see a potential franchise quarterback in the fleas and up close.
It would be harsh to judge Levis off of just one game in bad weather conditions, but a QB-needy team who may be in the market for a signal caller, needs to see how someone like Levis handles adversity.
And judging from what transpired, Levis is still a work in progress.