In the world of the National Football League (NFL), few names have generated as much excitement and intrigue as Will Levis. Known for his strong arm, athleticism, and potential to lead an NFL team, Levis has quickly become one of the most talked-about young quarterbacks in the league. This article delves into Will Levis’s journey, from his early years in football to his rise in college football and his expected future in the NFL. We’ll also explore his playing style, strengths, weaknesses, and his outlook for the future as one of the most promising quarterbacks of his generation.

Early Life and Football Beginnings

Will Levis was born on June 27, 1999, in Newton, Massachusetts. Raised in a sports-oriented family, Levis was introduced to athleticism from a young age. His father, Mike Levis, was a football player himself, and his family’s passion for sports helped shape Will’s early athletic development. Growing up, Will was a multi-sport athlete, but football quickly became his primary focus due to his natural talent and love for the game.

Levis attended Xaverian Brothers High School in Westwood, Massachusetts, where he played high school football and helped his team to multiple victories. His performance as a high school athlete garnered attention from college scouts, and it became clear that he had the potential to make a mark in the world of college football and beyond.

High School Career

During his high school years, Levis was a standout quarterback for the Xaverian Brothers Hawks. As a junior and senior, he showed off his impressive arm strength, mobility, and leadership on the field. He was known for his ability to make accurate throws on the run, and his physical tools set him apart from other quarterbacks in his class. 

Although Levis’ high school career was relatively low-profile compared to some of his peers, his performances were enough to secure him a scholarship to play at the collegiate level. By the time he graduated, Levis was considered one of the top quarterbacks in the Northeast United States and was ready to take the next step in his football journey.

College Career: A Tale of Two Schools

After high school, Will Levis decided to continue his football career at Penn State University, a program with a storied football tradition. In 2018, Levis joined the Nittany Lions as a freshman quarterback under the coaching of head coach James Franklin. However, despite the hype surrounding his arrival, Levis found himself behind established starter Trace McSorley, a veteran quarterback who was considered one of the best in the Big Ten at the time.

In his first two seasons at Penn State, Levis played a limited role, mostly serving as a backup quarterback. Though he did get some playing time, Levis’s opportunities to start were few and far between. Despite this, his development continued, and he made strides as both a passer and a runner, showcasing his dual-threat abilities. As a result, he began attracting attention for his physical gifts, including his cannon arm and mobility in the pocket.

The Transfer to Kentucky

In 2021, after spending two seasons at Penn State, Levis made the decision to transfer to University of Kentucky, seeking a starting role and a fresh opportunity to showcase his talent. This move proved to be a pivotal moment in his career, as it provided him with the chance to fully step into the spotlight.

Levis quickly became the starting quarterback for the Kentucky Wildcats, and he wasted no time making an impact. In his first season at Kentucky, Levis demonstrated his ability to lead the team and put up strong numbers both through the air and on the ground. With his impressive arm strength, ability to make deep throws, and elite mobility, Levis became a dynamic quarterback capable of making plays from the pocket and extending plays with his legs.

One of Levis’s most notable performances came in 2021, when he led the Wildcats to a historic win over the Florida Gators, throwing for multiple touchdowns and demonstrating his poise under pressure. As a result of his performance, Levis became a fan favorite and was widely considered one of the top quarterbacks in the SEC.

Playing Style: What Sets Will Levis Apart?

One of Will Levis’s defining characteristics as a quarterback is his elite arm strength. Standing at 6’4” and weighing 229 pounds, Levis has the physical tools of a prototypical NFL quarterback. His powerful arm allows him to make all the necessary throws at the next level, including deep passes downfield and laser-like throws into tight windows.

Levis’s arm strength is particularly evident on deep throws, where he can cover large portions of the field with ease. He has consistently shown the ability to throw the ball over 50 yards with velocity, and his strong arm makes him a dangerous weapon in the NFL, where downfield passing is key to offensive success.

Mobility and Athleticism

While Levis is known for his arm strength, he is also an athletic quarterback with the ability to make plays with his legs. This dual-threat capability adds another dimension to his game, as it forces defenses to account for both his passing and rushing abilities. Levis has demonstrated excellent speed and quickness, allowing him to evade pressure in the pocket and extend plays. His ability to scramble and pick up yards on the ground makes him a dangerous weapon in short-yardage situations, as well as on designed quarterback runs. Levis is able to move the chains with his legs and make critical plays when needed.

Decision-Making and Leadership

As a quarterback, Will Levis has demonstrated strong decision-making skills and leadership qualities. He has the ability to read defenses quickly and make the right decision under pressure. His mental approach to the game is often praised, as he remains calm in high-stress situations and can manage the tempo of the offense effectively.

Levis is also known for his leadership on and off the field. Teammates respect his work ethic, dedication, and ability to rally the team when it matters most. He has been praised for his ability to perform in clutch moments and for maintaining a positive attitude throughout difficult games.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Arm Strength: Will Levis is known for his exceptional arm strength, capable of making deep throws with velocity and precision.

Mobility: Levis’s ability to extend plays with his legs gives him an added dimension and makes him difficult to defend against.

Decision-Making: He has a good football IQ, which allows him to make smart decisions on the field and avoid costly mistakes.

Leadership: Levis is a vocal leader on the field, and his teammates respect his ability to stay calm and focused in high-pressure situations.

Inconsistency: At times, Levis has been criticized for inconsistency with his accuracy. While his arm strength is elite, there are moments when his throws can be off target, especially when under pressure.

Tendency to Force Passes: Levis has been known to force some throws into tight coverage, which can lead to turnovers or missed opportunities.

Development in NFL System: Levis is still adjusting to the speed and complexity of the NFL game. His transition to the next level will depend on his ability to adapt to new offensive schemes and grow as a quarterback in the pros.

Will Levis’s NFL Draft Prospects

As one of the top quarterbacks in college football, Will Levis entered the 2023 NFL Draft with high expectations. His combination of size, athleticism, and strong arm made him one of the most intriguing prospects of the draft class. Many analysts predicted that he would be selected in the first round, with some even forecasting him as a potential top-5 pick.

In the months leading up to the draft, Levis showcased his skills in the NFL Scouting Combine, impressing scouts with his physical attributes and his ability to throw the ball with velocity and accuracy. His performance during interviews and team workouts also stood out, and it became clear that many teams saw him as a potential franchise quarterback.

As the draft approached, the consensus around Levis was that he had the tools to be a successful NFL starter. His high ceiling and ability to make all the necessary throws put him in the conversation for top-tier quarterback prospects.

A Promising Future in the NFL

Given his physical tools and strong college career, Will Levis is poised for a successful NFL career. However, his immediate impact in the NFL will depend on his ability to adapt to the speed and complexity of the professional game. Levis will likely spend his first few years learning the nuances of the NFL, refining his decision-making, and continuing to develop his passing accuracy.

In the right system, Levis has the potential to become a franchise quarterback capable of leading his team for many years. His combination of size, mobility, and arm strength makes him a dangerous weapon in today’s NFL, and if he can improve his consistency, he has the potential to be a star.

Potential Teams and Fits

Depending on how the 2023 draft unfolds, Will Levis could land with a team in need of a future quarterback. Teams such as the Indianapolis Colts, Tennessee Titans, and Las Vegas Raiders are among the franchises that may be interested in drafting Levis as their future signal-caller. Wherever he lands, Levis will need a solid supporting cast and a coaching staff that can help him maximize his potential.

FAQs

What is Will Levis’ college football career like?

Levis started his college football journey at Penn State University, where he played as a backup quarterback for two years (2018-2019). In 2020, Levis transferred to the University of Kentucky and became the starting quarterback in 2021. During his time at Kentucky, Levis showcased his strong arm and ability to make difficult throws, as well as his mobility in the pocket. He led the Wildcats to several key victories and set multiple records, solidifying his reputation as a top NFL prospect.

What are Will Levis’ strengths as a quarterback?

Levis is known for his strong arm, which allows him to make deep throws with ease. He also has great mobility for a quarterback, showing the ability to escape pressure and extend plays with his legs. His physical stature (standing at 6’4″ and weighing around 230 pounds) makes him an imposing figure on the field. Additionally, Levis has shown great potential in reading defenses and making smart decisions, though he is still a work in progress in some areas.

What are Will Levis’ weaknesses as a quarterback?

While Levis possesses many strengths, he still has areas that need improvement. His accuracy, particularly on shorter throws, has been inconsistent at times. Levis has also struggled with decision-making under pressure, which has led to some turnovers during his college career. Improving his timing and touch on passes is another aspect of his game that NFL scouts have noted. Despite these weaknesses, his raw talent and potential are undeniable.

What are Will Levis’ NFL draft prospects?

Levis is considered a first-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, with some analysts even projecting him to go as high as the #1 overall pick in certain mock drafts. His strong arm, size, and athleticism have made him one of the top quarterbacks available, though some scouts believe he needs more time to refine his game before making an immediate impact in the NFL.

Where is Will Levis projected to be drafted in the 2023 NFL Draft?

Levis is projected to be drafted in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft. Mock drafts often place him as one of the top quarterbacks, with many analysts predicting he could go in the top 5 picks. His draft position will depend on team needs, but he is widely considered one of the most talented quarterbacks in the class.

In Summary

Will Levis is undoubtedly one of the most intriguing quarterback prospects in the 2023 NFL Draft. With his remarkable physical attributes, including his strong arm, mobility, and impressive size, he has the potential to become a standout player at the next level. While his accuracy and decision-making still require refinement, Levis’ raw talent and athleticism make him a highly coveted prospect.

As he prepares for the NFL, all eyes will be on how he develops under professional coaching and whether he can translate his college success into sustained success in the league. Whether he goes as a top draft pick or later in the first round, Levis has a bright future ahead, and his journey is one to follow closely for any football fan.

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