PHOTO - UK Athletics
Kentucky officially confirmed Tuesday that former Penn State quarterback Will Levis and former Michigan State wide receiver Tre’Von Morgan have signed to play for the Wildcats. Neither will be on campus this semester for spring practice but will join the Wildcats in June.
What does Stoops think about the 6-3, 222-pound Levis, a player new offensive coordinator Liam Coen targeted once he put his name into the transfer portal?
“Will is a big quarterback who combines a strong arm and good mobility,” Stoops said. “He’s also had the benefit of significant game experience over the last two seasons and we’re glad to have him join us.”
He was at Penn State three years and played in 15 games — meaning he has way more experience than any returning UK quarterback. He will get his chance to compete with Beau Allen, Joey Gatewood, and Nic Scalzo for the starting spot. He completed 61 of 102 passes for 644 years and three touchdowns at Penn State and ran 133 times for 473 yards and six more scores.
Former UK running back Anthony White said on WLAP Sunday Morning Sports that he was impressed with the way Levis ran. He still believes the starting quarterback job is “Beau Allen’s to lose” but indicated having Levis on campus certainly could provide extra motivation for both Allen and Gatewood in winter workouts.
Levis expects to graduate at Penn State in May with a degree in finance. That will make him a graduate transfer who will be eligible in 2021 and could have three more years of eligibility.
He was a two-time Academic All-Big Ten pick and shared the team’s high academic award in 2019. He had a 4.0 grade-point average during his prep career in Connecticut.
The 6-6 Morgan will have to sit out the 2021 season as of now but that could change if the NCAA passes a blanket transfer waiver that could leave him with four years. The obvious connection here is that Morgan is from Massilon Ohio, and was ranked as the top receiver in Ohio by Rivals and ESPN in 2018.
“Tall, physical receivers are a huge asset, so we’re excited about adding Tre’Von to the team,” Stoops said. “He’s versatile, has outstanding physical presence and great playmaking ability.”
Morgan played in four of Michigan State’s seven games in 2020 with two catches for 46 yards and one score. Ironically, that touchdown came in a game against Penn State.
Morgan had 37 catches for 691 yards and 12 touchdowns his high school senior season and returned 12 punts for 147 yards and one score. He also had nine tackles. As a junior, he caught 36 passes for 489 yards and two scores.
