VAUGHT: Could quarterback competition disrupt team chemistry

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By LARRY VAUGHT


With Penn State transfer quarterback Will Levis now on the Kentucky campus, the competition between him and returning quarterbacks Beau Allen and Joey Gatewood can unofficially start.

Gatewood and Allen both with through spring practice with new offensive coordinator Liam Coen. They were also both at UK all of last season when the Cats played an all-SEC schedule during the COVID year.

All that made me wonder if having a quarterback battle between a newcomer and two returning quarterbacks could have a toll on team chemistry.

“When you are talking about an established quarterback, it’s different if he has been a starter,” said former UK All-SEC running back Anthony White during Sunday Morning Sports on WLAP. “Guys are comfortable with quarterbacks they already know.”

White recalled the transition from returning starter Billy Jack Haskins at quarterback to Tim Couch when he played.

“Everyone loved Billy Jack. He was gritty, played with heart and was a hell of a player,” White said. “But knowing Tim Couch was coming in … I loved Billy Jack and he was a winner but we altered the offense for Tim and it worked.

“I loved them both to death and you can kind of resent the new guy. So if you are going to bring in a new person he has to wow you and the team to the point where it is obvious he is different. Tim did that.”

Can Levis do that with teammates who have been around Gatewood and Allen for workouts, games, team meals and more.

“Guys are also familiar with their release and mechanics. That’s why the new guy has to come in and wow you to have a chance,” White said. “If Levis wins the starting position, guys will be cool with it as long as he wins and his production is really good.

“If the battle for the starting spot is tight and you are splitting hairs and give it to Levis, then things could get a little fragile. Levis has not made friends here yet. Joey and Beau you know have more friends on the team right now than Will does. That can make a difference.”

White said it probably helps that Coen is a new coach with no loyalties to any player. He said that makes it easier to believe it is an “open battle and everyone has a fair shot” to be the starter.

“Coen doesn’t really know any of the quarterbacks that well,” White said. “The quarterback position goes a lot just off production but picking up the offense is a big thing, too. He wants guys to know where to go with the ball.

“Who picks the offense up the fastest will be the starter whether he is the better thrower or not. That does not mean he will finish the season as the starter. Liam won’t have to worry about hurting anybody’s feelings. And just remember, winning always cures everything.”