Cutter Boley has been asked to grow up quickly this season and he broke some records along the way.
After starting the year as the backup, the redshirt freshman was thrust into the fire when Zach Calzada went down. Since then, he has become the face of the program’s future, throwing for 2,060 yards and 15 touchdowns.
Yes, the 10 interceptions are high. Yes, there have been growing pains. But Boley has shown the kind of arm talent and leadership that makes you believe he is "The Guy."
And on Saturday, for his second career start against Louisville (41-14 Louisville, last year), he is bringing some Kentucky legends onto the field with him.
A tribute to the Kentucky football greats
Boley will be sporting a pair of custom cleats designed by Billy Hobbs of True Blue Customs. The artwork is stunning, featuring the hand-painted jerseys of six Kentucky-born quarterbacks who defined this program:
- Tim Couch
- Jared Lorenzen
- Andre Woodson
- Patrick Towles
- Billy Jack Haskins
- Bill Ransdell
This isn't just a fashion statement; it's a history lesson. It is a nod to the legacy of the position Boley now holds as a Kentucky born starting QB playing at Kentucky.
More than just paint
The connection goes deeper than the shoes. Mark Stoops asked Andre Woodson to mentor Boley earlier this year, and the two reportedly trade messages regularly. It is a passing of the torch from one iconic quarterback to a potential future one.
Boley is currently 0-1 against the Cardinals, having started in last year's blowout loss as a true freshman. That game was a "welcome to college football" moment he would probably like to forget.
Tomorrow at noon, he gets his shot at redemption. And he’ll be stepping onto the turf at L&N Stadium with the Hefty Lefty and the Couch riding with him. That is a lot of mojo for one pair of cleats. Micah 7:7.