After 3 years as a member of the Rutgers Scarlett Knights, quarterback Gavin Wimsatt is facing a new challenge — integrating himself into the University of Kentucky’s QB room.
“It’s definitely nerve-wracking, being the new guy,” Wimsatt said. “Especially after I haven’t been the new guy in quite some time. They made me feel at home. They brought me right in and made me feel very comfortable. Great job of those guys and I thank them for that.”
A year ago, Wimsatt was the starting quarterback at Rutgers, but after the team announced Minnesota transfer Athan Kaliakmanis would be the 2024 starting signal caller, Wimsatt entered the portal. A week later he committed to Kentucky, a homecoming of sorts for the 20-year-old. While he called his decision to transfer one of the hardest of his life, he’s looking forward to once again playing in front of his friends and family.
“I’m glad for it to happen this way,” Wimsatt said. “To come back home and getting to play in front of my friends and family after being up north for so many years, it’s just exciting getting to be closer to my community. I can help out with stuff and be more of an impact from here.”
Having only been back in Kentucky for approximately 3 months, Wimsatt has already made his presence felt in his community. For example, he helped out early in the summer at Owensboro’s fifth annual Bless the Block, a neighborhood-wide Vacation Bible School held on 5th Street.
Hosted by Justin and Rebecca Kline, the event is open to everyone in the community, but geared toward younger kids. Featured speakers also referred to as “local heroes” are a key part of the event, in which Wimsatt participated this year.
But that isn’t the only way he’s recently reintegrated himself into his hometown community.
“I just went back this past weekend and did a backpack drive for Breaking the Cycle,” Wimsatt said.
While Wimsatt readies himself for his first season as a Wildcat, the question arises, what happened at Rutgers?
An Up and Down 3 Years
Seven seconds on the clock was all that separated quarterback Wimsatt and the Scarlett Knights from the program’s first Bowl win in a decade. After a quick knee to secure the victory, Wimsatt started skipping toward the sidelines as his teammates streamed onto the field — quickly treating head coach Greg Schiano to a celebratory Gatorade shower.
A couple of minutes later standing on the stage, Wimsatt absorbed his surroundings — his teammates changing into their Pinstripe Bowl victory shirts, the falling confetti starting to consume the stadium, the trophy being passed around.
The 20-year-old was filled with immense joy, feeding off of the buzzing excitement from his teammates. And why not? This was the team’s first winning season since 2014, dating back to when Kyle Flood was still the head coach.
Despite the massive win, Schiano and company weren’t completely satisfied with the QB position. During his three years at Rutgers, Wimsatt flashed his elite running ability, rushing for 628 yards and 11 TDs across 25 games, but it was his arm that at times raised concerns. While rushing for two touchdowns in their Bowl win over Miami, he only completed seven of his 15 pass attempts for 84 yards.
Last year Wimsatt threw for 1,735 yards, nine touchdowns, and eight interceptions, while only completing 47.8% of his passes. He struggled with inaccuracy, leading to Rutgers deciding to try something new.
Yet, a change of scenery may be exactly what the duel threat needs to unlock his full potential. Kentucky’s coaching staff is thrilled at their new addition, with the “Wildcat” formation a very likely possibility.
“We are only two to three practices in, but I think we’re gonna utilize him in a lot of those Wildcat-type situations at the very least,” offensive coordinator and QB coach Bush Hamdan said. “In the SEC, if you have the opportunity to acquire talent, you have to do that. He’s a big physical talented player.”
Since arriving, the coaching staff and Wismatt have focused on drills to work on his footwork to help improve his accuracy.
“It’s all about the details and every single thing you do,” Wimsatt said. “About the mental reps and the regular reps that you get. Taking advantage of every single rep.”
With the season less than a month away, Wimsatt has his eyes set on building upon everything he’s accomplished in his career and helping his team win in any way that he can. It also helps that for the first time since high school, he is once again playing in front of his friends and family.
Story by Owensboro Times Sports Writer Max Rayman
