Physicality has earned Levi Wentz the title of Kansas’ ‘bouncer’
Levi Wentz is a big-bodied receiver, listed at 6-foot-2 and 210 pounds. His stature and physical play style has earned a title from wide receivers coach Terry Samuel – the bouncer.
“He’s my bouncer right now,” Samuel said. “If it gets rowdy, I’m getting Levi to go throw some guys out the bar.”
Wentz didn’t start playing wide receiver until 2022 at Old Dominion before spending two seasons at Albany, tallying 40 catches for 621 yards in 2024. The two-star defensive back out of high school lends his physical nature as a wideout to his background on the other side of the ball.
“I’m not afraid to get my hands dirty,” Wentz said. “I come from a defensive background, so I’m used to all the bumping, head bumping, and just getting down and dirty. So I think [the bouncer’s] a pretty accurate description. That sounds like something [Samuel] would say.”
The physicality can set the tone for Kansas’ offense. Samuel said Wentz is a physical route-runner and willing to “crack a linebacker, a safety, or whomever” in the blocking game.
“He’s so physical. That’s his thing,” Samuel said. “He’s a physical guy. He runs his routes physical. He can set tone for us on offense with just how physical he is, and we need that.”
Wentz has more skills than just physicality
Levi Wentz isn’t just a bruiser. Samuel said he has more speed than you might give him credit for and the ability to take the top off the defense. While only having played receiver for three years, Wentz is starting to blossom and looking to use his skillset in a variety of ways.
“I think with my ability to stretch the field and go deep and be physical and go make a play, not only in the pass game going up and getting the ball, but in the run game, just mugging guys up and trying to create some spring blocks for guys—I think that should translate well into the offense,” Wentz said. “And I’m gonna just do my job and let the chips fall where they may.”
Football is the last thing on Wentz’ mind before he falls asleep every night. He’s about to enter his final season of college football and has a big sense of urgency to make it count, for himself and for Kansas.
“This is all I think about 24/7. When I’m laying my head on my pillow, I’m like, all right, can’t wait to get to tomorrow and get back to it,” Wentz said. “So with this being my last year, I’m just trying to make the most of every opportunity. Excited for the upcoming season and what it can do for not only myself but the whole program. I think this program is trending in an upward direction, and I’m just thankful to be a part of it.”
