By Keith Taylor
Special to NKyTribune
Playing football at the University of Kentucky was a dream come true for Patrick Towles. He just wishes he could have ended his career as a Wildcat.
Towles announced Sunday that he plans to transfer next season. Towles started Kentucky’s first 10 games before Drew Barker took over after the Wildcats lost five straight games. Towles gave no indication of where he plans to continue his collegiate career.
“I would like to thank the University of Kentucky for giving me the opportunity to achieve my childhood dream of playing quarterback for the Wildcats,” Towles said on his Instagram account Sunday. “The last four years have been ones that I will truly cherish for the rest of my life. Although I wish my time here in Lexington could have ended another way, I’m eternally grateful. I’ve decided to transfer to play my fifth year at another university.”
In his 10 starts this year, Towles, a Fort Thomas Highlands product, threw for 2,077 yards and nine touchdowns. He didn’t play in Kentucky’s 58-10 win over Charlotte, but came in late during Kentucky’s 38-24 loss to Louisville Saturday. He completed 3-of-4 passes for 71 yards and had an interception.
During his career with the Wildcats, Towles threw for 5,099 yards, 24 touchdowns and 24 interceptions.
“I thank Patrick for everything he’s done for our team,” Kentucky coach Mark Stoops said. “I understand his decision and support him. He truly gave everything he had and I wish him nothing but the best.”
Although he’s leaving the program, Towles plans to remain a fan.
“Thank you to coach (Mark) Stoops, coach (Shannon) Dawson, Mitch Barnhart, my teammates, the Big Blue Nation and the entire Kentucky athletics department for allowing me to achieve my lifelong dream,” he said. “I will truly bleed blue ’til the day I die.”
Keith Taylor is a columnist and senior sports writer who covers University of Kentucky athletics for KyForward.com