Dane Key ponders difference of catching passes from Devin Leary vs. Will Levis

From afar, we’re all going to notice differences, big and small, when it comes to Kentucky’s quarterback spot next season. While Will Levis and Devin Leary are similar in some aspects, it’s still going to be different enough that plenty of people, especially their teammates, are going to tell there’s a contrast.

If you want to know what that difference feels like, though, you’ll have to ask someone else besides UK wide receiver Dane Key.

When speaking about any discrepancies between the two following the Wildcat’s Open Practice on Friday, he said he didn’t want to focus on differences because, in his mind, there really aren’t that many. Instead, he just appreciates both of them for making his life easier as a receiver.

“There’s not really much. They’re both big-time players. So both of them would put it on me where I need to catch it,” Key said to the media. “Both of them would give me opportunities to go make a play. So I can’t really think about what the difference is rather than they both just give me opportunities to go make a play.”

Key spent one year with Levis as he caught 37 of his 185 completions in 2022. He hauled in 519 passing yards from Levis as well while also leading the Wildcats in receiving touchdowns with six.

Now, he has to pick up the tendencies of his new quarterback in Leary. In some ways, that process should go smoothly considering Key is now working with a quarterback who’s heading into his sixth season of college football. However, it’s going to take some more work to get accustomed to Leary as they transition him into their offense.

Again, while comparing Levis and Leary isn’t exactly apples to apples, there are still enough similarities there to make life easier for players like Key. That’s why, for now, he is just grateful for the opportunity to catch passes from both during his time as an underclassman.

Mark Stoops recaps Kentucky’s Open Practice

Kentucky head coach Mark Stoops was not a happy man last weekend. That tune changed following Kentucky’s scrimmage in front of fans on Saturday. However, the weather certainly impacted things.

With winds registering at 25 mph to start practice with gusts coming in at a faster rate of speed, throwing the ball and kicking the ball was somewhat difficult on Saturday. Those conditions limited what Kentucky could during their ninth spring practice.

“Pretty tough day to see exactly what we have with that wind blowing the way it was. That makes it difficult to get the ball down the field,” Stoops told reporters. “(Leary) got some completions. I thought we started fast. I thought Devin Leary looked good on the RPOs, quick game.”

The weather made things somewhat difficult. Still, the defense made numerous plays throughout the scrimmage and fans brought some juice to the practice field. Big cheers could be heard throughout the afternoon and that made an impact. Stoops and his players were glad to hear it.

“It was great to see a big crowd out there,” Stoops said.