Devin Leary delivers message to Kentucky fans ahead of 2023 season

New Kentucky QB Devin Leary was one of the many college quarterbacks who earned the honor of being invited to take part in the Manning Passing Academy in Thibodaux, LA this weekend. Even so, his focus remains back in the bluegrass as he expects big things from his new program this season.

Leary shared a message with Wildcat fans while speaking with reporters at Nicholls State University. He said that Big Blue Nation is in for a ride this season as every member of the team is putting in the effort to help UK achieve what they ultimately want to in 2023.

“Kentucky fans? We’re in for a ride this year. I can’t wait. I’m going to strap up every single week, lay it all on the line,” Leary said. “And, you know, we’re a family. We’re going out there playing as a family behind Coach Stoops.”

“This year, you know, it’s ours for the taking,” said Leary. “We’ve just got to go out there and put the work in.”

Leary arrived in Lexington this offseason after four years at NC State. During his time in Raleigh, he threw for over 6,800 yards and 62 touchdowns. That placed him sixth in Wolfpack history in passing yards as well as fourth in passing touchdowns.

He comes in as the No. 2 QB and the No. 6 player overall from the transfer portal this offseason according to On3’s 2023 Portal Rankings.

As far as Kentucky, they’re coming off a disappointing 7-6 campaign. UK closed the season at 3-6 after starting strong at 4-0. Much of that was due to the offense as injuries to Will Levis, poor offensive line play, and deficient production in the scheme from new OC Rich Scangarello caused more than a few headaches for the Wildcats down the stretch.

However, much of that has been resolved by Stoops and company this offseason. They started by hitting big in the transfer portal, specifically with Leary to replace Levis along with four new offensive lineman. UK also re-hired OC Liam Coen to lead their offense that features several weapons like WRs Barion Brown and Dane Key, new RB Ray Davis, and a deep tight end unit.

Kentucky already has their work cut out for them in a division with the likes of Florida, Georgia, and Tennessee. They’ll also close the season by hosting Alabama before closing on the road at South Carolina and at new-look Louisville. Still, Leary is expecting big things. In turn, he hopes that the blue and white faithful will do the same come the start of the fall.

The Bengal Tiger’s Shea Dixon contributed to this article