Devin Leary reacts to Mark Stoops saying Kentucky has no leader

Kentucky Wildcats head coach Mark Stoops was not thrilled with the effort his team gave in practice recently. On Saturday, the Wildcats head man went as far as to say that his team was “entitled,” and currently, the team has no leaders on the roster. A statement like that could rub some players wrong, but not Devin Leary.

Following Saturday’s practice, Leary, who played quarterback last season for NC State, gave his thoughts on what Stoops had to say, and explained why everyone took it personally but not in a bad way.

“I think it’s personal to the whole team. I mean, coach Stoops is challenging us, that we need to step it up,” said Leary. “What he’s seeing out there is not good enough. And like I said, I’m a new guy, but at the same time, I still need to emerge. And I still need to step it up for everyone.

“Guys walk away after a practice like that, and after the way coach Stoops dismissed us, kind of pissed off in a way. You know, we gotta be better. The older guys are telling, the younger guys, ‘Hey, we gotta step it up.’ And the younger guys that are playing are saying the same thing; hey, we all need to get on the same page. So, I think, in a way, everyone took it personally.”

Leary doesn’t appear to be too concerned with Stoops’ statement outside of making sure it doesn’t need to be stated again. He just transferred into the program shortly after the end of last season in hopes of taking over for likely top-five pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, Will Levis. For Leary, just being a quarterback does not automatically make you a leader. During spring ball, he is not only trying to learn the Wildcats’ offense, but he’s also out to prove that he is worthy of leading them on the field next season.

Kentucky looking to avoid a mid-season slump like in 2022

Kentucky did not have the season that they envisioned in 2023. The Wildcats started the season strong with four straight wins, including a Week 2 victory over the then 12-ranked Florida Gators. Unfortunately, things began to unravel once Kentucky climbed up to No. 7 in the nation. The Wildcats went 1-3 in October, losing back-to-back games to Ole Miss and South Carolina. Then proceeded to lose to rival Tennessee in a 44-6 blowout in Knoxville to end the month.

The players remaining on the roster from last season are fully aware of not only the struggles they had in October but also in their bowl game. Kentucky went up against Iowa in the Music City Bowl and proceeded to get shut out to the tune of 21-0. Clearly, Stoops does not want a repeat of the second half of last season. And if it means challenging some of his players, the Kentucky headman will do what is needed to get the best out of them. It’s a good thing Leary is aware of what he’s trying to do and is willing to take the challenge head-on.