Devin Leary transfer decision 'no-brainer' due to Wildcats offensive weapons

Many would agree that Barion Brown and Dane Key were one of the most dynamic true freshman wideout pairings in the country last season. Their success at Kentucky didn’t go unnoticed.

When Devin Leary left NC State to enter the transfer portal, he had a good idea of the accommodations he’d be getting if he committed to Mark Stoops. He revealed to On3‘s Andy Staples how much preparation ultimately went into that decision.

“[I was] very aware, honestly,” Leary told Staples. “That’s kind of what I saw saying when I entered the portal. You want to have a plan, to make sure that you do your homework. Obviously, seeing guys like Dane Key and Barion Brown on the film, Tayvion Robinson as well. They just stand out to you.

“As a quarterback, that’s really what you want to do. You have to be a point guard — you have to distribute the ball to your playmakers on the perimeter. What they’ve done last year, especially Dane and Barion at such a young age. It’s very promising to a quarterback. … It was a no-brainer.”

As a trio, Brown, Key and Robinson combined for 1,644 of former quarterback Will Levis’ 2,406 passing yards and 13 of his 19 touchdowns in 2022. They’re all three, if healthy, expected to produce greater numbers with transfer Leary under center.

Individually, Brown finished as Kentucky’s leading receiver, hauling in 50 catches for 628 yards and four touchdowns. Key was not too far behind, having 519 yards on 37 receptions, though he was the team’s top touchdown scorer with six receiving scores.

Offensive coordinator Liam Coen — who was also an attractive draw for Leary to come to UK — recently called for Robinson to step up and be a “consistent, tough, physical and be a leader.” Last season, Robinson looked to be the Wildcats’ WR1 after breaking hot out of the gates with six receptions for 136 yards in the season opener against Miami (OH).

That ultimately wasn’t the case, as he finished as the team’s third option out wide. His potential remains entering the 2023 season.

Leary will kick off his Kentucky career at home inside Kroger Field on Sept. 2 against Ball State. The SEC Network will share the national broadcast, and UK heads into the matchup as 26.5-point favorites, according to Caesars Sportsbook. Kentucky’s first real test will be on Sept. 30 against Florida during Week 5 after matchups against EKU, Akron and Vanderbilt, respectively,