Eli Cox opens up on Kentucky's quarterback change

Kentucky center Eli Cox has had nearly an entire offseason to build chemistry with transfer quarterback Devin Leary. Taking snaps from the former NC State star on a daily basis, if anyone is familiar with Leary’s game it would be Cox.

The veteran offensive lineman, who blocked for former QB Will Levis for the last two seasons, revealed the difference between the two standouts and what makes Leary unique.

“It’s different, but it’s a lot easier when the quarterback is really talented. Having Will [Levis] and Devin [Leary], they’re extremely talented quarterbacks,” Cox said during SEC Media Days. “Devin is talented in his own way with his accuracy, his touch and his composure. He’s a really talented football player.

“I think he’s just really self-aware of his leadership role that he has to have as a quarterback. I’m excited to have him in. He has fit in really well with the guys.”

Leary comes into the Kentucky program having thrown for 6,807 career passing yards and 67 total touchdowns throughout his four-year career at NC State. He ended up missing the final six games of his senior season but finished with 1,265 yards with 11 touchdown passes and four interceptions hanging up his cleats for the year.

While 2022 didn’t pan out the way he expected, Leary was the Preseason ACC Player of the Year last summer after throwing for 3,433 yards, 35 touchdowns and only five interceptions in 2021. Expectations are only going to be higher in Liam Coen’s offense in the SEC.

It isn’t just on Leary to hold his weight, however. Kentucky’s offensive line has to be improved in 2023 or Leary’s final season of collegiate eligibility will be for nothing. Kentucky’s OL No. 128 out of 131 in the FBS after seeing Levis get sacked 36 times in 2022. He was sacked 11.80 percent of the times he dropped back in the pocket last season and UK finished the year 7-6 after beginning the season 4-0 and seeing themselves ranked as high as No. 7 in the AP Poll.

Kentucky returns multiple offensive linemen from last year’s unit, including G’s Kenneth Horsey and Jager Burton, T Jeremy Flax, as well as Eli Cox from last season’s starting lineup, but have acquired the services of T Marques Cox, who allowed just three sacks in over 1,000 snaps for Northern Illinois, and G Ben Christman, a former top 150 recruit per the 2021 On3 Industry Rankings, from the transfer portal to beef up their lineup.

Improvement from this group is mandatory for Kentucky’s success this season.