Mark Stoops details ‘ah-ha moments’ from Devin Leary during spring

Kentucky Wildcats head coach Mark Stoops brought in one of the top talents in the transfer portal this offseason, former NC State quarterback Devin Leary. Leary enters the Wildcats program as the replacement for Will Levis, who left for the NFL and is now a member of the Tennessee Titans.

The new Kentucky signal-caller has impressed both his teammates and the coaches in the offseason, quickly picking up the playbook and calls for the offense. But was there a moment for Stoops when he knew Leary was the right man for the job?

According to the Wildcats headman, he did have an ‘ah-ha moment’ and revealed what it was at the SEC football media days.

“I think there was obviously some ah-ha moments, like with just ball placement and the way he throws it; and (he’s) just a good football player. And that’s going to happen whether it’s the quarterback or any other position. You’re going to have some moments if they’re very talented and very good players. They’re going to have some flash plays. But I like his approach. I love the way he handles himself (and) the command that he has,” said Stoops.

As Leary continues to get more comfortable in Stoops’ offense, he’s continued to show why he was one of the top quarterbacks in the transfer portal this offseason. And that is a welcomed sign for the Wildcats, who are looking to remain one of the top teams in the SEC East this season and challenge Georgia for the conference crown.

Stoop on Levis’s criticism

Stoop also discussed the past and had some choice words on the criticism surrounding last year’s starting quarterback Will Levis, based on his stats. According to him, although the criticism was about Levis, he took it personally.

“Well, I mean, obviously, that bothers me because I’m the head coach. And if we put him in a position, that’s not what we’re looking to do,” said Stoops. “So, if you’re just asking me personally, I mean, of course, it doesn’t make you feel good; you want to help all your players. and help them in any way that we can. So that’s something that maybe some people may believe in, and some people may not.”

Many believed that Kentucky was primed for a huge season in 2022 following their 10-3 record in 2021, thanks to Levis’ stellar play at quarterback. He finished the season completing 66 percent of his pass attempts while throwing for 2826 yards, 24 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions. Unfortunately, thanks to multiple injuries (shoulder, finger, foot), Levis and the Wildcats were unable to recapture the success they had in 2021.