Mark Stoops points to need to protect Devin Leary, create balance

Devin Leary has been a vital addition to Kentucky’s program. With Will Levis heading off to the NFL, he will make the quarterback transition much easier in Lexington considering his experience and skill level. However, considering what he brings to the table, Mark Stoops says the Wildcats need to elevate across the board to match Leary.

Stoops addressed the scenarios around Leary during his press conference at the end of UK’s final spring practice on Wednesday. First, he explained how his next quarterback has met every expectation so far and how valuable he has already been early on for their team.

“You could just watch the film and see his ability and how good he is. Coming in here? I’ve been impressed but I don’t know about surprised,” Stoops said. “Devin has been a great addition in a spot where we needed somebody right now with that kind of experience.”

After that, Stoops continued on to discuss how the team as a whole has to reach his level. That’s specifically true of an offense that struggled mightily last year. Considering what Leary can do for them, he says Kentucky has to get things straight so that he can be the best cog that he can possibly be within their machine.

“We have to be better around him. We’ve got to continue to really work hard. Put things together, give him the protection. Get back to having a balanced attack and keep people off balance,” said Stoops. “We’re gonna improve, we’re gonna improve. I feel very confident that we’ll improve. We own the areas where we fell short and that’s on a lot of people. And I feel like we’re addressing those things.”

Leary has brought quite the resume with him to the bluegrass. It features over 6,800 passing yards and 62 touchdowns in 30 collegiate games while at NC State. Now, with him leading them, Kentucky is going to have to do all the right things to help him be as effective as he can be.

For now, Leary is still feeling out his place at UK considering he’s still relatively new on campus. Still, by the fall, Stoops says all the Wildcats need to be at their best so that everything can run smoothly once Leary gets going.