Devin Leary shares why Kentucky stood out to him after transfer

When a quarterback such as Devin Leary decides to leave NC State, teams are going to come knocking. According to the On3 transfer portal rankings, he was the No. 2 ranked QB to enter this cycle, having a pool of programs to pick for.

Leary took his time and ultimately decided to play in the SEC with head coach Mark Stoops and the Kentucky Wildcats. While there were no finalists for the transfer, Leary said his phone was ringing off the hook with interest.

“To be honest with you, it was about every school from every conference,” Leary said. “So, I can’t really say it was a top five or anything.”

Knowing this could be his final season of college football, Leary made sure the circumstances were right before making a commitment. Making sure he was surrounded by talent was a big factor, as was making sure a new offensive system was not being thrown into his face.

“My biggest thing was making sure I had the right personnel around me,” Leary said. “Making sure I had a collaborative relationship with the offensive coordinator and head coach. Thirdly, the scheme of offense. Making sure it’s not too crazy different from what I am used to. But at the same time, helping me get to the next level and helping me succeed.”

All three of those things were checked off by Kentucky, even with the offensive coordinator role being vacant at the time. Stoops played a big part in the decision for Leary, saying there is trust between the two. If Leary feels that way before ever stepping onto the field, the partnership will blossom on Saturdays in the fall.

“Kentucky checked off every single box,” Leary said. “Originally, Coach Cohen, he wasn’t here. I didn’t really know who was going to be the coordinator but I just trusted Coach Stoops. He’s a player’s coach. Whatever he told me through recruiting, it all came true. So, I am happy to be here.”

Leary appeared in 12 games last season with NC State, completing 65.7% of his throws. He added on 3,433 yards, 35 touchdowns, and just five interceptions in an impressive year with the Wolfpack.

Will Levis is off to the NFL, leaving the starting role wide open for Leary. At the very least, Kentucky will be getting someone with serious experience into the program as they look to get over the hump in the SEC East.