2023 Kentucky Football Position Previews: Quarterback

Kentucky’s fall camp is right around the corner. Before the Cats officially begin the 2023 season in August, KSR is taking a closer look at the roster and analyzing each position group. Personnel, storylines, questions, and one bold prediction will be included.

First up is the most important position in football, the quarterback. Despite losing Will Levis, the highest Kentucky quarterback taken in the NFL Draft since Tim Couch, there are reasons to believe there will not be any drop off, and maybe even improvement, under center this fall. Let’s dive in.

The Starter: Devin Leary

The addition of NC State transfer Devin Leary was the biggest Kentucky football storyline of the offseason. There was more excitement for the new quarterback than the bowl the Cats played in a week after his commitment.

This time a year ago Leary was named preseason ACC Player of the Year, and for good reason. In 2021 he completed 35 touchdowns and only 5 interceptions to lead the Wolf Pack to a 9-3 final record. That included a double overtime victory over ninth-ranked Clemson. An experienced passer, he has 6,807 yards over four seasons and a winning percentage better than .700 as a starter. Devin Leary could become the second straight Kentucky quarterback selected in the NFL Draft.

The Rest of the Quarterback Room

Kentucky’s QB1 is clear, but QB2? That’s a different story.

Destin Wade is the most recent quarterback to start for the Wildcats. Facing the best defense in the nation in his hometown, the true freshman was asked to do everything. Wade accounted for 65% of the offense, but threw a pair of Pick Sixes to the Iowa defense that put the game out of reach for the short-handed Cats.

The story of Kaiya Sheron‘s one start in Will Levis’ absence is similar. Rich Scangarello dialed up a trick play on the opening snap. It resulted in a turnover that resulted in a South Carolina touchdown one play later. The Kentucky offense played from behind the entire night and the sophomore from Somerset completed 15-of-27 passes for 178 yards, two touchdowns and one interception in the loss to the Gamecocks.

It’s impossible to judge either player from their brief time in the spotlight. It’s Liam Coen’s job to determine in practice who will be next up if Devin Leary goes down with an injury. Two other walk-on transfers may also get a shot, Deuce Hogan from Iowa and Shane Hamm from Dayton. It feels like Coen prefers Sheron at this point, but Wade may have a higher long-term ceiling. No offense, but hopefully the BBN doesn’t need either to start a game this fall.

One Big Question: The Health of Devin Leary

Speaking of injuries, there’s really only one concern with Devin Leary: Can he stay healthy enough to play? Two of his last three seasons were ended early by injuries. The messaging from Leary’s camp has been clear — each was a rare, freak injury — but that will not simply remove the “injury-prone” label.

In addition to the quarterback’s injuries, Kentucky’s offensive line gave us 46 reasons to be concerned. That’s how many sacks they allowed in 2022. No other Power Five program allowed more.

This offseason Kentucky upgraded the offensive line in the transfer portal by adding two offensive tackles that excel in pass pro, Marques Cox and Courtland Ford. It allowed the Big Blue Wall to slide around a few players, all while simplifying the scheme. On paper, the adjustments appear to be enough to keep Devin Leary on his feet, but one more freak injury can completely change the season’s outlook.

Key Storyline: Better than Will Levis?

Devin Leary will often be compared to his predecessor, even though they are totally different players. Will Levis is a 6-foot-4, 230-pound quarterback that was primarily a reserve, run-first option before transferring from Penn State. His strengths were a big arm and raw athleticism. The way Devin Leary was described by his coach at SEC Media Days could not have been more different.

“I love the command that he has and he can make all the throws,” Mark Stoops said. “He has his great touch. Hopefully, he’ll make really good quick decisions and we’ll do a better job and put them in a position to be successful.”

“Command, ball placement and a slow processor” were the biggest knocks on Levis during the pre-Draft process. They’re Leary’s greatest strengths. Additionally, Leary has the play-caller that made Levis an NFL Draft prospect. It’s going to look different with Leary under center, particularly in quick RPOs, or as he scrambles to extend plays, but does that mean it will lead to more production? Let’s make a bold prediction.

One Bold Prediction: First Team All-SEC Season

Unlike a year ago when Bryce Young was the reigning Heisman Trophy winner, there’s a power vacuum at the quarterback position across the SEC. Joe Milton has the tools in an offense that can put up big numbers, but that big arm could also lead to plenty of big interceptions. KJ Jefferson and Jayden Daniels can each make plays with their arms and legs, but can they stay healthy and keep their respective teams toward the top of the SEC West?

If Devin Leary replicates his production from 2021, there’s no doubt he will be an All-SEC selection. With the help of Liam Coen and a deep group of pass-catchers, it’s possible. The ceiling is high for the Cats if Leary is on his A-game, posting big numbers and pulling off high-profile upsets. It’s all on the table for Kentucky in 2023 with a new quarterback and proven play-caller on the headset.