Devin Leary will be '100 percent' for Alabama

Kentucky starting quarterback Devin Leary was pulled from the 24-3 win against Mississippi State early. The super senior was spotted going into the injury tent twice during the victory at Davis-Wade Stadium. After the game, both head coach Mark Stoops and offensive coordinator Liam Coen reported that Leary got something in his eye and was having some blurred vision. On Monday, we heard more of the same from Stoops.

On Tuesday, Kentucky cleared up the issue. Coen confirmed that Leary is practicing and will be out there taking snaps with the starting offense when Kentucky hosts No. 8 Alabama on Saturday afternoon.

Leary also met with reporters on Tuesday. The former NC State transfer who now has 8,712 passing yards and 86 total touchdowns in his collegiate career is fully healthy and ready to help the Wildcats (6-3, 3-3) take a swing at the Crimson Tide (8-1, 6-0).

“I’m good to go,” Leary told KSR. “Just got a little bit banged up but feel really good now and 100 percent for this week.”

The quarterback confirmed that he went through a protocol on Sunday but is now full go. Kentucky will be all hands on deck on offense for Senior Day.

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Devin Leary is “slippery” in the pocket

Despite facing a very effective pass rush against Mississippi State, Devin Leary only took one sack on Saturday. Throughout the season, Leary has been able to shake off potential sacks and keep plays alive with his legs. His best sack avoidance performance likely occurred last week.

Offensive coordinator Liam Coen doesn’t really know how Leary is able to do it. Kentucky’s play-caller called his quarterback “slippery” in the pocket and believes No. 13 has a knack for being able to shake off rushers.

“He’s played a lot of football. He knows how to use leverage and momentum against people. Where he’s got a rusher coming, and he knows how to utilize their momentum and his to be able to push them off,” Coen said. “He’s a little bit stronger than I think people give him credit for. Especially in his lower half.”

For Leary, the veteran quarter credits his play extension to learning early in his football career how to see through defenders due to his size.

“I just try to see through the rush. That’s something that I had to learn at a young age. Whether it’s a d-tackle, linebacker, corner blitzing at you. Being able to see through the rush, keeping your eyes downfield to your receivers, and being able to move your feet to see the throws,” Leary said.

Kentucky will need some more sack avoidance against a dangerous Alabama pass rush on Saturday.