Devin Leary is near "full go" for Kentucky's spring practice

NC State transfer Devin Leary has been on campus at the University of Kentucky since January preparing for his final collegiate season. Luckily, UK will get their expected QB1 on the field soon.

Leary suffered a torn pectoral injury during NC State’s Week 6 home win over Florida State last season. The star quarterback would then miss the final seven games for the Wolfpack before entering the transfer portal. Kentucky added the transfer in hopes that Leary could participate in spring ball.

All signs now point to that happening. Kentucky head coach Mark Stoops spoke with ESPN’s Heather Dinich and confirmed that Leary is on track to return for spring practice.

“He’s close to full go,” Stoops told ESPN.

Leary is now officially ready to compete with Deuce Hogan, Kaiya Sheron, and Destin Wade for QB1 honors under offensive coordinator Liam Coen. However, the ACC transfer is the heavy favorite after throwing for 6,807 yards over four years with NC State.

“I’m very excited about the [quarterbacks] room and the guys we had here and their progression, and then obviously adding a guy like Devin and the experience he has,” Stoops said. “I think we addressed some areas at the offensive line to help us, and at the receiver position as well having some guys with more experience, but I think Devin is much like Will [Levis] in that he has the physical attributes you’re looking for, but also has the leadership qualities.”

Kentucky will look to Leary to lead the offense in 2023. On tape, the transfer has shown the arm talent to stretch the field vertically and the passing game will be very important for the Wildcats. UK has some unknown parts on the offensive line and at tailback that could take some time to gel. That means the passing game could have to carry the load early.

Some important early prep work will occur in the 15 practices during spring camp as the offense moves away from a disappointing 2022 campaign.

“With the league and the schedule we have, you better just keep your eye on what’s in front of you and trying to improve each and every day,” Stoops said. “Hopefully when the time comes, the pieces fall into place and you could make a nice run, but you really can’t have a great year until you string some good days together.”

Mark Stoops is scheduled to meet with reporters on Monday, March 6 for a press conference before spring practices begin. Football is coming, and Kentucky is looking for their new QB1 to achieve some big things this fall.