Devin Leary Can End his Career with a Second Win over Clemson
The college career of Devin Leary has taken many twists and turns. The winding road has led him to familiar territory for the final game of his career against Clemson in the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl.
The Super Senior from Sicklerville, New Jersey started his career at NC State. During his time with the Wolf Pack the quarterback played Clemson three times. His lone win was in 2021, a 27-21 double overtime victory. He threw for 238 yards and four touchdowns in the win, including a beautiful game-winner into double coverage. That experience could come in hand Friday afternoon.
“You got to start fast. You got to not hurt yourselves with any kind of self-inflicted penalties,” Leary said Thursday afternoon.
“It’s going to be a four-quarter game. We know that. They’re going to come out here and be well-prepared, like we will be. At the end of the day, all four quarters is what it’s going to take to win this game.”
Devin Leary Against Familiar Foes
Lightning has struck multiple times for the Kentucky quarterback this fall. During his lengthy career as a starting QB in the ACC, he faced two previous foes this fall with the Wildcats. Kentucky won both games.
He avenged a 2021 loss at Mississippi State by throwing for 156 yards and two touchdowns in Starkville before leaving the game with an injury. He went 1-1 against Louisville during his time at NC State. Then threw for 206 yards, three touchdowns and 1 interception in a Governor’s Cup win over the Cards. Leary believes his experience against Clemson will pay dividends in the Gator Bowl.
“I think it definitely helps. We know that they’re going to come in a hard-nosed team, well-disciplined. Coach Swinney does a good job with them every single year. Like you said, I’ll be able to give some keys to our players of what type of team this is, how we need to approach it with a focused mindset.”
Leary added, “We knew that every single time we were going to face them, if you have one minor mistake or if you didn’t do your job to a detailed manner, they were going to take advantage of it.
“Coach Swinney does a great job year in, year out to have those guys prepared. Even with a couple guys that have opted out on the team, we know the next man up are going to come to play as well.”
Finally, A Chance to Play in a Bowl Game
Leary has made four trips to bowl games. He’s even been to the Gator Bowl, yet he’s never actually put on pads and played in a postseason football game. The last time he was in Jacksonville, Kentucky bullied the Wolf Pack into submission. Now he gets the chance to end his career by suiting up for the Wildcats in a game. A storybook ending awaits.
“It’s just crazy how everything is coming full circle. I do remember being here last time, Kentucky kind of whooping up on us. It’s going to be good to be on this side of the ball,” he laughed.
“But honestly, I’m just thankful and very grateful for everything that I’ve been through in my journey to finally go out and end on a good note, to finally be able to play to end the season. For me, last time strapping up in this uniform, going to give it all I got, just like my teammates. I’m just glad to go out there to war with all my brothers.”
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