Devin Leary appears on Maxwell Award Watchlist

Expectations are high for NC State quarterback transfer Devin Leary at Kentucky. With proven results, the super senior the type of player that will be a popular man during watchlist season.

The preseason award circuit got started on Monday when the Maxwell Award published its official watchlist for the 2023 season. Leary was one of 84 college football players to make the list.

The Maxwell Football Club announced its watch list for the 87th Maxwell Award presented annually to the outstanding player in college football. #MaxwellFootball #MaxwellAward

🔗: https://t.co/WLP97tKb4b

Check out the full list here ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/PgLosFbnJY

— Maxwell Football (@MaxwellFootball) July 31, 2023

The Maxwell Award has been presented to the College Player of the Year since 1937 and is named in honor of Robert “Tiny” Maxwell. Former winners include Caleb Williams, Bryce Young, DeVonta Smith, Joe Burrow, and Tua Tagovailoa.

Leary arrives at Kentucky after a five-year stay in the ACC. The class of 2018 signee was a four-year starter for NC State head coach Dave Doeren. A former four-star recruit, Leary threw for 6,807 yards and 62 touchdowns during his time spent in Raleigh. After an injury cut his redshirt senior season short, the high-profile QB transfer is looking to have another breakout season before entering the NFL Draft.

With offensive coordinator Liam Coen returning and some talented young wideouts and tight ends on Kentucky’s roster, the pieces are there for this offense to have a major bounce back season. The hope is that Leary can be the distributor the Wildcats need.

A run at SEC Offensive Player of the Year could even be in the cards for the veteran quarterback who has played high-level football when healthy throughout his collegiate career.