Devin Leary, NC State Quarterback, Expected to Transfer to Kentucky

Kentucky has found its next quarterback. The top-ranked pocket passer in the transfer portal is following the same path Will Levis took to the NFL Draft. On3’s Matt Zenitz reports Devin Leary is expected to transfer from N.C. State to Kentucky. He has one year of eligibility remaining.

Former NC State star QB Devin Leary is expected to transfer to Kentucky, sources tell @on3sports.

In 2021, Leary was the only QB nationally with at least 35 TD passes and five or fewer interceptions.https://t.co/Tw3Avhpfug

— Matt Zenitz (@mzenitz) December 20, 2022

Devin Leary confirmed the news with On3’s Hayes Fawcett, who shared the following mock up of what the quarterback will look like in Kentucky Blue.

BREAKING: Former NC State QB Devin Leary tells me he has officially Committed to Kentucky!

The 6’2 215 QB is ranked as the No. 3 Player in the Transfer Portal Rankings (No. 1 QB)https://t.co/U7u1XDA9hn pic.twitter.com/hjSewPkbXE

— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) December 20, 2022

Leary reached a decision shortly after officially visiting Lexington this week. He was the only quarterback the Cats hosted from the transfer portal this offseason.

Kentucky’s top choice at quarterback was Preseason ACC Player of the Year this summer after throwing for 3,433 yards, 35 touchdowns and only five interceptions in 2021. That potential was never reached thanks to a season-ending injury, his second in three years. He suffered a torn right pectoral muscle six games into the 2022 season. The Leary camp is optimistic he can return to action in March in time for spring practice.

Devin Leary was a Top 350 recruit when he signed with N.C. State in 2018. He finished his prep career as New Jersey’s all-time leader in passing yards (9,672) and passing touchdowns (117). He played his way into a starting role in 2019 and during three seasons as the primary signal caller N.C. State had a 17-4 record. Leary has completed 60.2% of his career passes for 6,807 yards (7.2 yards per attempt), 62 touchdowns and only 16 interceptions.

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Devin Leary Scouting Report

Of all the potential additions under center, you’ll be hard-pressed to find one with a higher floor than Devin Leary. Once he gets into a rhythm, Leary will fit passes into tight windows. An efficient, accurate thrower, Leary can quickly spread the ball around the field, moving from read to read to deliver the ball to his playmakers. Those will not be in short supply while he’s in Lexington. Kentucky’s next quarterback probably does not have enough arm strength to over-throw Barion Brown, but he has shown accuracy on deep balls.

Unlike his predecessor, do not expect Devin Leary to be a playmaker with his legs. He can scramble to extend plays, but designed runs are not his forte. Protecting Leary is imperative. Even though a broken leg and a torn pec are freak injuries, durability is an issue. For Devin Leary to reach his potential, Kentucky must keep consistently keep him clean in the pocket. What is his ceiling? If he stays healthy, ESPN believes he is a Heisman contender in 2023.