Explosive ad-lib by Leary and Davis was well-rehearsed

It looked like Devin Leary and Ray Davis were flying by the seat of their pants when they turned a busted play into the most explosive and unlikely touchdown of the young Kentucky football season. It’s actually something they’ve been preparing for since they arrived in Lexington.

“We talked about it actually the first day we moved in,” the Kentucky running back recalled after the 35-3 win over Akron.

“We sat in my car and he said, ‘Hey, if there’s some play that breaks down, just try to be somewhere in that void where I can get it to you.’ We showed that kind of in week one when I had that cut-block, got back up and he found me. I showed it today. He was able to evade a sack and make some things happen, be (multi) dimensional in what he can do and he was able to find me. It was all about doing what I can do after the play.”

Davis did not expect to catch the ball on that third and 11. His job was to provide protection and block. Once he chipped a defender he turned around and thought the same thing that went through the minds of many fans.

“I thought he got sacked,” said Davis.

58 YARDS! 🏃‍♂️💨@UKFootball x 📺 ESPNU pic.twitter.com/5I2bmKBVhI

— Southeastern Conference (@SEC) September 17, 2023

Despite the pressure in his face, Leary never wavered. The Kentucky quarterback kept his eyes downfield until he found Davis in the flat.

“The biggest thing that I always try to do is see through the rush, whether I’m dropping in a regular drop-back or there’s a certain type of pressure coming in, making sure I’m still seeing through the rush down the field at my receivers,” said Leary. “The minute you look at the rush or you look at what’s in front of you, you screw yourself over a little bit because your targets are down the field.”

Few expected this target to be an explosive pass-catcher. Most knew Ray Davis as a physical runner in-between the tackles. Through three games he has nine receptions for 143 yards and two touchdowns. He’s willing to do that and so much more to ensure the Wildcats have a successful season.

“(I’ll) Do what I gotta do to put us in positions to win, if that’s running or catching the ball, that’s what it’s gotta be,” said Davis.

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