Devin Leary Has Yet to Play at UK But He is on Maxwell Award Watch List

Vicky Graff Photo

It is almost too good to be true that Kentucky really does seem to have hit the quarterback jackpot again in the transfer portal.

Two years ago it was Will Levis, a relative unknown, coming to UK from Penn State and leading the Cats to 17 wins in two years. He’s now playing in the NFL for the Tennessee Titans — where he had a terrific practice on Monday — after being picked in the second round of the recent NFL draft.

But now North Carolina State transfer Devin Leary is at Kentucky and has been named to the watch list for the Maxwell Award given to the college player of the year. Considering he has just transferred after missing most of last season with an injury, seeing Leary on that list tells you the amount of national respect he has.

The New Jersey native completed 568 of 944 passes for 6,807 yards and 62 touchdowns at North Carolina State. He was 17-9 overall — similar to Levis’ mark at UK — and completed 60 percent of his passes for the Wolfpack.

North Carolina State was 5-1 and a top 15 team last year before Leary suffered a season-ending injury.

“Getting him out of the transfer portal from NC State, a proven player, a guy when healthy played and participated at the highest level and had great consistency was very big for us,” Kentucky coach Mark Stoops said. “Very excited about Devin.”

Stoops said likes the way Leary competes at a high level at all times.

“I love the way he goes to work. He has a lot of confidence. He has a chip on his shoulder, which I like,” Stoops said. “Obviously for him, getting his season cut short a year ago with injury didn’t sit well with him. So he’s very anxious to get out there and lead.

“I feel like just the mindset that he has, a tough kid and a Jersey kid, and the way he grew up, he fits right in with our culture. And he’s been extremely accurate. He’s one of those guys that maybe a year ago at times would completely wow you with his arm ability and the strength that he has.

“Devin is the type of guy that can make all the throws, but he’ll also put it in some spots or throw it and layer it in some spots that will wow you. Been impressed, and excited to see him continue to grow.”