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No Kentucky quarterback will ever replace Tim Couch as No. 1 on Anthony White’s ranking of UK quarterbacks or in his heart because he “went to war” with Couch at UK.
White ran for 1,758 yards and 11 touchdowns from 1997-99 and averaged 4.8 yards per carry and still ranks 13th on UK’s all-time rushing list. During those three years with Couch and Dusty Bonner at quarterback, he caught 194 passes for 1,520 yards and eight scores while averaging 7.8 yards per catch. White is ninth on UK’s all-time career receiving yardage list. White’s 78 catches in 1998 are the fourth-best mark at UK behind James Whalen (90), Craig Yeast (85) and Randall Cobb (84). Cobb is also in the Hall of Fame.
White left UK with 3,278 yards rushing and receiving — an average of 5.9 yards on the 558 touches he had — and 19 touchdowns.
However, White does think new UK quarterback Devin Leary could become “one of the best” quarterbacks ever at Kentucky.
“I think he is going to put himself up there as one of the best. He’s only going to have one year (at Kentucky) but if they can keep him clean he can throw the deep ball, short ball. He has touch,” White said. “When running backs can catch the ball it is because a quarterback throws that five- to seven- yard route well.
“I also like the way he processes trouble and gets the ball out of his hands. Devin will feel pressure and get rid of the ball. Will (Levis) would leave the pocket and run out of bounds or take a hit. Devin won’t do that as much.”
White anticipates Leary sticking in the pocket much like Couch and former UK quarterback Andre Woodson both did and would get rid of the ball before taking a sack.
“With Tim knew he would throw it to somebody. Our fight was to make sure you were open so you would be that somebody,” White said. “We would have conversations about why did Tim throw to you. I would say, ‘I got open quicker.’
“If you are not open, Devin will find somebody who is. That is where the attitude changes. He can make every throw and when your turn comes you better be open so he will give it to you. That pushes everybody to run better routes.”
One Response
Couch is the best QB to date if you dismiss Derrick Ramsey. Different era, different offense, for sure. Art Still and Ramsey’s team got it done though in the win column. Loved Coach Curci. Who could ever forget that UK team and what they accomplished in 1977, 10-1, undefeated in the SEC, finishing 6th in the nation.
Leary has it to do, but he sure is looking like he could become a record book threat with all the skill players UK has on this team now, and the talent he has, and the talent he has to throw to, including RB’s and TE’s. From what I have seen and heard, his stats at NC State, etc. Leary should put some big numbers in the Kentucky record book in 23. That said, I want wins. Minimum 9. If UK can beat UT in Lexington, this year, decisively, Leary will be remembered as a great UK QB for years to come. Win 10 or more, maybe the greatest QB ever.