According to Saturday Down South, Kentucky quarterback Devin Leary is the top transfer in the Southeastern Conference for the upcoming season.
Leary comes to Kentucky from North Carolina State, where he was a star in 2021 before battling injuries during most of the 2022 season.
New Kentucky running back Ray Davis, a transfer from Vanderbilt, comes in at No. 8 on the list.
Here is an excerpt:
1. Devin Leary, QB, Kentucky
A former All-ACC quarterback and 2022 preseason ACC Player of the Year, Leary transferred to Kentucky after an injury short-circuited his final campaign in Raleigh. He’ll look to recapture the magic of the 2021 season, when he threw for 3,433 yards and program-record 35 touchdowns against a measly 5 interceptions, leading NC State to 9 wins, including a thrilling victory over Clemson where Leary passed for 238 yards and 4 touchdowns.
Leary’s touch is NFL ready, and his accuracy, showcased by a career accuracy of 60%, is remarkable when you consider he’s never had an offensive line grade out among the top 50 in college football, per PFF. If Kentucky blocks for him, the ceiling is special. Even if the Kentucky offensive line is again hit-or-miss, Leary is used to that, and his history suggests his production will exceed that of Will Levis, who despite his tremendous arm talent was too careless with the football in 2022 tossing 10 interceptions. Leary has never thrown more than 5 picks in a single season, and his high football IQ, coupled with an improved Kentucky run game, could make the Wildcats a surprise in the SEC East.
8. Ray Davis, RB, Kentucky
A super senior transfer, Davis broke the 1,000 yard barrier a season ago at Vanderbilt, with 1,042 yards for a vastly improved Commodores team. Davis also caught 29 passes, including 5 in games against bowl teams Tennessee and Wake Forest. A powerful runner with getaway speed on the second level, Davis should carry the load for the Wildcats’ run game, which hopes to recapture the magic of the Big Blue Wall seasons’ past, which backs like Chris Rodriguez and Benny Snell have parlayed into NFL roster spots.
