Kentucky coach Mark Stoops confirmed after today’s practice that sophomore quarterback Drew Barker underwent successful surgery on his injured back on Tuesday and everything went “went smooth,” according to the Lexington Herald-Ledger.

“I was able to see him when he was in the recovery room,” he said. “It was great. He was actually in a lot better shape than I thought he would that soon. He actually told me his leg felt better as he sat there.

“So that was good news. The doctor had good news. So, seems like it went smooth. We’ll see.”

Barker had been battling back issues throughout the early parts of September and it only got worse. After taking a hit against Week 3 — his third and final start of the year — against New Mexico State, the discomfort forced him to check out for the rest of the season.

The Burlington, KY native and former four-star prospect finished his second year in Lexington with 18-of-36 passing completions for 334 yards, four touchdowns and five interceptions.