JJ Weaver, Kentucky LB, praises arrival of Devin Leary: ‘He came in as a powerful leader’

JJ Weaver is looking to post another strong season as a member of Kentucky’s defense. As for the offense, Weaver believes the unit is in the hands of a capable leader for the 2023 season.

During his appearance at SEC Media Days, Weaver praised newcomer Devin Leary for making an immediate impact in the locker room. Weaver said the former NC State quarterback came in as a powerful leader for the Wildcats.

While Leary has been a vocal presence, Weaver also believes Leary’s game will speak for itself. The QB has been “unbelievable” in practices and Weaver also noted Leary being faster than he expected.

Here’s what Weaver had to say about the QB:

With him, he came in as a powerful leader. We just lost our quarterback, Will Levis, so that spot was already opened up. In the spring, Devin really opened up a lot. I really didn’t expect him to be a talker like he is, but he’s a talker. Like, he going to tell you what he like, what he don’t like.

Then his game going to speak for itself, literally. The balls he makes in practice is unbelievable. The small, tight windows, he throw in there. How big I am, he can throw it over my head. He’s fast. I never knew he was that fast either. He’s an athletic dude.

Devin Leary’s outlook

Though limited to 6 games by injury a season ago, Leary finished with 1,265 yards passing and 14 total touchdowns. Despite missing half of the season, he was still widely regarded as one of the top QBs available in the transfer portal this offseason.

Leary’s best performance came in 2021 when he eclipsed 3,400 yards with 35 passing touchdowns while completing 65.7% of his passes. If Leary can come close to those numbers, Kentucky has a chance to put together a special season this fall.

Paul Harvey

Paul Harvey lives in Atlanta and covers SEC football.