Mark Stoops shared his initial thoughts on new Kentucky quarterback Devin Leary while at SEC Media Days on Wednesday.

Leary transferred to Kentucky earlier this offseason after 4 successful years at NC State. However, Leary missed most of his final season in Raleigh due to an injury.

Stoops said he’s eager to get back on the field after having his 2022 campaign get cut short.

“I saw a guy in the spring a guy that competes, competes at a high level. I love the way he goes to work, he has a lot of confidence,” Stoops said of his new quarterback. “He has a chip on his shoulder, which I like, obviously for him his season cut short 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, tough kid, Jersey kid, the way he grew up, he fits right in with our culture.”

Stoops has also been impressed with Leary’s accuracy so far in his workouts this offseason.

“And he’s been extremely accurate,” Stoops added. “He’s one of those guy that maybe a year ago Will would completely wow you with his strength and arm ability, Devin is the kind of guy that can make all the throws but also throw it and layer it in some spots that will wow you.”

Leary’s accuracy was his calling card at NC State. During his best season in 2021, he completed 65.7% of his passes for 3,433 yards, 35 touchdowns and just 5 interceptions. He also averaged 8 yards per attempt that season.

Kentucky is hopeful that Leary can uphold — or possibly improve upon — the standard set by Will Levis over the past 2 seasons. Levis’ quarterback efficiency rating of 151.9 last season is just shy of the 157 mark that Leary produced in 2021.

Kentucky opens the 2023 season with Ball State in Week 1.