In the latest announcements from the world of college football, Devin Leary, the esteemed senior quarterback from Kentucky, has been named among the top 35 quarterbacks on the 2023 Davey O’Brien National Quarterback Preseason Watch List. This information was shared by the Davey O’Brien Foundation on Tuesday.
The selection for this esteemed list was based on career performance and expectations for the forthcoming 2023 college football season. To qualify, each nominee must have initiated at least one game for an NCAA Division I institution.
Hailing from Sicklerville, New Jersey, Leary transitioned to Kentucky in January after an illustrious four-season tenure at NC State. His career stats, including 568 completions out of 944 attempts with 62 touchdowns, place him sixth in NC State’s record books for career passing yards. Moreover, his completion rate of 60.2% lands him in the fourth spot. He concluded his stint at NC State with a commendable 17-9 record as a starter.
The year 2022 saw Leary at the helm of NC State’s success, leading the team to a 5-1 record and clinching a position within the top-15 in the national rankings. This trajectory was interrupted by a season-ending injury. Despite this setback, Leary’s accolades for the year included recognition as the Atlantic Coast Conference Preseason Player of the Year and his nomination as one of the 25 semifinalists for the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award.
Having graduated in December 2022 with a degree in sport management, Leary is currently furthering his education with an undergraduate certificate in business from UK.
The Davey O’Brien National Quarterback Award stands as a testament to the excellence of college quarterbacks and enjoys the distinction of being the oldest and most esteemed award in this category. The award ceremony is set for Monday, Feb. 19, 2024, in Fort Worth, Texas.
For avid followers of college football, the official Davey O’Brien Midseason Watch List release is scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 24. The list will then be refined to the 35-player Davey O’Brien QB Class of 2023 on Tuesday, Oct. 31. Engaging fans further, social media voting will influence the selection process, with voting kicking off on Oct. 31.
The stage is set for an eventful end to the year. Semifinalists will be announced on Tuesday, Nov. 14, with finalists being named on Tuesday, Nov. 28. The crowning event, the declaration of the 2023 Davey O’Brien Award winner, will be broadcasted live on ESPN on Thursday, Dec. 7.
The Wildcats are primed to kick off the 2023 season on Sept. 2 at Kroger Field against Ball State. The first trio of games for the season will see them playing on their home turf, with matchups scheduled against EKU on Sept. 9 and Akron on Sept. 16. The SEC home opener will feature a clash against Florida on Sept. 30.
As the excitement builds for the 2023 season, fans can explore various ticketing options and packages, including mini-packs and group tickets. Season tickets, boasting significant savings, and the ever-popular tailgate packages, are available for purchase.
To top it off, UK Athletics and REVELxp are collaborating once more to elevate the tailgating experience for fans. Students can also avail of tailored ticketing options.
On a concluding note, the Wildcats are riding the momentum of a record seventh consecutive bowl appearance, rounding off the 2022 season with a 7-6 scorecard. The team’s commendable seven-season run, which includes a 35-14 record at Kroger Field, sets the stage for a thrilling 2023 season.
