QB Devin Leary Leads on AND off the Field

As the number of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals increases within college sports, the creativity level is also expected to increase. Not to worry, though. New Kentucky quarterback (QB) Devin Leary had taken part in a very unique endorsement deal prior to transferring from North Carolina State.

However, that doesn’t mean he and then teammate and linebacker Drake Thomas didn’t create some of the coolest advertisements during their time together playing at North Carolina State.

Leary teamed up with Thomas and Bobbitt Construction in October of 2022. Bobbitt reached out to the athletes, no doubt due to their performances on the field.

Leary goes from watching films to being in them

Together, the two created several videos featured on Bobbitt Construction’s official website. Bobbitt’s Work Hard, Play Hard NIL partnerships feature the two athletes. The ads have the two calling plays, running drills, and generally not providing much help to the company.

They do provide very comedic entertainment, though.

One video features the two calling plays while the other Bobbitt employees look around confused. Another features them explaining terms using football-heavy jargon.

Viewers can see both Leary and Thomas sporting North Carolina State’s signature red that they wore at the time. This is thanks to NIL rules that changed two years ago. Now, players can financially profit off of their position as college athletes. 

“We’ve never shot a video or acted before, so it’s new to us,” Leary said. “But it’s funny to see Drake hop into a skit, like, this dude is our starting linebacker and he’s doing a construction video.”

“I’m open to everything,” Leary also said. “If someone wants to shoot some videos, I’ll give it my best shot.”

A devoted threat

Leary is proving to be a big threat in the 2024 Draft. ESPN selected him as part of their Top 100 College Football Players in 2022. He was ranked at No. 19 at that time. In addition, prior to last season, Leary was selected as the media choice for preseason ACC Player of the Year.

“Coach Dave Doeren described Leary as the best quarterback in the country based on everything he has seen out of his quarterbacks over his NC State career,” The Wolfpacker stated in an August article.

“I’ve never had one that’s as good as he is in that situation, I just haven’t,” Doeren said. “It’s nice to see it. Been around some guys that do it every now and then, but not to the degree that he’s been able to do it.

Leary contributed 6,807 yards, 62 touchdowns, and 16 interceptions over four seasons during his time at North Carolina State.

Now, the next chapter of his career will unfold in Kentucky.

It would be foolish to count Leary out as one of this year’s top prospects. 

Victoria Jonach is an aspiring writer and media analyst fascinated by what kinds of activities players participate in off the football field. Growing up in New Jersey, she is a New York Giants fan and attends Rutgers University, pursuing a career in Journalism and Media Studies. She writes for FirstRoundMock.com covering anticipated draft picks and their acts of volunteerism, entrepreneurship, and other interests that shape these individuals.