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Kentucky football: 3 key players to watch against Ball State

By John Strong

Kentucky senior outside linebacker and Louisville native JJ Weaver was a team captain in the 2022 season. He's had 120 career tackles and played in 11 games with eight starts last year. Weaver played at Moore Traditional High School. Aug. 4, 2023
Kentucky senior outside linebacker and Louisville native JJ Weaver was a team captain in the 2022 season. He's had 120 career tackles and played in 11 games with eight starts last year. Weaver played at Moore Traditional High School. Aug. 4, 2023 /
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Kentucky football is coming back on Saturday, and we are ready for it. Here are three key players you should keep an eye on as Kentucky prepares to take on Ball State to start the 2023–24 season.

1. Devin Leary

Leary transferred to Kentucky football during the off-season from NC State. Leary had thrown for 6,807 yards with 62 touchdowns and only 16 interceptions during his time in Raleigh. Leary’s 2022–23 season ended early with a torn pectoral muscle. Everyone will be keeping an eye on Leary, as all of us want him to have a great start in Kentucky blue, especially against a Ball State team that went 5-7 last season.

Devin Leary, South Carolina football, Kentucky football QB
(Photo by Eakin Howard/Getty Images) /

2. Jeremy Flax

Flax has played in 23 of 26 games in the last two seasons for the Cats. Flax won the right tackle position over USC transfer Courtland Ford. Flax will be a player to watch because he could have a massive impact on Kentucky’s ability to run the ball and block for Leary during the 2023–24 season.

(Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images)
(Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images) /

3. J.J. Weaver

Weaver has been in the weight room this off-season to add some weight, so he is hoping to improve his sack total from last season. It would be a massive help for the linebacking core, which lost multiple players to the NFL. Most notably being DeAndre Square and Jacquez Jones. Weaver had 47 tackles, six tackles for loss, three sacks, and two forced fumbles last season. If all goes well again, he could be one of the best defensive players in the SEC.

Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-USA TODAY Sports /

It will be a long season for Kentucky football, and every fan should be excited about it. The Wildcats kick off the new season on Saturday at Noon against the Ball State Cardinals.

To read more on their upcoming game, click here!

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