Quarterback University? Devin Leary wants to add to NC State’s QB legacy this season

The first time he stepped inside the Murphy Center, Devin Leary was reminded of N.C. State’s history at the quarterback position.

On the walls are pictures of Philip Rivers, Russell Wilson, Mike Glennon, Jacoby Brissett and Ryan Finley. Right away Leary, now a junior, realized where he wanted to be when his college career ended.

“I know I still have a long way to go,” Leary said. “But just to be in those shoes, to be able to put on the same jersey as those guys, it’s an honor.”

Not too long ago the Wolfpack faithful bragged that N.C. State was QBU. Before Rivers retired in 2020, all five of those quarterbacks were on NFL rosters. At one point, four of them were starting.

Leary is coming off a 2021 campaign in which he passed for 3,433 yards and 35 touchdowns. This season, he’ll have a chance to add to the Wolfpack’s quarterback legacy.

“I would think with Devin there is kind of a motivation factor to want to be that next one,” Glennon told The News & Observer. “There are high expectations, but he’s earned that right to be the next in line and I think he has the ability to do so.”

Leary is seventh in N.C. State career passing yards (5,542) and sixth in career touchdowns (51). Last year, in his first season as a starter, his 35 touchdowns passed Rivers for the school’s single-season record.

“The younger guys knew he was going to be the top guy when it was time,” N.C. State wide receiver Devin Carter said. “We knew what (he) was going to be chasing when we got older.”

‘The next level’

Leary enters the season as the ACC preseason player of the year.

With N.C. State ranked No. 13 in the Associated Press preseason poll, and picked to finish second in the ACC Atlantic Division, the school started an unofficial Heisman Campaign, ‘DLeary Delivers’, during the offseason.

Even with 10 starters back on defense, Leary will be a key in determining how much success the Pack has this season.

“The fan base expects a great quarterback,” Leary said. “When you commit to a school like this you have to understand those types of shoes you have to fill.”

Leary’s arm talent — and growth, improving his touch — and the way he conducts himself in N.C. State’s quarterback room has already impressed Glennon, who has sat in on Wolfpack meetings from time to time over the last few years.

“He’s asking questions that a guy at the stage of his career should be asking,” Glennon said. “That’s what impressed me. I’ve been impressed with his communication with (offensive coordinator) Tim Beck and the questions that he’s asked will take his knowledge and game to the next level in this offense.”

Coming off a season in which he led the Pack to nine wins — including a win over Clemson, which is something Finley and Wilson never accomplished in a combined six attempts as starters — Leary hopes to achieve more milestones this season as he looks to earn his way onto the wall at the Murphy Center that includes Rivers, Wilson, Glennon, Brissett and Finley.

“I want to be up there with those guys,” Leary said. “I want to be classified in that category of QBU.”