Mark Stoops on Devin Leary, o-line and injuries as Kentucky football returns to the field

LEXINGTON — Kentucky football opened spring practice Monday, marking the team's first time on the field since Dec. 31, when it lost to Iowa in the Music City Bowl.

"Got a beautiful day to start practice," said coach Mark Stoops, who is in his 11th year leading the Wildcats. "Our guys have worked really hard for the winter. The rules allow us to do a few more walkthroughs with football, (which) was good for us."

This spring marks the return of Liam Coen as offensive coordinator after a one-year hiatus; he spent last season in the same role with the Los Angeles Rams.

"It was evident today we were further along than you would anticipate with spring practice No. 1," said Stoops, alluding to the number of players on the roster who learned under Coen in 2021. "So a really good start."

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Here are three notable items from Stoops' Monday news conference:

Devin Leary 'looked really good'

After suffering a season-ending pectoral injury last fall at North Carolina State, the status of transfer quarterback Devin Leary was a slight concern. Last week, however, Stoops told ESPN that Leary was "close to full go" for the spring.

Other than being on a pitch count, Leary had no issues Monday.

"He looked really good," Stoops said. "Was able to go through basically an entire practice."

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One aspect of O-line already improved

Last season's offensive line is likely known for allowing the most sacks (47) in the 14-team SEC, ranking 129 out of 131 teams nationally. The line's struggles also contributed to the Wildcats owning the league's most anemic offense, ranking last in the league in points (20.4) and yards (324.7) per game.

While tangible progress won't be known until the season starts this fall, Stoops knows one area where the unit is a step ahead of last season.

"We are deeper," Stoops said. "We're a much more solid 10 right now than we were a year ago. … We'll have some flexibility."

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Fair share of Wildcats recovering from injuries

A half-dozen Kentucky players are on the mend at the outset of the spring.

Stoops said the injured list includes running back Ramon Jefferson, offensive lineman Nik Hall, defensive lineman Kahlil Saunders and a trio of tight ends in Jordan Dingle, Josh Kattus and Brenden Bates.

No timetable was provided for their return, as Stoops said all would be "out until further notice."

More on Jefferson:New York state of mind gives UK football RB confidence to compete in SEC

What's next?

Kentucky has 14 between now and April 11. Because of the installation of a new surface at Kroger Field, there will not be a spring game this year. The April 1 practice, however, will be open to the public.

Reach Kentucky men’s basketball and football reporter Ryan Black at rblack@gannett.com and follow him on Twitter at @RyanABlack.

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Kentucky football spring practice: Mark Stoops on Devin Leary and more