The hype is building around the 2023 football season in Lexington. Last week Athlon Sports released its annual Preseason All-America Teams, to which SEVEN Kentucky are listed.
Barion Brown (WR / KR / PR)
- All-America 4th Team (Kick Returner)
- All-SEC 2nd Team Specialists (KR/PR)
- All-SEC 3rd Team Offense (WR)
During his inaugural campaign with the Wildcats, Brown showcased his undeniable skill, emerging as a standout player. He caught 50 passes, a remarkable feat that propelled him to the top of the team’s statistical charts with an impressive 628 receiving yards. He averaged an impressive 12.6 yards per reception with four touchdowns. He secured the freshman record for the most receiving yards in a single season (628) and the most pass receptions in a season (50). Nationally, he soared to an impressive rank of fourth in kick-return average (27.5), placing him second in the SEC. Additionally, he secured the 24th rank in the nation and a commendable third spot in the SEC for combined kick-return yardage (440). A monster 2023 Sophomore Season is expected.
Re’Mahn Davis (RB)
- All-SEC 2nd Team Offense
Davis a senior running back and one of UK’s top transfers this off-season spent two seasons at Temple and two at Vanderbilt. During that time he accumulated an bragworthy total of 2,497 rushing yards and 2,936 all-purpose yards. At the end of the 2022 season, he was 30th on the NCAA’s active career rushing yards list while representing Vanderbilt. Demonstrating his prowess in 12 games, Davis rushed the ball 232 times, resulting in 1,042 yards and five touchdowns. This exceptional performance solidified his position among the top Commodore players in history, joining the ranks of only 10 individuals to achieve a remarkable 1,000 rushing yards in a single season.
Deone Walker (DL)
- All-SEC 2nd Team Defense
Walker had a phenomenal freshman campaign in 2022, amassing 40 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, five quarterback hurries, two pass breakups, and a forced fumble over the course of 13 games. His outstanding performance did not go unnoticed, as he received unanimous first-team Freshman All-America honors from esteemed organizations such as the Football Writers Association of America, On3sports, 247sports, The Athletic, Pro Football Focus, and College Football News. In addition, Walker’s remarkable abilities earned him a well-deserved spot on the Coaches All-SEC Freshman Team and a second-team All-SEC distinction, as recognized by the Associated Press, Phil Steele, and Pro Football Focus.
J.J. Weaver (LB)
- All-SEC 2nd Team Defense
Weaver, recognized as a team captain and Lott Trophy contender in the previous season, amassed 47 tackles (ranking seventh on the team), six tackles for loss (the second-highest on the team), an impressive team-leading three sacks, three quarterback hurries, an equal team-high of three fumble recoveries, two forced fumbles, and a blocked kick throughout the course of 2022.
Kenneth Horsey (OL)
- All-SEC 3rd Team Offense
Having participated in 37 games throughout his career, he maintains an impressive streak of 33 consecutive starts. Transitioning back to his original role as the left guard for the 2023 season, he returns to his natural position after fulfilling the role of left tackle in the previous year.
Dane Key (WR)
- All-SEC 4th Team Offense
As a freshman, the Kentucky legacy and Lexington native set records. He achieved a remarkable feat by breaking the UK single-season freshman record with six touchdown receptions. Additionally, he received recognition for his outstanding performance as he was named honorable-mention Freshman All-America by College Football News and On3sports.
Trevin Wallace (LB)
- All-SEC 4th Team Defense
Big year ahead for Trevin – who’s best known for his blocked field goal returned touchdown against Florida in 2021. Last season, he recorded a total of 54 tackles (the fifth-highest on the team), 5.5 tackles for loss (the third-most on the team), 2.5 sacks, two interceptions (tying for the team-high), and caused a quarterback hurry.
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