Kentucky Football

Despite the potential challenges, UK’s offensive coordinator, Liam Coen, acknowledges that Clemson poses a significant threat. Coen describes Clemson as being built like an SEC program, with strong depth upfront and a talented front seven. He emphasizes that Clemson plays a lot of man coverage and applies pressure with a five-man rush, requiring Kentucky’s offense to be on top of their game.

In addition to the All-America honors, several Wildcats were named to the Phil Steele All-SEC team. Running back Ray Davis, defensive lineman Deone Walker, kick returner Barion Brown, and offensive linemen Marques Cox and Eli Cox were all recognized for their outstanding performances this season. Linebacker D’Eryk Jackson also received recognition from Pro Football Focus as a member of the All-SEC first team.

“It’s kind of ironic to see them again,” Leary said about facing Clemson. “They’re a great team. We know it’s going to be a good challenge. It’s up to us to prepare during this time and make sure that we’re ready to take them on.”

The Wildcats will kick off their season with four consecutive home games at Kroger Field. They will face SEC opponents South Carolina and Georgia during this stretch. The schedule also features home games against Southern Miss, Ohio, Vanderbilt, Auburn, Murray State, and in-state rival Louisville.

The University of Kentucky’s commitment to academic success is evident in the fact that this year’s graduating class brings the total number of athletes who have received their degrees to 168. This makes 2023 the most successful calendar year for graduates in the history of UK Athletics.

Throughout the regular season, Brown led the Southeastern Conference and ranked second in the nation with an average of 31.7 yards per kickoff return. He also stood out as the only player in the SEC, and one of only five players in the country, to have recorded two kickoff return touchdowns in 2023. These impressive statistics allowed him to tie the Kentucky records for most kickoff return touchdowns in a season (two) and career (three).

Standing at 5-10 and weighing 216 pounds, Davis, a graduate transfer from San Francisco, had an impressive season. He accumulated 1,066 yards on 186 carries, scoring 13 touchdowns rushing. Additionally, he had 317 yards on 29 catches with a remarkable seven touchdowns receiving. Davis concluded the regular season as the program’s record holder for single-season touchdowns (20) and scoring (120 points), and he leads the SEC in both categories. Furthermore, he currently ranks 13th on the program’s list for single-season rushing yards with 1,066.

In addition to his All-American selection, Brown also received a third-team All-America honor from College Football Network. He was further recognized as a second-team All-SEC choice by the league’s coaches and The Associated Press. These accolades speak to his impact both within the conference and nationally.

Brown, a sophomore from Nashville, led the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and ranked second in the nation with an impressive 31.7 yards per kickoff return. He was the only player in the SEC, and one of five in the nation, to score two kickoff return touchdowns in the 2023 season. Brown’s remarkable achievements tied Kentucky records for most kickoff return touchdowns in both a season and a career.

Barion Brown, a talented sophomore from Nashville, had a standout season. He ranked first in the SEC and second in the nation in kickoff return yards, averaging 31.7 yards per return. He was also one of just five players in the country to score two kickoff return touchdowns this season. Brown showcased his versatility by leading the team in pass receptions with 40 and contributing 439 receiving yards and three touchdowns. He also had three punt returns for 51 yards and 10 rushing attempts for 121 yards.