In a big announcement on Tuesday, it was revealed that four Kentucky Wildcats players have been named to the All-Southeastern Conference Second Team by the league’s coaches. The players receiving this honor are Barion Brown, Eli Cox, Ray Davis, and Maxwell Hairston.
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.
Eli Cox, the senior center from Nicholasville, Kentucky, played a crucial role in anchoring an offensive line that was recognized on the midseason honor roll for the Joe Moore Award, given to the top offensive line in the nation. Cox’s blocking skills helped Ray Davis have a successful season, as Davis is currently the second-ranked rusher among SEC running backs, leading the conference in touchdowns and scoring. Cox was named SEC Offensive Lineman of the Week for his performance against Eastern Kentucky.
Ray Davis, a graduate transfer from San Francisco, had an outstanding season for the Wildcats. He rushed for 1,066 yards on 186 carries, scoring 13 touchdowns on the ground. Davis also proved to be a receiving threat, recording 317 yards and seven touchdowns on 29 catches. He set multiple records, including the program’s single-season records for touchdowns and scoring, and became the first player in SEC history to have 1,000-yard seasons at two different league schools. Davis currently ranks 13th on the program’s single-season rushing yards list.
Maxwell Hairston, a sophomore defensive back from Detroit, had an impressive season on defense. He recorded five interceptions, ranking fifth in the nation. Four of those interceptions came in SEC play, solidifying his impact in conference games. Hairston’s five interceptions tie for the fifth-most in a single season in program history. He also had 131 interception return yards, the most since 1981. Hairston had a memorable game against Vanderbilt, where he intercepted two passes for touchdowns, tying a SEC single-game record.
The Wildcats will be heading to the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl to face the No. 22-ranked Clemson Tigers on Friday, December 29. This will be Kentucky’s eighth consecutive bowl appearance, extending their school-record streak. Kentucky is one of only eight teams in the nation and three teams in the SEC to have accomplished this feat.
Fans can purchase tickets online at UKFootballTix.com or by calling (800) 928-2287. Kentucky encourages fans to buy tickets directly from UK Athletics to guarantee seats with other Wildcat supporters and help the university meet its bowl ticket obligations.
For more information and updates on the UK football team, visit ukathletics.com/football and follow the team on social media.
