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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).

Looking ahead to the Holiday Bowl matchup against the University of Southern California, Brohm expressed his team’s excitement. He acknowledged USC’s talent and coaching but remained confident in his players’ ability to compete. Despite not finishing the regular season as desired, Brohm emphasized the importance of getting back to their brand of football.

This is the fourth time in the program’s history that Louisville has received this award, with their previous win coming during the 2019 season. The university will be presented with the award during the Honors Luncheon on January 8, 2024, at the AFCA Convention in Nashville, Tennessee.

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 his first season as head coach of the Cardinals, Brohm has led the team to a 10-3 overall record, the most wins by the program since 2013. Under Brohm’s guidance, the Cardinals secured a spot in the Holiday Bowl, where they will face USC at Petco Park in San Diego, California.

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.

With a total of 11.0 sacks, Gillotte currently ranks eighth nationally in that category. This impressive statistic also places him at ninth on the school’s single-season list. The Boca Raton native has consistently performed at a high level, starting in all 13 games for his team. He has recorded a career-best 45 tackles and 14.5 tackles for loss, contributing significantly to Louisville’s defense, which is nationally ranked at 16th.

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.

Davis, a graduate transfer from San Francisco, had an impressive season, totaling 1,066 yards on the ground with 13 rushing touchdowns. He also contributed 317 receiving yards and seven touchdowns through the air. Davis’s remarkable performance earned him the title of the program’s single-season record holder in touchdowns and scoring, and he currently ranks 13th on the program’s single-season rushing yards list.