Josh Allen and Benny Snell in the running for major national awards

Earlier today, both Kentucky linebacker Josh Allen and Kentucky running back Benny Snell were named semifinalists for two very respectable awards.

Allen was named one of the five finalists for the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, which is awarded to the nation’s top defensive player, and he was also named a semifinalist for the Walter Camp Player of the Year award.

Allen has been an absolute monster on defense throughout the season, as he leads the SEC and is ranked third nationally in sacks (11) and leads the SEC and ranks eleventh nationally in tackles for loss (15.5). He also is ranked second nationally in forced fumbles (five).

Allen just needs a half a sack to tie Kentucky’s all-time leader in sacks, Oliver Barnett. He also just needs one more sack to tie Dennis Johnson for the UK single-season sack record of 12 in a single season set back in 2001.

Allen needs 3.5 more sacks to break into the SEC top 10 list for career sacks. He is also a four-time SEC Defensive Player of the Week this season, including two wins he clinched with a sack, fumble, and UK recovery on the final possession.

Snell has been named a semifinalist for the Doak Walker Award which is given to the nation’s top running back. He has rushed for 1,089 yards and 10 touchdowns this season, ranking 2nd in the SEC and 15th nationally with 108.9 yards per game. He also ranks 2nd in the SEC in all-purpose yardage (119.4 yards per game) and 4th in rushing touchdowns (10).

Snell is 2nd in school history in career rushing with 3,513 yards and he holds the UK career mark for rushing touchdowns (42). Snell is also the first player in school history with three 1,000 yard rushing seasons.