Preseason All-SEC Team is another reason why expectations should be higher for Kentucky Football

It seems like the list of reasons for Kentucky to feel good about this football season grows every day.

Today, it was announced that five Wildcats made the preseason All-SEC Team, voted on by the coaches: Josh Allen, Mike Edwards, Benny Snell, Lynn Bowden and C.J. Conrad. Allen, Edwards and Snell made First Team, while Bowden and Conrad made Third Team.

These are five of the Wildcats’ biggest expected stars this year, and some of the team’s most productive players from last year. Snell was the team’s leading rusher last year, as he put up 1,333 yards.

Bowden was the team’s sixth-leading receiver and top kick returner. Conrad led the team in receiving touchdowns with four. Edwards and Allen were both top five on the team in tackles (Edwards was No. 1, Allen was No. 1 in sacks).

The upperclassmen on the list are also highly-touted draft picks. Allen is even expected to wind up a first-round draft pick after he finishes his senior season.

These five, all five of which are also on national preseason award watch lists, are expected to be the leaders of their respective units, and they’re expected to lead this team to a third straight bowl appearance under Mark Stoops.

The fact that they’re getting this much preseason attention helps boost hopes among fans that the Wildcats may finally break through and get their first bowl win in about a decade. It’s been awhile since Kentucky beat East Carolina in the Liberty Bowl in 2009.